Page 80 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

It was the maid Dora who’d called out, and she was squinting against the sleet.

“What are you doing out here without a coat or hat, Dora?” Lady Kathryn demanded.

“Er—” Dora’s gaze flickered from Lady Kathryn to Stacia and then back, something about her expression…off. “Lady Addiscombe sent me to fetch you.”

“Her ladyship is up and about?” Stacia asked before Lady Kathryn could answer. “Perhaps I should—”

“No. It sounds as if she wants me,” Lady Kathryn said. “You continue playing,” she ordered, shoving the clues into Stacia’s hands. “I will see what my mother wants and rejoin you. Come along, Dora. You will catch your death of cold out here.”

Stacia watched until they disappeared and then turned to find Lord Shelton waiting for her, a sardonic smirk on his face.

“I’m sure—” she broke off and bit her lip.

“What are you sure about?”

“Nothing.”

His smirk grew, and it irked her into speaking. “I am sure you have better things to do than play this game. You needn’t stay,” she said primly, and then headed toward the stables, not looking to see if he was coming or not.

“I am enjoying myself,” he said, catching up to her easily with his long strides. When she didn’t answer, he said, “How is your little dog faring?”

“He is fine.” That sounded abrupt and rude, so she relented and added, “He has been up and about, there is no keeping him lying down. But Mr. Higgins keeps him in a stall, so at least he cannot put too much strain on the injury.”

“He looked to be a sturdy little beast. I daresay he will heal quickly.”

“I, er, spoke to the post mistress and also the innkeeper about him. Thank you for that suggestion.”

“I am pleased to be of use.”

Stacia pursed her lips as she studied his face for mockery. But he looked innocent. Almost suspiciously so.

There were several stable lads and grooms hovering about the entrance to the stables, all of them looking amused—no doubt at the foolishness of the treasure hunt—and one of them called out to Lord Shelton when they approached. “Going riding, my lord? Shall I saddle Drake for you?”

“Not today, Gerald. Today I am hunting treasure.”

The men chuckled, their gazes sliding to Stacia in a way that made her face heat.

“Here is your next clue, my lord,” Gerald said.

Lord Shelton took the piece of paper and handed it to Stacia. “Has everyone else already come and gone?”

“No, you are the first, my lord.”

“The first?” Lord Shelton turned to Stacia. “You are a very good partner, indeed, Miss Martin.”

She ignored the joyful leaping in her chest and moved past the clutch of servants, eager to be out from under their curious eyes.

Once they’d gone inside the building a few feet, she stopped and unfolded the clue.

Lord Shelton leaned closer to read, the action bringing a subtle whiff of cologne, leather, and wool with him.

Stacia filled her lungs and held the scent inside her. How could a person smell so good? How?

“I have many arms but no legs,” he read aloud. After a moment, he looked up. “What do you think?”

Stacia shook her head and repeated the clue, “I have many arms but no legs.”

Voices drifted in from outside and Stacia heard the Duke of Chatham say, “Are we the first?”