Page 10 of The Swan Syndicate #1

Exhaustion plagued Stella with each step she climbed. It seemed someone added more steps to reach the second floor. Would this day ever end?

When she finally made it to the bedroom, she sighed with relief to see Libby laying out her nightgown and robe. She had left her moss-colored robe behind, but the lavender-colored one waiting for her was just as silky. Her thoughts immediately imagined Beckworth taking it off her inch-by-inch.

“Do you want me to help you with your hair?” Libby asked as she lit another lamp.

“The dress first, then just get the hairpins out. I could drop dead asleep standing here.”

“It was a busy first day.” Libby laughed as she loosened the ties. “Did Beckworth really drag you through all the secret passages?”

“I couldn’t believe there were that many. He said several aren’t used very often, but they look cleaner than I expected.”

“They aren’t, but Barrington has someone clean them every week.”

“I suppose I should thank him. I knew about the one that ends at that old cabin. We used that to get in when Gemini had overtaken Waverly, but I didn’t realize there would be a dozen more.”

“The maids use a couple of them, but most aren’t necessary.”

“I can’t imagine living in a time where they were needed because of what religion you followed.”

“Well, they came in handy when Dugan and Reginald were here.” Libby took the dress as soon as Stella stepped out of it and laid it on a chair.

Stella put on the nightgown and sat at the dressing table.

Libby removed the hairpins but put a hand on Stella’s shoulder to prevent her from standing while she reached for the brush.

Stella inwardly sighed, preferring to brush her own hair, but Libby seemed to enjoy the task.

She grinned as Libby caught her up with the current gossip.

Something told her this would be a common theme while at the manor.

And why not? Libby could keep her updated without Stella having to get involved with the daily dramas.

Libby laid down the brush and picked up the dress Stella had been wearing. “I’ll take care of the dress in the morning, and I’ve moved your special evening to tomorrow night.”

“Perfect. I’d hate to waste all the candles. We’ll be sleeping in, but if the footman can bring up coffee at whatever time Beckworth normally wakes up, that would be great. I’m afraid I wasn’t here long enough to figure that out.”

She winked at her. “Not a problem. Have a good evening.”

“You too.”

Libby had barely left the room before Beckworth sauntered in, looking almost as haggard as she felt. When his valet followed him in, she shooed him away. She had two choices. Either ask about the mission or leave it for tomorrow and enjoy their first night back at Waverly without an argument.

He turned once she’d removed his jacket and pulled her to him.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek on his chest. Although she’d spent a couple of hours with him during the tour, managing to sneak in several long kisses, she missed him.

In Baywood, they spent most of their days together.

Not every day, but most. She’d deal with how they’d spend their days on holiday tomorrow.

He nestled his nose in her hair and breathed deeply. “I love the smell of you.”

She snorted. “It’s a good thing I washed it before we left this morning. God, I can’t believe I just said that. Like it’s a normal day to wake in the twenty-first century and go to sleep in the nineteenth.”

“Fortunately, it’s not an everyday occurrence.” He pulled back to give her a tender kiss. “Help me with my boots.”

She wasted no time getting him naked, and she tossed her robe before whipping the nightgown over her head. They were soon nestled within the sheets, holding each other.

“I think I miss our bed at home already.” She could already feel a lump but couldn’t keep her eyes open to care.

“I can’t argue with that, but I doubt we’ll notice. It’s been a long day for both of us.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m so glad we’re here together.”

That was the last thing she heard, and it made her smile.

S tella turned a slow circle in front of the standing mirror, pleased with the robin-egg-blue day dress Beckworth had made in Baywood.

He never mentioned the name of the tailor, nor did she go to any fittings, yet it was a perfect fit.

He’d already commissioned more day and evening dresses since their visit would be longer than they’d originally planned.

When she’d asked for a riding habit, he’d laughed so hard she thought he’d pass out from loss of oxygen.

She managed to hold a straight face, but it had been difficult.

Her history with horses wasn’t the best, but she’d gone from gripping the saddle until her fingers ached to riding a horse on her own.

She wasn’t as comfortable as she should be, and the horse never moved faster than a trot, but she hadn’t completely given up on improving her skills.

