Lady Valentine's Affair

Chapter Seven

Seven

Day Two...

The phaeton bounced and jostled along the frozen roadway heading into the village on the outskirts of Anthony's ancestral home. Nerves assailed Gwen as the first glimpse of rooftops came into view. She'd visited the village only once, very briefly after the wedding. She had no idea how the villagers would accept their absentee lady, and to make matters worse Anthony had scarcely spoken a word to her all morning. Gwen smoothed shaky hands along the line of decorative buttons running down her burgundy wool riding coat, uncertain what to make of his change in mannerism. They'd shared a rather wonderful day yesterday, and now...

Had he lost interest in her so quickly? Or was he simply preoccupied by catching the highwaymen?

She drew a deep breath, turning her thoughts back to the conversation with the magistrate yesterday afternoon. Anthony had been furiously intense, almost frightening. She bit back a smile as the events following the magistrate's departure flashed through her mind.

She glanced at his pensive face from the corner of her eye and elected to put her theory to the test. She slipped an arm through his and scooted a little closer. "It's such a beautiful morning." She paused, waiting for a response. When none proved forthcoming she continued, "I absolutely love winter in the country. The lovely blankets of snow stretching as far as the eye can see, and the way the ice crystalizes on the tree branches and sparkles like diamonds."

Anthony flicked a quick gaze around them. "Yes," he said curtly, "it's lovely."

Disappointed Gwen withdrew her arm and settled back in the seat with her gloved hands folded in her lap. She remained silent as they rolled into the village.

Despite the wintery weather and the chill in the air, the town was alive with activity, not at all the sleepy country village Gwen had envisioned. Several people bustled about the street, some on foot while others pulled or sat in small carts. Women carried baskets covered with colorful clothe and called out greetings to their neighbors, and two young boys of perhaps ten years old led a trio of goats down the road. At first no one seemed to notice the presence of Lord Valentine, but as Anthony drove the cart deeper into the village the fine phaeton and sleek horse began to draw notice. The happy bustle of the villagers faded and soon many stopped to stare.

Gwen gulped, unease settling in her belly. "The tenants don't look very happy to see us," she murmured to Anthony.

"I noticed," he responded under his breath. He steered the phaeton up to a small inn with a hitching post outside. He quickly swung down from the vehicle and tied up the horse before turning back to assist Gwen down. Together they stood beside the phaeton, as total silence overtook the villagers.

After a lengthy—and very uncomfortable—silence, an older man in a felt hat and thick wool coat stepped forward. "Good morning, my lord. What brings you to the village this fine morning?" Despite the polite inquiry the man's expression and tone was anything but welcoming.

Anthony cleared his throat, and stepped forward. "It has come to my attention that highwaymen have been attacking people on our lands. I was unaware of these events until Lady Valentine and I were attacked at gunpoint two nights ago."

An uneasy murmur hummed through the crowd as many of the villagers shared disgruntled looks.