Pain was often reflected in one’s expression—unless one was a master at hiding their emotions—which was surely why he studied her face for longer than necessary.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
She smiled. “Yes. I’m fine.” No doubt her legs would be littered with bruises in the morning. And the infernal ache in her chest never went away.
Nicholas reached up and plucked a leaf from her hair. “Amid the panic, and while checking for injuries, I tossed your bonnet into the undergrowth. I’m afraid it’s crushed. On our return to London, I shall purchase a new one.”
“Pay it no mind. It was old and needed replacing.” It was new, but if Nicholas bought her a hat, she would never take it off, not even to bathe.
“You have a small bump on your head,” he said, pointing to the place that throbbed a little. “There’s a tiny graze. Nothing serious.”
Helen pressed her fingers to the lump, aware he must have examined her thoroughly while she slept. Annoyed with herself for missing it.
Needing a diversion, she scanned the verdant fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. There were no houses, no men out working, just animals grazing. “What are we to do now?”
Nicholas thought for a moment. “We find somewhere to rest while your groom rides to the Saddlers Inn and waits for Sebastian.”
“But there isn’t a house for miles.”
A snort escaped him. “I was thinking of an empty barn or stable. You cannot be seen alone with me, Miss Langley.”
“Could we not remain here?” She motioned to the wreckage. It would serve as a temporary shelter. “With Jenkins’ help, you could right the carriage and we could wait inside. Sebastian won’t be far behind.” It would not take him long to gather figures and compose a letter. He was as intelligent as he was stubborn.
“And have the demon driver return to finish what he started?” Nicholas’ suspicious gaze flicked to the road. “Why push us over the edge if he didn’t mean to kill us?”
She suppressed a wave of alarm. “When his temper cools, no doubt he will feel very foolish. It must have been a misunderstanding. A case of mistaken identity.”
Why would anyone want to harm them?
Then a host of terrible thoughts struck her. Did Sebastian have secret gaming debts he couldn’t pay? Were his creditors out to scare him? Find the money or pay the penalty?
No, else he would not have increased her dowry.
Did the opposers of the mining scheme want rid of him? Had he stayed behind believing he was a target?
No, he’d given the impression he was journeying with them.
Still, something was definitely amiss.
Helen braced her hands on her hips. “Perhaps you should tell me why my brother let me travel alone with you.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“He is not writing to his solicitor.”
Nicholas shrugged. “Why would he lie?”
“You tell me,” she said, despite knowing he would never betray a trust. “Liars always get their comeuppance. In this case, we shall pay the price for my brother’s devious tales.”
Nicholas fell silent.
“Now is not the time for secrets, Mr St Clair.” He had something to hide. An icy chill swept over her. Was Nicholas the target? “We’re like family.” She inwardly groaned at her choice of words, but needs must. “You can trust me as you trust my brother.”
The groom chose that moment to cough and clear his throat, determined to get their attention. “Jenkins said there’s a farmhouse half a mile from here, sir. The other side of that copse.”
A farmhouse!
No!