My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Hazel Statham

before or after we rescue Harry and the babe?”
    “Oh, after, sir. Most definitely after!”
    “Then I am still of some use to you? You have not quite given up on me?”
    “That I never would,” she replied once more serious, and he surprised her by catching her fingers and briefly pressing them to his lips - then the moment was gone.
     
    ***
    Proctor approached the rocks cautiously not wishing to be thought to intrude but the duke beckoned him forward. “How fares the mare now?” he asked rising.
    “ She is somewhat restored, your grace,” Proctor replied, “but in truth I don’t think it wise that she should be ridden.”
    Jane rose and clutched the duke ’s arm. In an anxious voice she said, “We cannot leave her here, Robert.”
    “There is no need,” reassured the duke. “Hills shall lead her, she will not be abandoned, never fear. Now if you are rested we will recommence our journey.  At last the end is in sight.” To Proctor he said, “The grey is strong and healthy, therefore, Miss Chandler will ride with me.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    They certainly did look like a troupe of nomads as they entered Elvas late that night. A more tired looking group of travelers would have been hard to imagine. Much to Jane’s relief and against all odds, the little mare had survived the journey, although it would not have been wise to expect her to travel further.
    Wellington ’s men and their followers had often frequented Elvas as it was possible to purchase almost anything from its vast array of shops, but so late in the evening everywhere was quiet, with few inhabitants to be seen in the streets. Proctor proved his worth by charting them through the narrow streets to the inn where Harry was reported to be held, and when they entered the yard, did much of the ordering of things.
    “At last,” breathed Jane with a heavy sigh, turning within the circle of the duke’s arm. It was only then that she realized just how exhausted he was, the journey having taken its toll.
    Now that they had arrived at their destination, Robert had allowed his shoulders to droop and his chin to rest on his chest, but the thought of what Jane was about to face forced him upright once more.
    “Yes, finally we arrive, my dear,” he said, with a weary smile. His own apprehension was as keen as Jane’s and uncertain of what they would find, he forbore to say more. In silence, he dismounted and raising his arms, lifted her from the horse, finding it necessary to steady her until the feeling returned to her stiffened limbs.
    As Proctor came to lead the grey to the stable, she gave a brief nod indicating that she was prepared to enter the inn and taking her elbow, Robert led the way.
    Once inside the inn ’s poorly lit hallway, they were immediately shown into a low-pitched, private parlor whilst Hills sought out the proprietor for news of Harry.
    As they stood by the hearth, awaiting Hills ’ return, Jane apprehensively slid her hand into the duke’s arm. “What shall I do if we are too late, Robert?” she pleaded, anxiously looking up at him with fearful eyes. “I cannot bear this uncertainty. Hills seems to have been gone this age and still no news.”
    He patted her hand with a reassurance he was far from feeling, only too aware of the uncertainty of their journey. “Take heart, my dear, we will soon know all. I can’t believe we have come all this way for nothing. Surely there is some justice in this world.”
    Hills almost burst into the room at that moment with a triumphant grin on his usually dour countenance.
    “Miss Chandler, your grace,” he beamed, “Major Chandler is improved and although he now sleeps and his man will not allow him to be wakened, he is out of immediate danger.”
    With a small cry, Jane started forwa rd. “Whether he sleeps or not, I must see him immediately.  I must be assured that all is well,” and she pushed past Hills out into the narrow hallway.
    A small rotund man of