Abandoned to the Prodigal - Mary Lancaster Page 0,4
building, then settled on a bench outside to watch the world come and go.
She wished she was less churned up, angry, and frightened, so that she could appreciate the novelty. But this was not the kind of traveling she’d had in mind when she entered the princess’s house in Connaught Place yesterday evening. And she had never imagined being alone.
Chapter Two
About a quarter of an hour later, the dog appeared again, wagging his tail in a hopeful manner. Juliet smiled and patted the great, hairy head. “I’m sorry I have nothing for you to eat,” she told him. In fact, her own stomach was rumbling. She hadn’t eaten since tea yesterday.
“He’s taken a shine to you, ma’am,” his master said. “Do you mind if I join you, or shall I take him away? Though without a leash, I suspect he’ll keep coming back.”
“Please,” she said, indicating the space on the bench next to her.
The stranger sprawled on the bench beside her and took off his slightly battered beaver hat. She regarded him with curiosity. He had been kind and helpful, his dog clearly loved him, and he had a rather charming smile, lighthearted and friendly.
The dog laid his head on her lap, and she rubbed behind his ears. “What did you say his name was?”
“Gun,” her new friend replied, and the dog wagged its tail.
“Why did you call him that?”
“Well, I know he seems quiet and placid enough now, but you probably saw how he was with the cat. If he hears a noise he doesn’t like or gets the scent of an enemy, he goes off like a rifle shot. You’ll understand soon enough.” He gave her an apologetic glance. “I’m afraid we’re on the same coach.”
Juliet was not displeased by this news, although she had to warn herself about trusting strangers. After all, if she could be mistaken in her betrothed…
She blinked rapidly.
“I’m Daniel Stewart,” he offered.
She put out her hand. “Juliet—” She broke off, remembering the awful words printed in the newspaper. For the first time in her life, she was afraid to be Lady Juliet Lilbourne. Not only might she be subject to insult, but her family wouldn’t want it known she’d fled London alone on a public coach. “Smith,” she finished lamely.
Mr. Stewart shook her hand. “Miss Smith. Are you going to see family in Kidfield?”
“Near Kidfield,” she replied. “I’m going home. Are you?”
“Sort of. My grandfather claims to be on his deathbed.”
She raised her brows. “Claims? Don’t you believe him?”
“Not really. But maybe it’s time I made my peace with him anyhow. Besides,” he added with a quick grin, “pockets to let and nothing else to do.”
“Did you quarrel with him?” she asked.
“Never done anything else,” he said cheerfully. “We don’t see eye-to-eye on anything, and I behave badly.”
Juliet gave in to innate curiosity. “How?”
He glanced at her. “I don’t believe I should go into details. Suffice it to say, I’m a wastrel.”
“Is that what your grandfather says?”
“Very colorfully, too. Though in all honesty, I have to admit he’s right.”
“So, you’re going home to mend your ways?”
A smile flickered across his face. “Well, let’s not run too far ahead. I’ll do my duty and eat well for a few days until we quarrel again.”
“You are alarmingly honest,” she observed.
“Do I alarm you?” he asked in apparent surprise.
“Well, no, but I think people aren’t terribly frank, as a rule.” Her smile felt twisted. “Perhaps I am not used to meeting honest people.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.” He seemed to hesitate. “You probably shouldn’t do anything too hasty.”
“Do you mean travel alone on the stagecoach?” she asked bluntly.
“None of my business,” Mr. Stewart said. “But I’m happy to help if I can. I’ll even escort you home if we go quickly.”
“My home is near Kidfield,” she said with determination.
“Will someone meet you there?” he asked.
“When I send for them,” she said stiffly. “Or I shall hire a post chaise.”
Mr. Stewart shrugged, as though he had tried all he was going to. The dog sat on his feet.
“Is he going with you?” she asked.
“Gun? Yes, he’d only chase after the coach until his heart gave out.” He pulled Gun’s ears.
“Have you had him since he was a pup?”
“Yes, but I didn’t know it. He was so big that I assumed he was fully grown. He wasn’t.”
Juliet laughed. “What breed is he?”
“Who knows? I found him wandering the streets and shared my supper with him. After that, he wouldn’t go away.”