“Of course.” She heard Defiance kick against the wooden boards of his stall and knew that he’d be a handful for poor Amos. Perhaps he wasn’t the best choice of escort, but he was a loyal and diligent retainer, and an adequate horseman.
She turned her attention back to Brutus, who was growing impatient. So was she, and scared that she might fail. There were no rules in Lady Forsythia’s book about saving a rake’s life. Her stomach was churning with the grinding persistence of a butter wheel. A wrong turn, the slightest mistake, or smallest obstruction would bring disaster.
Refusing to allow doubt to overcome her, she continued to speak softly to the skittish horse. “I’m relying on you. All of England is relying on you. Can you manage it?”
The beast’s nostrils flared and he snorted in indignation.
“Good, for you had better run faster than you’ve ever done in your life.” She patted his neck, still speaking softly as she reached for a knife atop a table laden with tools. “I’ll take one of those.” She hoped she wouldn’t have to use the skills Graelem had taught her.
“What are you doing?” a voice asked from behind her.
She whirled, now clutching the weapon firmly in her hand. “You!” The ugly man she’d seen with Gabriel at the Newton lecture and seen again in the park on the day of the shooting incident stood before her.
The blasted assassin wasn’t going to stop her. She’d cut him to ribbons first. But as she started toward him, Billings lumbered into the stable, barely able to catch his breath. “Stop! Miss Daisy! He’s on our side!”
“No, get back! He’s dangerous.”
Billings stepped between her and the man. “Lord Graelem forgot to tell you about Major Brandt. That’s why he sent me after you.” He clutched his chest and took several deep breaths. “Major Brandt has been following you at Lord Gabriel’s urging.”
“Since when?” She hadn’t noticed him other than at the lecture and again at the park.
“I’ve been assigned to you since the Newton lecture,” Major Brandt said, raising his hands to show he held no weapon, obviously still concerned about the one she held tightly in her hand.
“He’s safe. He’s one of us,” Billings assured her, for she had yet to loosen her grip.
“That’s right, Miss Daisy. Or should I call you Lady Dayne? That’s why you noticed me in the park. I was watching over you.”
She eased her stance and lowered the weapon which she still held in a death grip. “You did a dismal job of it.”
“The Duke of Wellington said much the same thing when I reported the incident to him,” the ugly man said, taking a hesitant step forward, his eye on the gleaming blade. “Lord Gabriel warned me that you were a handful. Smart as a whip and curious as a kitten, that’s what he said about you. Now, would you mind telling me where you’re going at this late hour?”
She quickly related what Graelem had told her.
Major Brandt ran a hand through his wispy, black hair. “Goodness! We’d better ride fast.”
“We?”
“She might not look it, but my Emily’s much sturdier than Defiance, and I’m a far better rider than Amos. Let the lad stay here, for he’ll only delay us and every minute is precious. Indeed, we had better leave for Harwich now. I’ll keep up as best as I can. You’re the only one with a prayer of reaching Lord Gabriel before he sails.”
He attempted to take hold of Brutus’ reins, then quickly backed away as Brutus lunged forward to bite him. “We’re on the same side, you devil!”
CHAPTER 20
A lady must never play the wanton for a rake, even in the marriage bed, for a rake desires a traditional wife, a woman of demure and obedient aspect, not a wanton repository of his unbridled lust.
DAISY URGED BRUTUS ALONG the sodden ground, thankful the skies were clear. She had a full moon to illuminate her path and meant to take full advantage.
She pushed Brutus as fast as she dared, remembering to keep to the left of the sea breeze and follow the river into the seaside town of Harwich. Once there, she needed to find the Three Cups Inn.
A cool wind pricked at her cheeks and she felt her ears beginning to numb. Her legs were also stiff and aching. No doubt Major Brandt was feeling equal discomfort as he struggled to keep up. She patted the parchment tucked in the breast pocket of her jacket to make sure it was secure. Graelem had related its contents and she’d memorized it, but Gabriel would want to see it for himself. Major Brandt had more stunning news of his own to deliver besides the collapse of this mission. Napoleon was marching north to Paris faster than anyone thought possible, crushing Marshall Ney’s troops... those who hadn’t promptly deserted to Napoleon’s side. The little general would soon be in full control of France, certain to rally the French citizens for another Continental war.