Read Online Never Wager Against Love (Kellington Book Three) by Maureen Driscoll - Free Book Online Page B

spot,” said Arthur.  “What’s the sword’s
value?”
    Dumbarton considered the question.  “It’s hard to say.  Not
only is it of great historical significance, but the jewels alone would bring a
king’s ransom.”
    “That would certainly be enough to tempt Mortimer and
Cassidy,” said Vanessa.  “What about the rest of the papers?  Do you know when
you might finish with them?”
    “Your villains are a good deal smarter than the average,”
said Dumbarton wistfully.  “I will be successful, of course, but it may take a
day or so.  Perhaps Kellington should go on to Norwich, while you stay here
until I get the next clue.”  
    “But Lord Arthur can’t go by himself,” said Vanessa.  “If
anything, I should travel there and he should wait here for further
developments.”
    Both Dumbarton and Arthur said “no” loudly and assuredly. 
It was, Vanessa observed, the first time they had agreed on anything.
    Half an hour later, Arthur and Vanessa said their farewells
to Dumbarton.  He’d given them the name of an inn in Norwich where he would send
word as soon as he decoded the next portion of the papers.  But they
encountered an unexpected problem when they reached the mews.  Merlin had gone
lame.
    “I can’t explain it,” said the head groom, who smelled like
he spent a great deal of time in stables.  “Oddest thing I ever seen.”
    “He was perfectly well when we arrived yesterday,” said
Arthur, as he patted his beloved horse’s withers, then bent to take a look. 
There were no signs of injury, other than the animal was favoring that leg.
    “Did he pick up a stone in his hoof?” asked Vanessa.
    The groom and his helper took a closer look at Vanessa, who
was dressed in her lad’s clothing. 
    “The lady asked you a question,” said Arthur, using the tone
Lynwood favored when he was scolding Hal for his latest escapades.
    The groom dragged his eyes away from Vanessa and turned back
to the horse.  “No, miss.  We already checked.  No stones.  Nothing wrong with
the shoe, nor with the feed, neither.  Can’t hardly figure what could’ve gone
wrong with him.”
    Arthur surveyed their surroundings in the light of day.  The
stable wasn’t as clean as it could be, but the building itself was well
maintained.  The two lads didn’t appear to be hiding anything and it was
possible that Merlin had simply injured himself in unfamiliar surroundings.  
There was nothing to suggest foul play, but Arthur’s nerves were wound tighter
than he realized.  He couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something was off.  A
quick examination of the horse he’d borrowed from Riverton revealed him to be in
excellent condition.
    “It looks like I shall have to continue on with Riverton’s horse
alone,” said Vanessa.
    “It looks like nothing of the sort,” said Arthur, as he
walked through the mews taking stock.  “Does Professor Dumbarton have a
carriage?”
    “Aye,” said the groom.  “He just bought a fine one a
fortnight ago.”
    “Excellent,” said Arthur.  “We shall take the carriage,
along with his coachman and a groom.   We shall leave poor Merlin here for the
time being and I will notify Riverton Farms to pick up their horse.  I trust
nothing will happen to either animal in the meantime.”
    The threat in Arthur’s voice was unmistakable.  Both the
groom and the other stable lad assured Arthur that they would take very good
care of both animals.  They also roused the coachman and readied the carriage
in record time.
    Vanessa changed into the one dress she’d packed, while
Arthur informed Dumbarton they would be borrowing his carriage.  The older man
seemed reluctant to part with it, but Arthur assured him that when word of this
kindness reached Lynwood, he would be quite appreciative.  Then he added that
Lynwood would be even more pleased if Dumbarton lent Arthur a pistol.  
Dumbarton asked whether that gratitude might include a recommendation for