With the stone bridge in sight, she did the only sensible thing. She stopped, collapsed in a heap on the grass and covered her face with her hands as the dog slobbered her with affection.
But the urge to see Devlin Drake forced her quickly to her feet.
What if Mr Biggs had an accomplice working in the stables?
What if Devlin went riding with his friend Lord Valentine and she was too late to warn him?
“Come, Rufus.” She slapped her thigh and broke into a jog.
Juliet ran until the burning in her chest reached her throat, until she could no longer feel her legs. Rufus ran beside her, his ears flapping, his eyes wide with excitement. She knew she should stop to catch her breath but the desire to ensure everything was as it ought to be at home outweighed anything else.
Home.
The word echoed in her mind.
Despite the housekeeper’s austere demeanour, Juliet had grown attached to Blackwater during her short stay. If only she could forget about her sister’s troubles and focus on building a relationship with her husband. But the baron seemed set on spoiling all hopes of happiness.
Just when Juliet had convinced herself all would be well, she charged into the cobbled courtyard to find Lord Valentine sitting astride his horse. Devlin stood beside him, no doubt waiting for his mount, too.
“No!” The word reached the ears of her husband before she had the chance to reclaim it.
Devlin’s head shot in her direction, as did Lord Valentine’s.
Rufus reached them first, forcing Devlin to pet the animal to prevent him from pawing his immaculate blue coat.
Breathless and exhausted, Juliet came to an abrupt halt. “You’re not going riding?”
Devlin raised a brow. “Is that a question or a command?”
“A question, of course.” She glanced up at the handsome figure of Lord Valentine. “Good day to you, my lord.” She slapped her hand to her chest and gasped. “Forgive me, we were running and—”
“One requires a lot of energy when trying to tame a beast,” Lord Valentine said, offering an amused smile. “I imagine they can be quite demanding.”
Juliet struggled to form a response. Her only thought was that she couldn’t let Devlin leave, had to warn him of the threat. “Most demanding indeed.” She turned to her husband. “Must you go out?”
“Valentine is leaving,” he said, a concerned frown marring his brow. “It was not my intention to provide an escort.”
“And I had best be on my way if I’m to make London before dark.” Lord Valentine touched the brim of his hat and inclined his head. “Good day, Mrs Drake. May I wish you every success with your protégé?”
“I hope you’re referring to the hound,” Devlin teased.
“Who else?”
Lord Valentine rode out of the stables. The clatter of horse’s hooves on the cobblestones sent Rufus racing to the gate, eager to give their guest a proper farewell.
“Is everything all right?” Devlin drew Juliet around to face him. “You seem agitated.”
The feel of his large, powerful hands on her shoulders was her undoing. She flew at him, wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “I thought you were going riding with Lord Valentine.”
She could feel the uneasiness in his hard body, could hear the rapid beat of his heart.
“And why should the prospect cause you distress?” he asked with some confusion.
“You know how terrified I am of horses.” That was not the whole truth, and she knew she had to find a way to tell him of Mr Biggs’ vile threats, of her father’s unreasonable demand.
His body relaxed. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and held her in a protective cocoon. “I am an accomplished rider, Juliet, although I am touched you feel some concern for my safety. It is promising, considering the fact we married as strangers.”
But they were not strangers anymore.