The Raven's Revenge by Gina Black

Katherine said, her voice quiet but firm. “’Tis not your right to question me,” she said to Jeremy. Then softer, to Nicholas, “Please, put away that weapon.”
    Nicholas kept his eyes fixed on Jeremy. “Your mistress is right.” He lowered his arm, but kept it ready should the boy suddenly move again. “Let us talk inside. Is there anyone else in the stables?”
    The boy shook his head.
    Nicholas nodded at the pitchfork. “You can put that down before we go in.”
    Jeremy inclined his head stiffly and tossed the tool onto the ground. It hit a rock with a loud clang.
    Nicholas sucked in a breath. He took Katherine’s arm and waved at the boy with his gun. They followed him into the dark building.
    Flint sparked onto tinder, illuminating the boy’s face while he lit a lantern. The wavering light revealed neat, austere surroundings. Clean, oiled saddles hung tidily on pegs alongside harnesses and bridles, yet there was a feeling of disuse. Most of the stalls were empty. Nicholas lowered the firearm to his side.
    Jeremy spoke to Katherine. “Is he that highwayman?”
    “Who I am is of no concern to you,” said Nicholas.
    “’Tis of great concern,” the young man affirmed.
    Katherine shook off Nicholas’s hand, and pulled back her hood. “Jeremy, this is Mr. Ed—“
    “I am Katherine’s cousin.” Nicholas spoke over her.
    Katherine blinked. “Ah, yes. Mr. Eddington will be accompanying me to London, to see my other cousin.”
    Jeremy eyed Nicholas. “He does not look like safe company, and ’tis a strange hour you have picked to begin your journey.”
    “’Twill be aright, Jeremy.” Katherine sighed. “Let us be off with no trouble. I must go because Father has planned I will say my spousals tomorrow with Richard Finch.”
    Jeremy looked at Katherine. “I would have agreed to take you.”
    “I thank you for that, Jeremy. But, you see, my cousin is bound in that direction.”
    The lad frowned, caught in obvious indecision. Then he smiled at her, and Nicholas could see she had won him over.
    Nicholas stepped forward. “We shall need two horses.”
    Jeremy shook his head. “She don’t ride.”
    “All right,” said Nicholas, almost shouting his frustration. “The only way to get to London I can think of if ‘she don’t ride’ is for her to ride with me. Together. In which case, we shall only need one horse.”
    Katherine pursed her lips.
    The little cat yawned and began to purr.
    Nicholas took Katherine’s lack of argument for agreement.
    “I think ‘twould be better,” Jeremy said, addressing himself to Katherine, “if I get two horses.” He put out a hand to still her protest. “I will accompany you. It will take me just a moment to make ready.”
    “No, Jeremy. I cannot ask that of you,” Katherine said.
    “You are not asking,” he corrected her. “I will feel much better if I can see you are safe.”
    “Fine,” agreed Nicholas looking heavenward. “While we talk, the night wanes. If we do not leave soon ’twill be morning.” He turned to Jeremy. “You get two horses, and whatever else you require. And be quick.”  
    He took Katherine by the arm and guided her through the door, then helped her collect her satchels. One was very heavy and held several book-shaped objects. Could they really be books? And she had thought she would walk to London carrying them?
    Keen disappointment ran through Nicholas when he saw the mounts Jeremy led from the stables. Personal inspection of the stalls confirmed the lad’s declaration that the two mares were the best Ashfield had to offer. And to think that these stables had once been renowned for their horseflesh.
    He could feel Katherine tremble as he took her by the waist and lifted her onto their horse. Her complexion appeared waxen in the moonlight. In her eyes was the same dull resignation he’d seen on the faces of Christians sold in the slave markets of Algiers. He made an effort to be gentle while he settled her on the animal