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He chuckled. “It’s the shortened name for the main road between Pernix the port city, and Validen. Its full name is Reynard’s March, and refers to when an army allied with Validen marched from the port and up to the city to lift a siege.”
I dropped back against my seat and cupped one-half of my forehead in my palm. “I don’t think I’m ever going to catch up to the history of this place.”
“Even among those who have lived here their entire lives, there are very few people who know a great deal about our long and rather complicated history.” His eyes sparkled as he studied me and he used his foot to tap the basket on the floor of the carriage. “But there’s more than enough time for you to learn the history after we have enjoyed our lunch.”
I snorted. “I guess it’ll have to be in the dining room instead of in a field full of flowers.”
“There are other places,” he reminded me.
“You mean the river park?” I guessed before a dark thought crossed my mind. I narrowed my eyes at him. “Not the cemeteries.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Neither. There is the Plaza and its environs-”
“Too busy.”
“One of the shops?”
“I don’t think they’d appreciate us bringing our own food.”
“There are other parks in the city.”
A thought struck me and I scooted closer to him with my eyes filled with hope. “How far is the port?”
Ben sighed. “Alas, it’s as far a journey as Rookwood, and I doubt Ferox would oblige us with another trip until his hunger for grains is satiated.” Ferox’s head bobbed up and down.
“Well, damn. . .” I mumbled as I slumped down in my seat. “The dining room is looking better and better.”
“I’m sure Tully has livened the room with a vase of fresh flowers,” he comforted me as he looped an arm over my drooping shoulders. He scooted closer and lowered his voice to a cooing whisper. “And the company is what truly matters.”
My cheeks reddened and I swallowed a lump in my throat. “I-I guess you’re right.”
A low chuckle escaped him. “Of course I am. I’m always right.”
I rolled my eyes and pushed him away. “Give me some room. Your ego is crushing me.”
He was all grins as he leaned against his side of the carriage. “Always happy to oblige.”
CHAPTERFOUR
We rolledinto Ben’s private courtyard at around the noon hour and Tully emerged from the house with a look of curiosity.
“We had a little accident,” Ben explained as he hopped down from the carriage and helped me to the cobblestones.”
“Well,wedidn’t, but we had to help,” I corrected him.
He inclined his head toward me. “I accept the correction.” He returned his attention to his manservant and nodded at Ferox. “He believes he’s owed an extra bucket of grains for carrying me, so you’d better give it to him.” Tully nodded and walked alongside Ferox into the stable.
Ben snatched the basket from the vehicle before it left without us and offered me his arm. “Shall we?”
I looped my limb around his and nodded. “Let’s.”
We sauntered inside and into the dining room. We had just had everything unpacked and ready to eat when Tully made his appearance in the doorway that led to the hall. He held a white envelope in his pale hand. A scent of heavy perfume filled the air.
Ben lifted an eyebrow. “What is it, Tully?”
Tully walked over to the table and I was shocked when he stopped at me. He held out the envelope in my direction. I blinked at him. “It’s for me?” He nodded.
I took the envelope and read the address on the back. “To Miss Millie Lucas, Number 13 Campion Street.” I squinted at the flourished handwriting in the upper left-hand corner. “Lady Josephine Trent, Number 201 Senex Street.” I looked up to find a pensive expression on Ben’s face. “Do you know her?”
