Page 53 of A Dare too Far

“Thank you. Start with a left turn, then right, then left, right, left.”

“Easy enough, my lady.”

She smiled, hearing the smile in his words. If nothing else, they’d have fun today. “You stop, as well, once you’ve reached the end of my instructions.”

No response.

“Mr. Quillsby,” she called.

“Lady Jane,” he responded.

“You have the easiest route. The shortest.”

“I’m grateful. I’m not good with directions, even when all my senses are available.”

“Follow my voice and you’ll greet Mr. Dour and Mr. Newburton with me. After you enter the maze, go straight, then take a small tight turn to the left, then straight, then right. Do you understand?”

“I… I think.”

“I believe in you, Mr. Quillsby.”

No response.

“Tell me when you’re all ready for more instructions.”

Her foot began to tap. “Mr. Quillsby? Are you ready?”

“Not yet, my lady.”

She sighed. “Mr. Dour?”

“Not yet.”

She shivered.Hells, it was cold. And the last she’d seen her shawls was when George had knocked them from her shoulders, replacing them with his even warmer arms. She closed her eyes, reliving the—

“Lady Jane!” Mr. Dour’s voice. “What next?”

“Ah. Yes. Um.” Where was he? “Go straight for some time. Then two lefts, then straight again. When you feel the hedge before you, turn right. You’ll be very close to me, but a hedge separates us, so there is still a way to go.”

“Thank you.” His voice sounded gruff.

She closed her eyes again, wrapped her arms tighter about herself. If only she had her shawls. Or George’s arms. No. Notthose. Not him.

“Lady Jane?” Mr. Dour again. “I’m in need of further instruction.”

Was he? But his voice sounded so far away. Not at all a single hedge away from her. “Um. Turn right?” Hopefully, she’d given him the correct instruction.

“Lady Jane?” Mr. Quillsby. “What now?”

Ah, he would be easy enough to guide toward the goal. “You’re so very close, Mr. Quillsby. Go straight until you come up against the hedge, then turn right and go straight. And you’ll find me!”

“Not fair, him being so close,” Mr. Newburton mumbled.

Had he meant anyone to hear? Safer to ignore it.

She shivered, her teeth chattering. She jumped up and down, the better to warm her limbs.

“I’m ready for more instructions,” Mr. Newburton said.