Hugo’s eyes widened at the mere thought of the formidable housekeeper in tears. “Astonishing.”
“And to make matters worse, Talia has very firmly informed me that she intends to devote the rest of the day to visiting the tenants.”
Hugo shifted so he could glance toward the side of the house where the parkland gave way to a pretty pond. Beyond that the rolling fields were dotted with thatch-roofed cottages.
“Perhaps it is for the best,” he murmured, returning his attention to his companion. He easily recalled the tenants’ frantic searches for Talia when he and Gabriel had arrived at Carrick Park and their desperation for Gabriel to rescue her from the clutches of the evil French spy. “If she does not make an appearance, they will surely storm the house to reassure themselves that you have returned her as promised.”
Gabriel dismissed this logic with an impatient wave of his hand.
“She is still weary from her journey. She should be resting, not gadding about the countryside.”
Hugo chuckled, not fooled for a moment. “Hmm.”
“What?”
“I wonder if you are annoyed because she is not being allowed to rest or because you are being forced to share her attentions with others.”
With an imperious lift of his brow, Gabriel tilted his chin to glare down the length of his nose.
“I am the Earl of Ashcombe. I do not need to beg for the attentions of my wife.”
“If that were true, then the Earl of Ashcombe would not be spending his morning pacing the breakfast room in a mood so foul that the Lord of Rothwell is considering the pleasure of tossing him off the balcony.”
Gabriel heaved a harsh sigh. “I suppose you are right.”
“Naturally,” Hugo said smugly. “I am always right.”
“Be careful, Rothwell,” his friend growled. “My mood is still foul.”
Hugo smiled, resisting the urge to continue with his teasing.
“When do you intend to return to London?”
“It must be soon.” Gabriel paced the length of the balcony, seemingly indifferent to the spill of morning sunlight or the rose-scented breeze that ruffled his golden hair. “The king and his council must know of the traitors as soon as possible.”
Hugo fully agreed. Every moment that passed was another moment that offered the traitors an opportunity to put British troops at risk.
“Why do you hesitate?”
Gabriel grimaced. “Talia will not be pleased when I tell her she must remain at Carrick Park.”
“Why would she not be pleased? She seems to prefer the countryside to the city.”
“Yes, but when I mentioned traveling to London without her, I was informed that she would not be hidden away like an embarrassing secret.”
“What the devil does that mean?”#p#分页标题#e#
“I haven’t the least notion,” Gabriel muttered, “but I sense she will insist on accompanying me.”
Hugo watched his companion pace from one end of the balcony to the other, a frown marring his brow.
“Then why not allow her to go with you?” he asked. “It seems a simple enough solution.”
Gabriel turned to glare at Hugo. “Impossible.”
Hugo paused, baffled by the frustration he could sense simmering just below his friend’s fragile composure.
They had managed to rescue Talia, outwit a French spy and discovered a means to prevent Harry from being exposed as a traitor.
Surely the man should be celebrating, not looking as if he desired to smash his fist into the nearest object?
“Why is it impossible? You surely do not believe she is in danger?”
“I did not believe her in danger when I sent her to Carrick Park, but she managed to tumble into disaster.”
Good God, did the man intend to flog himself forever? Anyone would think he’d deliberately sent his wife into a trap.
“You could not possibly have predicted that there was a French spy lurking in the neighborhood.”
“She is my responsibility.” Gabriel stubbornly refused to admit it had been an unfortunate coincidence.
“Fine.” Hugo held up his hands in defeat. “But, if you truly fear for her safety, then I would think that would be even more reason to keep her close at hand so that you can protect her.”
An indefinable emotion darkened the silver eyes as Gabriel stepped forward, his hands clenched at his sides.
“Pray, allow me to decide what is best for my own wife, Rothwell.”
“Not when you are being a damned fool,” Hugo growled in return. He had no desire to poke his nose in the private affairs of his friend, but neither did he intend to stand aside and watch Gabriel make a hash of his marriage. “Do you not recall the last occasion that you decided what was best for your wife?”