Chapter Five

Settling himself back on his makeshift bed in the stable, Nate expected to feel relief that the young woman and her companions had rejected his offer of succour. He'd done his duty and as a result, their chances of foiling the kidnap attempt on the morrow were much improved.

Unfortunately, in his head, he kept seeing a pair of soft brown eyes, olive skin and coal black hair. What did the Reverend call her? Mercy, that was it. A strange name. Mayhap it was short for something. He thought for a second. She had a very Spanish look about her so it could be her name was Mercedes. It was a fairly common name in Spain, and one he'd come across many times during his time with Wellington.

But then, if she was Spanish, how did she have an English grandmother? No, her accent was definitely English – and cultured. She was gently bred; of that he was certain. Not only did she sound it, but her dress was clearly of good quality and why else would someone wish to kidnap and wed her against her will?

And then there was the clergyman – was he any relation? Why had she been in Scotland? How the devil had she become the target of a bloody kidnapper? The questions went round and round in his head, thwarting any attempt to sleep.

He had no doubt she'd been the woman in the window. The one who'd intrigued him even then. Could he truly just leave her to her fate?

He swore under his breath, pillowing his head in his arms. Duchess whickered softly while Ruby snuggled closer to him. The two animals were his only friends. There was literally no one else. How had he become so isolated? Almost as if in answer, his scar throbbed dully. Even after all these years, there were still times when the whole side of his face ached like the devil.

Groaning, he started to turn over, when suddenly he heard a noise. Ruby lifted her head, growling softly. Slowly, carefully, Nate sat up, feeling underneath the straw for his hidden pistol. As the stable door began to open, he rose quietly to his feet, stepping around Duchess to face the intruder. There would be no hiding this time.

Seconds later, the door was pushed fully open, and Nate's breath huffed out in disbelief as a feminine head leaned hesitantly through. ‘Mr. Harding…?' She stepped into the stable, squinting into the dim light cast by the lone lantern hanging high in the rafters for safety. ‘Mr. Harding, are you there?' Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

What the devil was she doing here unaccompanied in the middle of the night? He moved forward into the light, his voice coming out harsher than he'd intended. ‘Are you alone?'

She visibly jumped and took an involuntary step backwards. ‘I… I…' she stammered, before seemingly taking herself to task and straightening her spine. ‘I have come to accept your offer of assistance,' she declared, holding her chin up.

Clearly, there was no one with her. The foolish chit really had come alone.

‘Do your companions know you are here?' Nate asked, making an effort to soften his voice.

‘I… I've left them a note.' She took a step towards him and held out her hand in supplication. ‘I am the one this blackguard is looking for. They will be safe as long as I'm not with them.'

Silence ensued as Nate assimilated her words. He couldn't argue with her logic. ‘Where are you travelling to?'

‘Cottesmore,' she returned promptly. ‘It's near to Ringwood in the New Forest.'

‘I know it,' he answered, then frowned. ‘Is your father the Earl?'

Mercy simply nodded and Nate gave a low whistle. ‘That explains the kidnapping attempt.' He shook his head. ‘And am I likely to survive a confrontation with your father once he learns we have spent time alone together?'

‘Don't you have any servants?' she asked in a small voice.

Nate shook his head. ‘Alas, my coffers do not extend to hired help.' He quirked a mocking brow and added, ‘Come to think of it, mayhap Reinhardt's plan does have merit.' He watched her face suffuse with colour, wondering why he was provoking her. Looking at her beautiful, refined face, he realised that deep down, in that secret place where all his resentment festered, he was angry – furious in fact.

A bloody abduction attempt. That was what it took to get a woman to visit his home. His anger was completely irrational. He couldn't actually remember the last time he'd even invited a female to Carlingford Hall, let alone a lady.

She took a step back, and Nate could see she was on the verge of bolting. Angry at himself now, he held up a conciliatory hand. ‘You have nothing to fear from me,' he said gruffly. ‘Just my twisted sense of humour, I'm afraid.'

She bit her lip but came no closer, and he could see she was clutching her cloth bag in a death grip.

‘I will keep you safe,' he added softly. ‘I swear it. Until your father gets here. I will not allow any harm to come to you.'

For long seconds, she simply stared at him, then abruptly nodded her head. Once. It was enough. The relief engulfing Nate at that smallest of nods was so shocking in its intensity, he almost sagged against Duchess's flank. What the hell? A small whine at his feet brought him back to the situation, and mentally shaking himself, he bent to fuss Ruby, then began to saddle the mare.

‘I think since we are going to be sharing the same four walls, it would be appropriate to ask your name?' he declared over his shoulder as he heaved the saddle onto the horse's back, ‘or at least what you'd prefer me to call you.'

He heard her step towards him. ‘It's Mercedes – Mercy for short,' was the small answer.

He turned round in surprise. ‘You'll allow me to use your first name?' He watched as her face coloured up for the second time, evidently realising her faux pas. Then she sighed and shrugged.

‘These are hardly normal circumstances. Should the world discover that I spent time with a man alone in his house, then your use of my first name will be the least of my worries.'

‘Better that than forced to wed a murdering bastard,' he countered with a tight grin.

‘Succinctly put,' she agreed with a small smile of her own.

‘No one will find out,' he vowed, tightening the girth. ‘We do not mix in the same circles my lady…' He paused, giving a small chuckle. ‘In truth, I don't mix in any circles.' He cast a droll look behind him. ‘I'm like the beast in the fairytale.'

‘You've read Beauty and the Beast?' she asked in surprise.

‘Who hasn't?' he countered, taking her bag. ‘I thought it was requisite reading for all children. Parents the world over love a good morality tale.'

‘So do you have the good heart and generous spirit of the prince, then?' she quizzed, stepping up beside him and stroking the mare's flank.

Absurdly irritated that she'd referred to the beast's character rather than his ugliness, Nate ignored her question, instead saying flatly, ‘Her name's Duchess. Be careful; she bites.' He shoved down the petty satisfaction of watching her step back a little and picked up the panniers containing his provisions, throwing them over the horse's back. ‘We should have enough food for three days – four if we are careful. Unfortunately, it will not be the kind of fare you're no doubt accustomed to.'

‘You have no idea what I'm accustomed to,' Mercy retorted tartly, handing him her bag. ‘Do not make the mistake of thinking me a ninnyhammer, Mr. Harding.'

He cast her a wry look. ‘I stand corrected. And it's Nate. As you say, we are well beyond the boundaries of propriety.' He took hold of the horse's reins. ‘I'll lead Duchess out of the stables, keeping to the side closest to the inn. If you walk on her other side and keep your head bowed, you will hopefully be lost to the shadows. There is nothing we can do about the sound of her hoofs on the cobbles. The snow should muffle it a little.'

Mercy bit her lip and nodded her head, pulling up her cloak hood to hide her face. Nate clicked his tongue, urging the mare forward. Ruby was already at the door, tail wagging in enthusiasm. Watching the little terrier's excitement reminded her of Flossy, lessoning her fear a little. As they stepped outside, she resisted a senseless urge to look up at the darkened windows, and kept close to the horse's side, her head bowed, while they made their slow, tortuous way across the courtyard.

Two minutes later, they were out onto the deserted road. Little did she know that her life would never be the same again.