On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone

Author:Ava Stone [Stone, Ava]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Shift Publishing

Chapter 9

Richard glanced up at the top of Elston’s coach. With what was left of his and Daniel’s chests, those of the Woodward siblings, the five of them and the dog all in one coach, it was going to be slow moving the rest of the way to Danby. He wasn’t certain he’d be able to breathe easy until they were far, far away from Thirsk, especially after what Daniel had told him about the magistrate’s son. The weight of the pistol in the pocket of his greatcoat only made him the slightest bit more confident. Still, it hadn’t aided him the day before, and now there were more of them to protect.

At that moment, Elston exited the taproom and made his way toward Richard and the carriage in the yard.

“A bit top heavy, isn’t it?” the young baron asked.

“As long as it gets us where we’re going.” Richard agreed with a nod of his head. “Lacy and I will be forever in your debt.”

“Yes, well, he’ll be family soon enough,” Elston grumbled. “So it’s the least I can do.”

Normally, Richard would have taken the opportunity to defend his friend’s honor. After all, Daniel was a decent fellow and heir to a nicely apportioned earldom. Lady Amelia could do much worse, no matter how their betrothal had come about. However, today was hardly a normal day and there were more important matters at hand. He gestured to the driver, already in his box. “I am assuming your man has a pistol or two for protection?”

Elston agreed with a nod. “And I’ve got two inside, under the benches. One on each side, in case we need them.”

Richard breathed a little easier. “I’ve got mine with me too. Hopefully, we’ll have no reason to use them, and once we’re out of these woods, we won’t have anything else to fear.”

“How’s your head?”

“Aches like the devil, but I won’t complain until we each reach Danby Castle in one piece.”

“Jamie!” called one of Elston’s sisters.

Richard glanced over his shoulder and couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

Lady Lily was radiant even with the gloomy Yorkshire sky as a backdrop, or perhaps even more so because of it.

“We are waiting on both of you,” Elston returned. “And Lacy.”

“Yes, yes,” Lady Lily agreed, crossing the coaching yard toward them. “Amelia and Mr. Lacy are gathering some cheese and bread for the journey. They’ll be ready in a thrice.”

“Climb on in,” her brother directed. “I want you and Amelia next to me.”

Lacy had already offered for Lady Amelia. So Elston’s concern must solely be focused on Richard and his intentions toward Lady Lily. If Richard wasn’t bound and determined that Lady Norah Wardrick was the key to ending his family’s curse, Elston would have good reason to worry. After all, there was nothing he would enjoy more than having Lily Woodward in his arms and to kiss her rather thoroughly. However, one only had to look as far as Daniel Lacy to see how dangerous such an action would be.

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