the carriage behind Mrs. Addison, and then her husband followed him in.
Once in the carriage, he realised that Mrs. Addison also had a similar weapon and that both husband and wife were watching for any attack on the carriage as they made the short journey to Lady Verity’s home. The snow was only a few inches deep and did not cause the horses any difficulty, travelling over it. The sun was shining down and there were no more clouds in the sky, so Rupert hoped most of the snow would melt so they could retrieve the treasure on the following day.
When the carriage pulled up beside Verity’s house entrance, Major Addison got down, gesturing for his wife and Rupert to stay in the carriage. Evans and Cooper both got down and examined the grounds, while Rupert waited. Satisfied, they warily returned and the Major knocked on the door, which was immediately opened by the housekeeper.
“Lord Rogers, Major Addison, and Mrs. Addison to see her ladyship,” he announced. He reopened the door to the carriage and his wife jumped down still carrying her rifle, then Rupert descended and they were quickly ushered inside. They were promptly shown to the sitting room where Lady Verity and Mary Herriot were sitting embroidering in front of a blazing fire.
The sight of her sitting so prettily immediately set his heart to race and he grinned wondering if she would always affect him so. He enjoyed, even more, the delight that lit up her blue eyes and the rosy flush on her cheeks before she lowered her lashes.
They stood as the three entered and Rupert bowed over the ladies’ hands.
“Lady Verity, may I introduce Major William Addison, who has come to see to my security and his lovely wife Lucia?”
“Honoured to meet you both,” Verity said, curtseying and with a warm smile.
“Major Addison, may I introduce Miss Herriot to you and your wife,” Rupert continued correctly.
Introductions over, Verity invited them all to sit and requested tea be brought.
“Lady Verity, Major Addison had a suggestion for your safety until Maurice is arrested. He thought that you might welcome Mrs. Addison as a female bodyguard for the duration. Would that be acceptable to you?” Rupert asked, watching every nuance of her expression. “I admit I would prefer you were both under my roof, until he is apprehended, but I think that would shock the old tabbies who love to gossip. although I’ve written to the vicar to ask for our banns to be read, I suppose it is better to stay apart for propriety’s sake.”
“There is a guest bedroom and Mrs. Addison would be very welcome to stay, if you think it is necessary.”
“I do think it is a sensible precaution, Lady Verity. I also intend to leave one of my former soldiers here. I understand you do not keep horses yourself, but there is a room for a groom if you wish to do so?” Major Addison asked.
“Yes, the stables are functional, and the groom’s quarters are water-tight even if not very luxurious.”
“Then, my man Evans will return tonight with his horse and that of my wife, so that a message can be sent quickly if necessary. If there is no hay or straw, then that can be arranged,” the major said, satisfied that there had been no objections to his plans.
Rupert asked Verity for a private moment. He hid his smirk when she blushed but then seemingly couldn’t stop smiling. They excused themselves and went to a smaller parlour a few doors down. Once the door closed, she whirled toward him and they rushed to each other.
Verity’s laughed puffed against his mouth. “I missed you,” she breathed.
He kissed her fleetingly, a delicate brush of his lips against hers. “And I missed you. I dreamed of you last night. I do believe I am now eighty percent in love.”
She laughed, hugged him, only to release him like she had been burned. A worried look entered her eyes. “How is your arm? Has Farrant checked that it is not infected?”
“It is fine. It does not even hurt anymore, I promise.”
The smile disappeared from her eyes and she looked away from him. The icy doubt which had fled earlier rushed upon him.
“Rupert…I could not sleep last night because of the fear which rested heavily on my heart.”
“I’ll not accept it,” he said, his heart beating harshly.
She took a shuddering breath and finally met his gaze. “Accept what?”
“The reason you plan to give…for not marrying me.”
She flinched and her eyes