Lord Melvedere's Ghost Read Online Free Page A

hand, who immediately
scurried off behind the huge hay barn.
    The
ostler glanced curiously from Jamie to Jonathan, clearly wanting to
ask a few questions, until Jonathan shifted warningly. He lapsed
into a cautious silence instead.
    Jamie
flicked him a gold coin and a glare. “Don’t ask and you won’t
regret knowing,” he warned, shooting the man a hard look that was
met with a hesitant nod. The silent warning had been received and
that was just what Jamie wanted. He turned and shared a look with
Jonathan who was seemingly lighting a pipe while carefully studying
the area. They could have been the only people for miles
around.
    “ Is it always this quiet?”
    “ Yep, nice and quiet around here,” the ostler warned, “just the
way we like it.”
    “ Good,” Jamie replied. “Go and get us some food and ale but
make sure it is in saddle bags.” He flicked the ostler another coin
and watched the man’s eyes bug as he stared down at the gold in his
palm. The man studied Jonathan carefully for a moment before
turning his gaze toward Jamie’s equally bland stare. It was clear
that the big man was positively bristling with questions but
instead, he shrugged and ambled off to get the food having clearly
decided it was not worth the risk of losing further payment to
ignore anything he was told.
    No
sooner had the man disappeared inside than Jamie wrenched open the
door and reached into the carriage. He didn’t bother with the
steps, and ignored Cecily’s cry of protest as she was lifted out of
the carriage and dumped unceremoniously on her feet before
him.
    Cecily
tipped her head back and glared up at him, her cheeks fiery with
indignation.
    Jamie
was glad to see the fire back in her eyes and smiled unrepentantly
at her.
    “ Don’t say anything, don’t look around you and don’t answer any
questions, understand?”
    Cecily
stared up at him and sighed with deep annoyance. “Why is all the
subterfuge necessary?” She glanced suspiciously around them as
though expecting a three headed dragon to pop up at any moment
before turning her gaze back to Jamie, who was shaking his head
chidingly at her clear refusal to follow orders.
    “ Just do as you are told. Don’t attempt to climb into the
saddle, I will lift you up and for God’s sake, when you get up
there, hang on.” He hated not having the opportunity to introduce
her to riding properly, but they didn’t have the time to waste to
see if she was going to take to it. She had to ride for the next
part of the journey whether she liked it or not. It was going to be
hard, tiring and uncomfortable, but there was nothing else for it.
This was a matter of life and death, and she needed to understand
that certain discomforts were going to come with the need to stay
alive.
    A small
part of him hated being so callous, but he couldn’t bear the
thought of her being hurt or injured. He had no hesitation in
fighting to the death to protect her and knew that Jonathan would
do the same, but he didn’t need her taking unnecessary risks or
hesitating when following instructions. He had no intention of
losing this particular battle, not when so much was at stake, and
it had nothing to do with the Star Elite, spy smugglers or anyone
else.
    Jamie
watched the ostler leave the tavern, three laden saddle bags draped
over his shoulder. The horses arrived from the opposite side of the
yard. Jamie, Jonathan and Cecily stood in contemplative silence for
several moments while the horses were readied.
    Cecily
was aware of the curious glances the ostler kept throwing her way,
but a warning look from Jamie was all it took to prevent any
attempt at conversation. The silence was lengthy and had grown
almost uncomfortable by the time the last cinch was tied and the
horses were led toward them. Jonathan jumped down from the carriage
and moved to the huge chestnut, taking hold of reins while Jamie
took her elbow. Cecily’s stomach dropped as she stared at the white
rimmed eyes of the huge beast