I didn’t, although these stairs took more out of me than I realized. Give me a moment to catch my breath. What have you made for breakfast this morning?”
“Nothing fancy. Eggs and biscuits. I also picked some strawberries from the garden.”
“You have a garden here?”
She nodded. “Throck tends it for me. It isn’t very big, but we’ll have a nice harvest this year. Lots of fruit and greens. I’ll show you around if you’re feeling up to it after breakfast. It’s a lovely day and I think the sunshine will do you good. You’ll be safe enough. My uncle’s gone to Bath for a week and won’t be back before–”
He glowered at her. “He’s gone? Why did you not tell me this sooner?”
“I didn’t think it was important. You were in no condition to chase after him. Look at you. You’re still too weak to make it up and down the stairs on your own.”
“I’m fine.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “You’re stubborn, is what you are. He left yesterday. You’ll never catch up to him now.”
“I have no intention of riding after him. But this gives me the opportunity to search his home.”
“His men are still guarding it.”
“How many? It can’t be a full contingent since he must have taken some of them with him to Bath.”
“Perhaps. I don’t know. Sit down and we’ll discuss this over breakfast. If you’re going to get yourself shot, you may as well have a good meal before dying.” She turned her back on him and strode into the dining room. Throck was standing by his usual chair, waiting for her to take her seat before he took his. “Perhaps you can talk sense into him, Throck. He plans to search Uncle Randall’s home. Tell him how idiotic a plan it is.”
Throck shrugged and took his seat once she’d plunked herself down in hers. “It is a good plan,” he said, spooning four eggs onto his plate and then grabbing an equal number of biscuits. “His guards won’t be paying attention now that he’s gone.”
Gideon laughed. “See, Genalynn. Throck agrees with me. He’s a very wise man. Thank you,” he said to the quiet giant. “I plan on going tonight.”
Throck was concentrating on his food, but managed a nod. “I’ll go with you.”
Gideon was no longer smiling. “No. I work alone. Besides, you’re too big. How can I hide you if they sense an intruder?”
Throck stuffed an entire biscuit into his mouth and nodded again, taking another moment to swallow. “Your problem. You’ll figure it out. I’m going with you.”
“And what of Lady Genalynn? You can’t leave her unprotected.”
That gave the man a moment’s pause. Gideon thought he’d won the argument until Genalynn cast him a bright smile and said, “The solution is obvious. I’m going with you, too.”
Hen’s teeth.
“Absolutely not. This isn’t a damn picnic. I will not put you in harm’s way.” He would have pounded on the table to emphasize his point, but the impact would have sent a jolt of pain up his side. He refused to admit he was not in the pink of health. Instead, he frowned at her to emphasize his point.
She cast him a dismissive smile. “I am in greater danger left alone here.”
“Neither of you will be in danger if you both stay home and allow me to do my work alone and uninterrupted.”
“You need us,” she insisted. “We know our way around town. More importantly, I know my way through Uncle Randall’s house since I’ve lived there since birth. I grew up there. I only left it six months ago. I know every nook and hiding spot in every room. I know where he’ll likely keep his papers. And while we’re reading through his sensitive documents, Throck can find out what he can down at the dockside taverns. Someone will know about ships leaving for Ireland. I think it is a most efficient use of our time.”
“Aye, m’lady.” Throck popped another biscuit into his mouth.
Gideon sighed. “You can’t wear a gown if you’re to come along with me.”
Her eyes shone with excitement. “We’ll search through my father’s wardrobe. I’m sure we’ll find something suitable. I can quickly sew a hem or tuck in the waist on a pair of trousers.”
“Genalynn, please reconsider.” He studied her delicate features and admired how pretty she looked in her muslin gown. It was a creamy white fabric embroidered with small, purple flowers and a trim of purple silk ribbon around the collar.
He wasn’t studying the gown