My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Hazel Statham Read Free Book Online

clap of thunder heralded the storm that was to come.
    “I think it would be prudent to seek accommodation for the night,” Robert said, rapping his cane against the roof of the coach to attract Hills attention, and as his face appeared against the hatch, directed him to find a suitable hostelry.
    “ Could we not have traveled just a little further?” pleaded Jane. “The light is still good.”
    “That may be so, but who knows what kind of accommodation we will find once we have cleared the confines of the town. We have to change horses, therefore we have need of a coaching inn, so we may as well take advantage of the halt to rest until morning. It would not be wise to travel further if there is to be a storm.”
    “You are right of course,” she conceded with a rueful smile. “I confess my limbs are feeling cramped, and I would welcome a hot meal, would not you, sir?”
    “I must admit that a hearty repast would not go amiss,” he agreed, obviously still not in the best of humor. “The thought of a comfortable bed certainly appeals. I can assure you, you will not be troubled with my company for much longer this night.”
    “ Come, sir, could we not cry truce,” she appealed, trying at a reconciliation. “It is entirely my fault; I am not at my best. You of all people should understand my feelings at this moment in time.”
    He hesitated, and seemingly examined the gold signet ring on his little finger before replying in a subdued tone, “That I do, Jane. That I do!”
    Suddenly, in large heavy drops, the rains came unbidden. They drove against the sides of the coach and it became necessary to pull up the windows, the coachman springing the tired horses in an attempt to reach the first coaching inn that would provide a comfortable resting-place for the night.
     
    ***
     
    A bright flash of lightening illuminated the yard followed by a crash of rolling thunder when the travelers finally arrived at the inn. The coachman found it difficult to control the horses as they plunged about in the confines of the enclosure until an ostler emerged from the stables to come to his aid. Hills sprang immediately from the box and ran inside the inn reappearing just a few minutes later to inform his employer that suitable accommodation was available and would be placed immediately at his disposal.
    Issuing orders that they should leave at first light, the duke assisted Jane to alight and with his arm about her shoulders, hurried her into the inn and to the private parlor that Hills had arranged.
    The parlor was a low beamed room of average size with a welcoming blaze in the hearth and two settles drawn close enough for travelers to feel its benefit. A long table with several chairs ranged about it stood in the center, a branch of candles at each end providing the light within the room, its corners remaining in shadow.
    The storm that raged outside made the air chill and casting aside their outer garments the two travelers went to stand before the fire, holding their hands to the blaze. Almost immediately, two maids entered the room to lay the covers and bring ale and wine for their refreshment, bobbing a brief curtsey before making their departure. The proprietor arrived in their wake, bowing low before such an eminent personage as an English duke. In broken English, of which he was very proud, he assured the visitors that they would receive the very best his establishment could offer and discussed with them what dishes they desired for their evening repast.
    When, bowing profusely, he withdrew, the duke noticed that Jane was chuckling silently to herself as she sat on the settle.
    “ What has occurred to amuse you, my dear?” he asked, taking his ease on the opposite seat.
    Eyes dancing, she asked, “Are you always accorded such reverence, sir?”
    “But of course,” he replied soberly. “Should it be any other way?”
    For a moment, she was taken aback by his self-assurance but upon scrutiny, she saw the teasing light in