Page 21 of Lord of Loyalty

Keeping his face averted from Isobel’s, Will said, “I’m sorry to hear it. But I don’t understand why you’re telling me this.”

Maybury leaned forward in his saddle, eyebrows raised.

“Because, like my woodsman, he described a horse matching that which now you ride. One of his servants caught a glimpse of it disappearing up the road.”

Found out, so soon. Will hadn’t bargained on Pike’s tenacity. There must be a great deal at stake for him to be scouring the countryside for Isobel. Suddenly, anger got the better of him.

“That man is a villain, and I’ll move heaven and earth to prove it. This lady is his victim, but I’ll not say more, as I know not whom to trust. You will forgive me, sir.”

“At last!” Maybury’s face brightened. “I can see the truth in your eyes, Cavendish, and written in the blush on yon fair damsel’s face. You may trust me, I assure you. As soon as I saw that horse, and the lady, I knew you to be the guilty party. You always were one to hurtle around, courting danger and righting wrongs. And I would have crushed that snake Master Pike beneath my heel had I known. Now, why don’t you invite me back to your lodgings for a private discussion over a glass of Canary, and see what I may do to help you?”

Will caught Isobel’s eye. And was surprised to read amusement where he’d expected dismay.

She inclined her head towards Maybury. “Sir, you have the advantage. Hubert Pike is my cousin, and just such a serpent as you describe. If we may trust you, then I, for one, would be grateful for another ally.”

“A wise decision. I like her, Cavendish—we must both take good care of the lady. I cannot wait to hear your tale. In any wise, ’tis best I return with you to your dwelling, for who knows what reception party awaits you there?”

As it turned out, Will had cause to be grateful for Maybury’s company, for when he returned to Giles Street, there was, indeed, a reception party.

But not the one he was expecting.