“Ned, I cannot be dawdling here when he may be caught in some trap!”
“My dear boy, there is no reason why you should.”
“Very well then, I shall go out after him. But I warn you, Ned, it may be hours before I find the old fellow, and while I am gone Francis may be up to some more of his tricks!”
“Unlikely, I think.”
“Of course,” said Nicky huffily, “if you do not choose to tell me what you have in your head you need not, but I think it pretty shabby of you!”
Not receiving any other answer to this than an amused look, he left the room with a dignified gait and was soon striding off in the direction of Sir Matthew Kendal’s lands. Carlyon left the bookroom and desired Barrow to send for his chaise from the stables. Miss Beccles found him drawing on his gloves in the hall, and said diffidently and a little anxiously, “You are leaving us, my lord?”
He smiled and nodded.
“I dare say there is no need for you to remain, sir?” she ventured.
“None, I believe. I have already begged Mrs. Cheviot to think no more of what has happened here today.”
“I am sure if you feel it to be safe for her to remain here, my lord, it must be so indeed,” she said simply.