Page 5 of The Wise Daughter

“Sir, you need help! I can return to the tavern and send for a doctor, though you’ll have to instruct me if there is someone specific you want. I’m not from these parts.”

“I see.” He nodded as if considering this. “Never mind a doctor. I’d like to know where you are staying so I may call on you when this is all over.”

Nora held his gaze and swallowed. How had their conversation taken this unexpected turn? His words were like flint to kindling, sparking her interest and warming her wet skin from the inside out. Still, she didn’t know how to respond. She knew nothing about this man.

“Sir, your ankle.”

He cleared his throat. “Yes, my ankle. I doubt it’s broken, but I can’t walk the mile or so home. Is it possible you could secure a horse from the inn for me? I promise to pay you when I’m able.”

Nora bit her lip. “Could I not give them your name, sir, with the promise you’ll pay them later?” Nora didn’t have enough money to hire a horse.

“No, I’m afraid not.” He sounded certain. “The thieves took the small amount of coin I carried, and I have no wish to give my name on credit to the men inside.”

Oh dear. Did that mean this man was not as respectable a gentleman as she had hoped? Nora shifted to find a small rock that was poking her.

Muddied and visibly exhausted, the man successfully raised himself enough to limp a small ways up the incline toward the road, but he slipped and fell again, earning himself more streaks of mud.

“Sir, you will hurt yourself further if you are not careful!” Despite the possible dangers of being so close to a strange man, Nora rushed to his side and allowed him to hold her arm for support.

She knew how to help him now, and though she had already lost nearly everything else, this last offering would hurt.

“My own horse is at the inn. She is strong and obedient. I could bring her to you. She’ll carry you wherever you need to go. ”

Her heart ached to speak the words, but she would have regretted it more if she hadn’t. Before too much thought could sway her, she helped him sit and ordered him to wait.

She raced across the bridge, hindered only by the heaviness in her soggy boots and wet skirts, and called to the inn’s stableman.

After some questioning looks and a few reassurances that she was perfectly well, the stableman brought her Locket.

Oh, what a beautiful horse she was! Yes, this last offering would hurt, but she would never be able to afford to keep her anyway.

Leading Locket by the reins, Nora spoke gentle, reassuring words. Always able to sense when Nora was agitated, Locket nudged Nora with her nose a few times.

“Yes, you know me so well.” She paused to rub her horse’s velvety nose and explained her dilemma.

“My instinct tells me he is a kind man. If he is cruel to you at all, you have my permission to kick him and run, but I don’t think it will come to that.

I’m sure I'll see you again soon, dear Locket.” Nora swiped away a tear and rambled on for the short walk over the bridge where she had left the man. “Sir, are you still there?”

The bushes obscured her view from this side of the bridge.

“I am if you’re the muddy angel who rescued me earlier. I haven’t budged a muscle since you left.”

“Well, it is time to use those muscles now.” Her cheeks warmed as she remembered the feel of her arms around him.

“Thank you, Miss Lacy. I’ll need a minute.”

Nora started, forgetting she had given him her name. With Locket loyally waiting, she rushed down the small slope to offer the man her help. Barely balancing with his arm around her shoulder, they managed the short climb up.

He grimaced, but she could tell he was trying to hide it.

“I nearly convinced myself I had imagined you up, Miss Lacy.”

“Well, I tried to convince myself I had imagined you up, but how else could I account for all this mud?”

He laughed, and she smiled, then realized his arm was still around her shoulder.

Brushing a hair behind her ear, she cleared her throat and helped him take the reins.

She expected him to struggle onto the horse, but he pulled himself into the saddle with a gritted determination that won over another portion of her admiration.

Even with his bruises and swollen ankle and another fleeting grimace, he sat with a grace that bespoke his experience with horses.

“Shall I return your horse to the Ship and Crown tomorrow, Miss Lacy? You never did tell me where you are staying.”

She was relieved to hear he intended to return Locket to her quickly, but did she dare share her plans?

“I don’t think I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“Oh no? Then where shall I return your horse?”

“Could you…” After all she had done that night, wrapping her arms around him, admiring his strength and fine features, Nora was surprised by the flood of embarrassment that washed over her now. “Could you send her to the Duke of Ravenglass?”

“What?” The man sounded utterly baffled. “The Duke of Ravenglass? Surely, I misheard you.”

“Not at all, but I won’t delay you with details.” Nor did she wish to give any. “My father and I are on our way to appeal to him for help.”

“What sort of help do you require?”

“We…” She hadn’t intended to answer, but her voice rebelled. “We’ve lost everything.”

“Everything,” he repeated. “I really did cause you to ruin your last dress, then?”

Slowly, she nodded. “I’m afraid there were too many debts and wagers.” She choked on the rest of the explanation.

“And now you are offering me your only means of travel.” He released a heavy sigh. “Miss Lacy, you are the kindest woman I have ever met.” He stared at her for several heartbeats. “But appealing to the duke will be difficult.”

“I’m aware. I’ve heard all the rumors, but my father is strangely determined.”

“I see.”

He rubbed Locket’s neck as gently as she was accustomed to doing herself.

“Please don’t worry about me. I intend to ask for a position as a servant.

” She caught herself from saying more. Even if this man bore the marks of a gentleman, a singularly handsome one, the simple fact was she did not know him.

“Please bring Locket to the duke. If he has turned us away by the time you arrive, then yes, send Locket to the inn, and I will look for her there.”

“I cannot tell you how much your generosity means to me, Miss Lacy. In addition to my thanks, allow me to advise you in this one matter. Go straight to the duke. Do not fear him. The real puzzle will be convincing those you meet at the door to admit you into his presence. Allow them to see that you are a true lady, though you are poor. You must be bold while being humble.”

“Are there other puzzles to solve?” She was intrigued by his confidence. Was it possible he was connected to the duke?

“Holmrook Castle is a place full of puzzles, but you strike me as a clever woman. Take heart. Whatever rumors you have heard, the duke always helps those who come to him in need. Do not judge him too harshly for his strange ways. I believe he has his reasons. Now, I must go. I hate to leave you like this, but I’m afraid I’m putting you in danger with my company. It would be safer for you if I left.”

“I don’t fear being alone. Besides, I think I hear my father calling.” Her father’s voice faintly carried over the sounds of the rushing river.

“Then I can leave without fearing for your safety. I promise to return your horse as soon as I am able. Your kindness will not go unpaid. In the meantime, tell no one we have spoken. Till we meet again, Miss Lacy.”

He turned Locket and spurred her into a soft trot.

“Sir!” Nora called before he could ride away. “What if you forget my name or fail to recognize me when all this mud is washed away?”

He turned Locket around to face her, again demonstrating his experience riding. “I won’t forget you. I have no doubt.” His words, spoken with conviction, had a strange effect on her. “I look forward to our next meeting, Miss Lacy.”

After he rode into the forest, she turned around and looked over the riverbank.

Did I really just pull a man from there?

The moon peeked out behind thick clouds, though the air grew heavier.

Something tiny winked at her in the pale light.

When she picked it up, she saw that it was a gold ring with the letter D surrounded by detailed vines in an oval bezel.

It looked like a signet ring that might be used for wax seals, the sort only a gentleman would possess.

Unless he had stolen it.

Oh dear.

With no choice but to trust the man she had rescued, she decided he must be acquainted with the duke to advise her as he did.

Testing the ring on her slender fingers, she slipped it onto her thumb for safe keeping.

She would return the ring to the stranger when he returned Locket to her.

A smile formed on her lips. Perhaps in the bright of day, she would learn his name and the color of his eyes.