At dinner the evening before, she’d met everyone’s laughter with her own when Hensley mentioned he’d brought Smudge from London and was now in Waverly’s stables.

Smudge was an ugly, mottled-colored gelding she’d ridden from London to Ipswich and back on that fateful mission when Beckworth had traded himself to Gemini in exchange for Stella.

To everyone’s dismay at the time, she’d also ridden the horse alone through London’s East End to meet with Beckworth’s crew to plan his rescue.

Though she hadn’t given the horse much praise at dinner, she’d been touched that Hensley had brought him to Waverly. And it was that horse that would be her excuse to visit the stables.

After a slow morning of sweet lovemaking and coffee in bed, Beckworth had gone for a morning ride with Thomas and Fitz. Jamie had stayed behind to discuss other business with Hensley, but she’d heard from Eleanor that Jamie had just left the manor to check on the new foal.

This was her moment.

She passed through the kitchen on her way to the stables, stopping to greet the staff and cook, who handed her a mug that was typically used for ale but was filled with coffee.

God bless that woman. When she stepped outside, she pulled her cloak tighter against the morning chill and tilted her head to the hazy sun.

It provided little warmth, but it uplifted her spirits just the same.

A young stable boy smiled when she approached. “You here to see the foal?”

“I actually came to see Smudge, but I would love to see the new baby. And what’s your name? I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced.”

The lad’s cheeks turned a bright red. “It’s Jax. Baby is a funny name for a horse.”

“I suppose I should have said baby horse.”

“Is that mottled gelding that arrived a few days ago your horse?” He led her into the stables. “He’s not very handsome.”

She laughed. “I agree he’s not pretty, but he’s always been good to me.”

“That’s more important than looks.”

“You’re a wise young man.”

It was hard to see in the dark stable, but she would bet money his cheeks burned with another blush.

He stopped at Smudge’s stall. The horse’s head was down and seemed to be asleep.

“Hello, Smudge.” Stella pulled out a carrot she’d pilfered from a bin in the kitchen. Smudge turned his head toward her and gave a light chuff before lumbering over. He nodded a couple of times, his lips extending in search of the treat.

She laughed with delight as she fed him the carrot, then scratched his cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you out for a ride. You’re probably being horribly ignored.”

Jax leaned over and whispered, “We don’t talk about it, but one of us usually takes him for a ride every other day. He might be uglier than a one-eyed, three-legged ewe, but you’re right that he has a good heart.”

She squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “Thank you for taking such good care of him.” She gave the horse a last scratch and looked around the barn. “Now, where’s that foal?”

Her first concern was that she’d dawdled too long and missed Jamie. How long did one spend with a foal? But her concerns were dashed when she found not only Jamie but Hensley with the foal.

She hadn’t expected Hensley. Her strategy might not work with him there.

It wouldn’t be the first time she’d had to adapt to a situation.

Chester’s words came back to her. He was a crew leader in London and a long-time friend to Beckworth and Barrington, all three having worked in the same gang when they were lads.

Chester had once told her the reason he included her in his missions was her ability to adapt.

She had every intention of putting that to work.

The men were inside a larger stall that allowed mama and baby to move around. The mare was dark brown with a tiny white blaze and white socks that ran up to her knees. The foal, who was currently hiding behind its mom, appeared to be jet black, but she couldn’t see its head.

“Is the baby alright?” she asked.

Hensley and Jamie both turned. While Hensley’s eyes widened for just an instant, Jamie gave her a smile that made her think he’d been expecting her. She weighed whether that was a good thing as she returned a grin.

“I came down to see Smudge, but I’ve never seen a baby horse up close.” She leaned over the stable door and gulped her coffee. “A boy or girl. Fitz never said.”

Jamie opened the door. “Come in and see for yourself.”

Stella set the mug down on a nearby barrel and tiptoed in, not wanting to scare the mare, who seemed calm with the men.

“He’s a fine-looking colt.” Hensley walked toward the mom, forcing her to move aside, which gave Stella a clear look at the young horse.

He was jet black from tail to nose with one exception—a long white star on his forehead. She gave a low whistle, and the mare’s ears perked, then she chuffed. The foal took a step toward her but wasn’t brave enough to leave his mama’s side.