A Fistful of Dust Read Free

expedition.”
    If he meant to suggest a lady should not be gallivanting about the universe, he’d find it a matter of dissension when it came to Annabelle…or so Nathaniel thought.
    “The young lady will surely listen to such good counsel as yours.” Annabelle’s very words indicated how strongly she objected to the other woman’s inclusion, but why, Nathaniel could not begin to guess. They had no time for debate, interrupted by a door opening and a swish of skirts.
    Thomas, the governor-general’s aide and secretary, appeared on the young lady’s heels. “My apologies, sir.” His flustered tone did not match his expression, making Nathaniel frown.
    “Do not apologise for me!” A shrill voice snapped out. The newcomer looked upon them as though assessing rabble, although he could well appreciate her ire if she were the fiancée of the missing man. Her attitude only seemed to falter when she set sight of Annabelle, but she quickly regained her composure. Surely, the arrival of a second outspoken female would cause Routledge to bluster even more.
    It did not. If anything, the governor-general seemed to puff up with something similar to… Not pride. More like triumph.
    Fools . Sir Henry’s posting had been one intended to make use of his years of military experience, one that made it possible to overlook certain…misdemeanours of manipulation as well as dalliances with the fairer sex. Nathaniel didn’t believe or suspect Routledge guilty of a casual or intimate relationship with this young lady; however, that did not mean Routledge was beyond using her obvious charms to his own advantage in other ways. Routledge was about to make fools of them all.
    “I truly do understand your reluctance to help those you do not know, but I implore you.” The young lady wrung her hands. “Will you not help one of Her Majesty’s subjects in the most heartrending pursuit trying to ascertain what has happened to the man she loves?”
    In reply, Arnaud studied the floor. Folkard squared his shoulders. Annabelle rolled her eyes. Nathaniel watched the entertainment.
    “Forgive me…Miss Highmore, I presume?” Annabelle turned to look at Routledge. “Sir. With respect, I must protest that I do not appreciate being ambushed in this manner.”
    Tu tu tu noises erupted from Sir Henry’s throat. Before he could recover, Folkard spoke. “You must appreciate what Miss Somerset is trying to say. I suggest the presence of Miss Highmore appears to be somewhat contrived.” So Nathaniel wasn’t the only one thinking that. “However.”
    “Sir! The Realm does not leave a man behind!” Routledge cut in.
    “ However ,” Folkard resumed, “we will help.” If he noticed the others were surprised, he did not show it. “I take it as we are restocking supplies there is time for us to rest up and ascertain the details a little later? Over dinner?”
    “To be sure, to be sure.”
    “Then, we will retire to freshen ourselves and rest before we dine.” Folkard’s sweeping gaze seemed to indicate it was time for them all to leave the room.
    As they stood to follow Folkard’s stride, the lady moved aside and in her movements came face…to chest with Nathaniel. A small gasp left her before her gaze wandered, coming to rest on his face. Maybe his height alarmed her, but whatever caused her to startle brought a most peculiar expression to Annabelle’s mien. At least the encounter provided her with merriment for the first time in weeks.
    As to…this lady, her hair appeared to be only slightly paler than her skin and she was waif-like to the point where a single breath might blow her out of existence. That she had followed her missing fiancé spoke of some hidden fortitude, perhaps, but were times changing so much that no woman would remain at home?
    As they trouped out, Nathaniel replied to Arnaud’s raised eyebrow. “The goose is not cooked; however, it is wild. The phrase you sought was a wild goose chase, and it seems that we are