Free The Mysterious Lord Marlowe by Anne Herries

food.’
    ‘What would make your life easier here, Martha? I doubt you have much need of money. You seem to grow or scavenge for all you need in the fields.’
    ‘I had a cow until it died of old age,’ Martha said and gave her a wry smile. ‘Milk is a luxury for me these days—cheese, too.’
    Jane nodded as she finished chopping some horseradish roots and stored the pieces in little pots. She was reaching for the cloth to wash the pine tabletop when she heard the sound of a horse outside.
    ‘Go upstairs until I call you,’ Martha said. ‘It is best to be careful just in case.’
    Jane went through the door that shut off the staircase. However, she was no more than halfway up the stairs when she heard Martha call to her and ran back down, her heart racing.
    George was standing in the kitchen. Untilthis moment she had not realised how tall and strong he was—or how much she’d missed him. Her heart pounded and the palms of her hands were warm and sticky.
    ‘You did not go to London then?’
    ‘No. I must do so soon, perhaps tomorrow. I went to find someone—someone who knows Blake better than I do. He gave me a few ideas. I now know where he lives—and at least one place he frequents that I did not know of before.’
    ‘Do you think he has Mariah there?’
    ‘I cannot say, but I intend to find out tomorrow.’
    ‘Why do you not tell her guardian?’
    ‘Who is that?’
    ‘Well, before she was married the Duke of Avonlea was her guardian—but there are other trustees now. Still, I think the duke would be the proper person to approach. I am certain he would be reasonable and listen to your story, for he is a most correct man.’
    ‘Then I may do so as soon as I have news. As yet it may be a wild goose chase. And Blake still has something of mine. I need to find it before I give him up.’
    ‘That is selfish and wrong, sir.’ Jane sent hima hard look. ‘Whatever hold this rogue has over you it cannot be as important as a girl’s life.’
    For a moment anger flashed in his dark eyes and his mouth tightened. She saw the way his fists balled at his side, but he answered her in the same calm tone.
    ‘As I told you before, Jane, if it were just me that would suffer, I would give him up now—would have done so before this. Please believe me, I am as concerned for Lady Fanshawe’s safety as you are.’
    ‘Why do you not tell her the truth?’ Martha asked and looked up from her work. ‘You are too loyal sometimes, Master George.’
    ‘Hold your tongue, Martha,’ George said sharply. ‘You will please keep your opinions to yourself.’
    ‘You’re a fool to yourself—and the lass is right. A woman’s life is more important than—’ Martha broke off as he looked at her and turned back to her work.
    ‘You still have no idea where Mariah is being held?’ Jane asked to break the tension. It would do no good to make him lose his temper.
    ‘No, Miss Lanchester, I do not,’ George said and looked her in the eyes. ‘I have sent wordto your brother that you are safe for the moment.’
    ‘I cannot stay here much longer,’ Jane said. ‘Surely Blake will have given up looking for me by now?’
    ‘Perhaps.’ George appeared doubtful. ‘I should like to talk to you alone, Miss Lanchester—if you would take a walk out with me?’
    ‘Yes, of course.’ Jane looked at her hostess. ‘May I borrow your shawl, Martha?’
    ‘Yes, of course, lass. ’Tis mild enough for the time of year, but you’re welcome to borrow it. I’m nearly done here. I’ll be cooking a rabbit stew for our supper, but it will not be ready for three hours so you’ve plenty of time for your talk.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Jane turned to George. ‘I think we do need to talk—and I should like a walk now that my ankle no longer hurts as much.’
    He offered her his hand. After a moment’s hesitation she took it and they went out of the kitchen door, walking through the vegetable garden to the lane beyond.
    ‘I am very grateful to