Before she could reply, she heard the sound of hoofbeats in the inn yard. When she peered out the window again, a sudden chill ran down her spine.
“What is it?” Ash asked when Maura jumped back from the window to avoid being seen.
“There are two riders down there,” she breathed hoarsely. “They could be Deering’s men.…”
Rising, Ash came to stand beside her. “They are not Deering’s men. They are mine.”
“Yours?” Bewildered, Maura inched closer to the window. The two sodden riders dismounted and tethered their equally sodden horses to the hitching post in front and made for the entrance door.
“They are Bow Street Runners,” Ash explained mildly.
She turned to stare at him in disbelief. “You kn-knew they were coming?”
“Yes. I summoned them from London yesterday shortly after we arrived here.”
Shock and fear ran through Maura so strongly she could scarcely breathe. “You. Summoned. Them. You summoned the law.”
“Yes, but you needn’t worry, darling. Here, put this on.”
Pulling a gold signet ring off his third finger, Ash slipped it onto hers. “This will aid our pretense.”
Since the ring was far too large for her, Maura automatically curled her hand around the warm metal to keep it from sliding off, even as she stared blindly up at Ash. “How could you betray me this way?”
“I promise I will explain later, love. For now just hold your tongue and let me handle the Runners.”
How could she hold her tongue when she wanted to cry and rail at him? But what choice did she have?
It was not long before a businesslike rap sounded at their chamber door. Maura stood frozen in her tracks while Ash bid entrance.
Evidently he recognized the taller of the two wiry men who stepped into the room. “Ah, Mr. Linch, welcome. You made good time.”
“We set out as soon as your letter arrived, your lordship,” Linch replied. “You said the matter was urgent.”
“Indeed it is. Shut the door, if you please.” Ash slid his arm around Maura’s rigid shoulders. “My love, this is Mr. Horace Linch of Bow Street. Linch, this is my betrothed, Miss Collyer.”
Maura winced at his blatant falsehood, but kept silent when Ash got straight to business.
“As I said in my letter, until recently the stallion belonged to Miss Collyer before being sold to Viscount Deering. Two nights ago I took Emperor from his stall at Deering’s London residence as payment for a gaming debt.”
At his second lie, Maura turned to stare up at Ash. So that was his plan: Establishing her innocence by claiming he had been the one to steal the priceless horse from Deering’s stables—and contending that his disagreement with the viscount was merely a civil dispute between two peers.
Maura knew she had guessed correctly when he continued.
“You see, Mr. Linch, I wish to handle this matter privately with Deering while ensuring the stallion’s safety. As you can imagine, my betrothed is exceedingly worried for her beloved horse.” He smiled fondly down at Maura. “I have hired Bow Street to protect Emperor, my love, so you may calm your fears.”
When she remained mute with astonishment, he returned his attention to the agents. “I have sent for my coach and servants. When they arrive later today, you are to escort two of my grooms and the stallion to my estate in Kent and safeguard them, since Deering may take issue with how I chose to confiscate my property. You are well armed, as I requested?”
“Aye, my lord,” both Runners replied at once.
“Good. I don’t expect any serious trouble, but I want you to be prepared. Naturally you will be well paid for your efforts.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Linch said, apparently content with the financial arrangements.
“I trust I can count on your total discretion? I don’t want Deering to know where we have taken the stallion until I tell him myself.”
“Most certainly.”
“Excellent. Then you may wait for my servants downstairs, Mr. Linch. Our good landlord will provide you with dry clothing and a hot meal at my expense. As soon as you are safely off to Kent with the stallion, Miss Collyer and I plan to return to London in my carriage.”