Lords of Honor by K. R. Richards Page A

see them . They are wearing brown coat s and hat s , sir . I noticed two others dressed the very same near the back of the inn, sir. ”
    Micah and Jack both moved to the window . Micah pulled one of the drapery panels wide so he could see the entire yard below them .
    “ They are neither of the one s that brought L ibby into the White Hart, but the taller man is for certain one that chased us when she and I left Andover . I recognize him . In fact, I ’ll wager my boot print is still on his face, ” Micah nodded . He let the drapery fall back .
    “They’re wearing brown coat s and hat s , just like the ones we became so familiar with in Glastonbury ,” Jack sighed deeply.
    Micah nodded grimly . “I fear the brown coats and hats are no coincidence.”
    Micah turned to the innkeeper. “ I do not think we will be taking the phaeton today . Lord Elveston and I need to talk about this before we decide what we’re doing, since there are four men outside . Hold these letters for a bit , Mr. Banfield ; I may have to change a few of them . One of us will come down to you when we decide what we will do . Give us a half hour.”
    “Absolutely, sir . If you’ve need, I shall arrange everything . I’ll await your instructions .” Mr. Banfield bowed and took the letters Micah held out for him .
    Micah walked to the window again . He o bserved the men in brown coat s and hat s . “Jack, there were always more brown coat s hanging about in Glastonbury than what we could see . I recall seeing six brown coats when Libby and I were accosted leaving the White Hart . Now we know there are at least four here in Salisbury. ”
    “You’re right , there’s always more than the eyes can see .” Jack rose and joined him at the window . “My guess is that if the front and back are being watched , there are more about . ”
    ”Yes. So we must assume there are at least six here , the same as in Ando ver , and possibly more .” Micah nodded . “I’m thinking it is just too dangerous for the three of us to leave the Rose and Crown for Templecombe . Charlie was at Roseland with Owen when Libby was taken . Sinclair is not far from there . Perhaps the three of them can come for us . It will be safer for Rowena if Harry just takes her as far as Horethorne Hall . ”
    “I’m feeling much better today, Micah . Please, I’m certain I will be fine . Don’t let my being with you hold you back .” Libby moved to stand next to Micah . Her hand rested up on his arm .
    Her sapphire eyes were filled with concern . Without thinking, for he was so familiar with his L ad y, Micah slipped his arm about her waist and pulled her against him . He realized by the questioning look Jack gave him, that he noticed the obvious familiarity . Libby did not notice anything amiss , thank goodness . He would never want her to be embarrassed or shamed because of his actions .
    Micah did not realize until that moment just how familiar his actions with Libby were . E verything about h is relationship with her just c a me so naturally . He removed his arm from her waist . “You are not holding us back , Libby . It’s far too dangerous there only being three of us and six , possibly more, of them . I’ll go get Harry’s and Owen’s letters from the Innkeep er . We need to let them know what kind of situation we have here . Trevan’s and Simmond s ’ can go on as they are . I may even send one to Shevington Chase, for Lyon is the closest to us . Although, I fear he remains in London.”
    “No, Micah . Allow me to speak with Mr. Banfield . I’ll get the letters . You stay with Lady Elizabeth . Write your new letters to Owen and Harry . We must remain here today . I’ll need to take one of the rooms next to yours and Lady Elizabeth’s.”
    “I’ll just step outside the door with you, Jack . Excuse me , Libby. Sit down , sweetheart . I’ll be back in a moment . ”
    Jack and Micah stepped out into the hall.
    “I have already p ropos ed to Libby,” Micah