Page 116 of The Scot’s Secret

Alex attempted an introduction. “May I present Sir Geoffrey Waryn, earl of—”

Before he finished, both innkeepers bowed, obviously embarrassed not to have recognized one of the most powerful men in Northumbria.

“A hot meal is all we require,” Geoffrey said, prompting them to stand.

Alex grinned as they made their way inside the inn. “Why do you insist on appearing thus?” he asked Geoffrey, having wondered the same on their visit to Elkview. The earl looked more like a reiver than he did the lord of Kenshire. His shield was hidden, and no mark on his surcoat identified him. Typically, the English were fond of their armorial bearings.

“Perhaps there is still a bit of reiver in me,” he quipped.

No doubt that was true.

Entering the common room, one more well-appointed than most, Alex looked around but saw just one female besides the innkeeper. Reminding himself he was looking for a lad, Alex squinted, adjusting his gaze to the dim lighting.

“She’s not here,” Geoffrey said beside him.

“Nay.” He turned to Robert. “I want to keep an eye on the innkeeper,” he said quietly as they all sat. “Something seems amiss. Can you search for the merchant’s cart?”

Robert stood up and left without questioning him, a testament to his loyalty to Geoffrey.

They ate, unspeaking, watching those around them. For a reputed smuggler’s den, Keston House was well-kept. The patrons were better dressed and more well-mannered than those at The Anvil Inn.

It was, of course, early in the morn.

“Nothing.” Robert was back already. “I searched inside the stable and didn’t see any sign of it.”

So the woman spoke the truth. Did he just want her to be hiding something? The alternative was unacceptable. It meant Clara was still on the road. Still in danger.

“I know we’ve been travelling all night—” Alex began.

“We’ll keep going,” Geoffrey said.

The innkeeper walked by, and Alex stopped her. “You know Alfred,” he said flatly.

“Aye,” she responded warily.

“Then you know she could be in danger.”

According to Clara, the inn’s owners were Gilbert’s friends, and they’d wanted her to remain with them. Which meant they cared for her.

“How could you have let her leave so soon?”

It was what had been bothering him since the moment they arrived.

“Have ye met her then?”

He didn’t need to ask what she meant. Clara knew he was coming for her. And she was trying to avoid him.

Dammit, Clara!

“Where is she going?”

“She didn’t tell me.”

That, at least, Alex believed. It was the first time he’d sensed truth from the woman. But apart from tearing the inn to shreds, he had no choice but to believe her.

“But I’d guess looking for a tourney,” she added.

Alex handed the woman enough coin to pay for their meal.