A Lady of Letters by Andrea Pickens Page B

took a seat. But instead of giving rein to a flare of emotion and penning a heated answer, he caught himself and let his temper cool down to a low simmer. Perhaps it would be best not to alert Firebrand to the fact that he had no intention of abandoning the matter. No, rather than give away any inkling of what he intended to do, he would simply continue the investigations on his own. Firebrand may have no small skill with books and words, but Sheffield was sure that he would have a great deal more success in learning out what needed to know than his learned friend.
     
    A grim smile of satisfaction spread across his face. Whether Firebrand liked it or not, the Earl was going to help him right whatever wrong had been done.
     

    "Are ye sure, Missy?" Jamison ran his hand through his carrot-colored hair, leaving it standing in spiky disarray. "I cannot say that I like the idea above half."
     
    Augusta slowed her mount to a slow walk so that his horse could draw abreast of hers. It was still rather early and the park was nearly deserted, save for a few gentlemen letting loose with a good gallop on the other side of the Serpentine. "Well, I don't like it above three quarters, but I see no other way to proceed," she answered.
     
    "I could go by meself," ventured big footman, who had replaced her usual groom this morning to ensure the opportunity for a most private conversation.
     
    She eyed his broad shoulders and thick chest. "You would never fit through the opening I have in mind."
     
    Jamison could think of no argument to that. "Sweet Jesus, if Mister Edwin were here, he would like as tan my hide fer allowing ye to think of—"
     
    "Well he isn't and he can't," snapped Augusta. They rode on in silence for a few awkward moments. "Are you going to help me or not?"
     
    His injured expression only deepened. "As if ye have to ask, Missy. Think I'd let ye hare off on this by yerself? Not bloody likely!"
     
    "I knew I could count on you."
     
    "Aye, ‘cause I'm the only one as daft as ye," he grumbled. "What ye need, young lady, is a husband to—"
     
    "Oh, don't you start on that, too!" Under her breathe she added, "The way everyone goes on about it, one would think a female simply can't live without one. If they are so important, then why doesn't the good Lord just pop us out with one already legshackled on?"
     
    Jamison ducked his head so she couldn't see the laughter creasing his leathered face.
     
    She gave a sigh, then returned to the matter at hand. "It may take several days to discover what evening the gentleman is planning to be away from home. Then, we shall—"
     
    The sound of an approaching rider caused her to fall silent. A large black stallion, his coat glistening from exertion, tossed his head in the air, clearly unhappy at being reined to a sedate pace.
     
    "Good morning Miss Hadley." The Earl tipped his curly brimmed beaver hat in greeting.
     
    "Good morning, Lord Sheffield," replied Augusta politely, determined for once not to be uncivil. "It is a pleasant morning for a ride, is it not?"
     
    "Indeed."
     
    "However it looks as though we might get a spot of rain in the afternoon."
     
    He slanted a sideways look at her and chuckled. "It's devilish work, isn't it, trying to be polite on an empty stomach."
     
    Augusta fought to control the twitch of her lips.
     
    "You have an excellent seat," he said after a moment, taking obvious care to follow her lead in mouthing the standard platitudes, though there was a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "I take it you enjoy riding?"
     
    She nodded as she watched him control his high strung mount with casual ease. "You appear to be quite at home in the saddle as well, my lord, though it looks as if your horse is not best pleased at having his exercise curtailed."
     
    A dark brow arched up. "Ah, a subtle hint that I have overstayed my welcome?"
     
    Actually it hadn't been. Augusta looked a bit startled. "I—"
     
    "A shame. We still haven't gotten around to