His voice harsh, Phillip demanded, “Do we have your oath?”
Somewhat dazedly, Kirkwood gave it. Almost fearfully, his gaze shifted to Nicholas. Kirkwood swallowed, then asked, “What of the Cynsters?”
“As to that”—Nicholas looked from Kirkwood to Wisthorpe—“by my reckoning, you both owe my family a debt. You, Wisthorpe, were the one who sought to take possession of a valuable Thoroughbred that wasn’t yours.” Nicholas shifted his gaze to Kirkwood. “And you, Kirkwood, were the one who solicited and facilitated the theft. In my eyes, you are both equally guilty.”
Devenish was nodding. “Indeed. And, I believe, we’ll all feel more comfortable if the social restrictions the Sommervilles have imposed on Kirkwood also apply to you, Wisthorpe. No setting foot on Sommerville land or social interactions of any sort with members of the Sommerville family.” Devenish grinned, all teeth. “And I would suggest it’s appropriate that we extend that prohibition to the Cynster and Devenish clans as well.” Devenish arched a brow at Nicholas. “What do you think?”
Nicholas inclined his head. “An excellent suggestion.”
Addie fought to mute her delighted smile. By ton standards, the Sommervilles were a small family. In contrast, the Cynster and Devenish families were extensive, more like the clans Devenish had labeled them.
All in all, she was feeling much better about Kirkwood’s and Wisthorpe’s punishments.
“In addition,” Nicholas went on, “while I considered the notion of banning you from all race meets and racecourses in England and Ireland—noting that I have the connections to enforce such a ban—it occurs to me that you are both the sort of slightly shady characters who might be of use to both me and my connections at the Jockey Club.”
“Ah.” Devenish’s expression was one of dawning appreciation. “A strikingly apt idea.”
“Consequently,” Nicholas said, “I will make arrangements and inform you both of when you will be expected to present yourselves at the Jockey Club in Newmarket to volunteer your services as agents of the club, to be their eyes and ears in patrolling the meets at some of the smaller courses with a view to learning of any proposed underhanded practices.”
“Yes.” Devenish beamed. “That will be a fitting use for your questionable talents and an appropriate recompense for the attempted theft of a Thoroughbred horse.”
“Furthermore,” Nicholas continued, “your selfless service to the club will last for a period of five years. During that time, you will perform as requested without fail or risk the wrath of the Cynsters and Devenishes.”
Both Kirkwood and Wisthorpe looked thoroughly defeated, and when Nicholas pressed for their word that they would respond immediately to any summons from the Jockey Club, they obliged, albeit in hangdog fashion.
With Nicholas and Devenish looking pleased with themselves, it was left to Addie to remind everyone, “Lastly, I believe, Wisthorpe, that you owe Mr. Devenish a sum of money.”
That resulted in Wisthorpe being forced to own to his parlous financial state, which, indeed, had been the motive for their entire sorry plan. After Wisthorpe had, distinctly shamefacedly, negotiated a repayment schedule with Devenish, there was no more starch, let alone fight, in either of their would-be villains.
Their company—Nicholas, Addie, Phillip, Viola, Dickie, and Devenish—regarded the now-quite-miserable miscreants. Under their censorious scrutiny, the pair hung their heads and shifted uncomfortably.
Finally, Nicholas glanced at Addie. “Is that enough, do you think?”
She studied Kirkwood and Wisthorpe for a moment more, then nodded. “Yes.” With a swish of her skirts, she turned her back on the pair and started walking toward their horses. “We have The Barbarian back, and that’s the most important thing.”
Also, courtesy of the stupid plot and their determination to unravel it, she and Dickie had discovered so much more about Phillip, and the three of them had grown much closer. They’d learned about and got to know Viola, and Addie and Nicholas had had the chance to extend their knowledge of each other and explore the possibilities of a joint future.
Overall, Kirkwood and Wisthorpe’s scheme had given rise to many beneficial if unintended outcomes.
The others joined Addie, all turning their backs on and walking away from the pair of disgraceful and now-disgraced gentlemen.
As she neared the horses, Addie said, “After all that, I believe we deserve to celebrate with a good meal and a comfortable bed in the very best hotel in Harrogate.” She glanced at Nicholas, pacing beside her. “That’s not far away, is it?”
“Only a few miles.” Nicholas met her gaze and smiled. “And I second that motion.”
With everyone in wholehearted agreement, they mounted up or climbed into the curricle, and once more in convoy, although this time traveling much closer together, they set out for Harrogate in search of their well-deserved reward.
CHAPTER16
The company took rooms at Hale’s Hotel in Harrogate. Located across the road from the famous Royal Pump Room and with the upper-floor rooms overlooking the town gardens, Hale’s was the premier place to stay in the fashionable spa town.
Although, it being the height of summer, it was the spa season, there were not over-many visitors crowding into the town, and despite arriving at a relatively late hour, they managed to secure rooms for their entire party.
It was close to nine o’clock when six of their company gathered in the private parlor that Nicholas and Phillip had organized to partake of their celebratory meal. The grooms, stablemen, and Sally had assured Nicholas that they were more comfortable eating in the inn’s main bar, and he’d organized for an extra-special meal to be served to them there.
That left him flanked by Adriana and Devenish, with Dickie beyond Adriana and Phillip and Viola opposite, seated at the circular table in the parlor.
After the long and eventful day, they were famished, and the delicious meal provided by the inn was very welcome and thoroughly appreciated.
