“Absolutely. Our source is reliable. The man who attacked you was paid by another to do it.”
“Is Aunty Louisa even ill?”
“I’m not sure, and that was not well done of me either, but I had to get you out of London, and this was the easiest way to achieve that. Michael, Nathan, and Zach are continuing to search for the man.”
“You should have told me,” Abby said. “I should have known. You have to promise to stop lying to me.”
“As you have lied to me about leaving the house at night!”
“Don’t yell at me, Gabe.”
“Do you know how I feel that you took such risks? That when I was out with your brothers—”
“Carousing.”
“We do not carouse,” he gritted out.
“I believe I have explained to you that I overhear conversations, some said loudly enough to ensure I do. I know what you and my other brothers get up to.”
“Believe me when I tell you that much of it is greatly exaggerated, but that is not the concern here.”
“I am safe and well here before you.”
“How am I to trust you again, Abby, if this is what you’ve been doing behind my back?”
“Exactly the same way I am to trust you. I didn’t have to tell you, Gabe. Perhaps if you do not make my life so restrictive, then I will not feel compelled to do what I did. I’m not even allowed to ride my horse without two brothers and a footman accompanying me.”
“What is he to you?”
“Who?” But she knew who her brother meant.
“You know who. What is Daniel Dillinger to you?”
“I don’t know, but I do know I’ve never felt this way about another man before. Perhaps that’s because when we met, he was not on his guard. He is not terribly fond of noblemen.”
“I have come to that realization myself.”
Gabe returned to where she sat. Abby placed her hand in the one he held out.
“Promise me you will not take such risks again, sister.”
“If you promise to retire Mrs. Secomb and keep Dimity on. Plus, allow me more freedom.”
“Must we have that woman in our household?”
“I won’t negotiate on this matter, Gabe.”
“Very well, I will try. Is that good enough?”
“For now, and I will do the same.”
Abby hugged her brother then and felt that perhaps things between them would now be a great deal better. Daniel, however, was another matter entirely.
Chapter 28
His horse was well and suffering no ill effects from the dash through the rain. Letting himself out of Syd’s stall, he headed to the empty one next door where the straw was stored. He would ensure his horse had a clean bed and then find his own. Daniel stifled a yawn. He was still tired, exhausted actually, and likely in need of more sleep to fully regain his strength.
Had Abby and her brother talked? Had they forgiven each other? He thought it likely that the truce he and Lord Raine had momentarily observed was now over after the way Daniel had spoken to him. Not that he cared; once he left here, he vowed to avoid the man, as he should his sister.
He didn’t want to avoid Abby, however.
“Hello, horse.”
Those words had come from one of the stalls nearby and were spoken by Abby. Why was she out here at this time of night? He would stay in here, silent, so she did not know he was close. It was for the best. Really it is.
“You’re a fine fellow too.” Damn. She was talking to Syd now.
“Hello, Abby,” Daniel said as she appeared in the doorway.
“Sorry, I did not mean to disturb you.”
“I doubt there is a time when you don’t disturb me.”
She entered the stable.
“I’m not sure that is wise.” He retreated until he felt the wall. “Go back to the inn, Abby.”
She didn’t, instead moving closer, now standing between him and the door.
“I told my brother that I went to the Duck and Goose to watch Eros play, and that is how I met you. He was not pleased.”
“I can imagine.”
“We talked openly for possibly the first time in many years if not ever. Thank you for pushing him to tell me what our father said to him. It is indeed a heavy burden to place on a son.”
“It is.” She still wore the thick shawl around her shoulders, but it was cool out here, she needed to go back inside.
“I’m so sorry, Daniel.” Lowering her hand she closed the distance between them.