Part 17 (1/2)

Harry snorted.

”Thank you for your a.s.sistance, Mr Lester.” Lucinda slanted him a smile.

”I,m really most grateful.”

Harry took full note of the quality of her smile. Coolly, he inclined his head and waved her on in Jenkins's wake.

By the end of her tour, Lucinda was impressed. The Barbican Arms, and Mr Jenkins, were a far cry from the Green Goose and Jake Blount. The inn was spick and span throughout; she had found nothing remotely amiss.

Her inspection of the books was a mere formality; Mr Mabberly had already declared the Arms a model of good finance.

She and her host spent a few minutes going over the plans for an extensio re to the inn.

”For we're full to overflowing during race-meets and more than half full at other times.”

Lucinda gave her general approval and left the details for Mr ”Thank you, Mr Jenkins,” 'she declared, pulling on her gloves as they headed for the door.

”I must tell you that, having visited all but four of the fifty-four inns owned by Babbacombe and Company, I Would rank the Barbican Arms as one of the best.”

Mr Jenkins preened.

”Very kind of you to say so, ma'am. We do strive to please.”

With a gracious nod, Lucinda swept out. Once in the courtyard she paused.

Harry stopped beside her; she looked up at his face.

”Thank you for your escort, Mr Lester--I'm really most grateful considering the other demands on your time.”

Harry was too wise to attempt an answer to that. Lucinda's lips twitched; she looked quickly away.

”Actually,” she mused,

”I was considering viewing this race-meet.”

She brought her eyes back to his face.

”I've never been to one before.”

Harry looked down at her ingenuous expression. His eyes narrowed.

”Newmarket race-track is no place for you.”

She blinked, taken aback--Harry glimpsed real disappointment in her eyes.

Then she looked away.

”Oh.”

The single syllable hung in the air, a potent testimony to crushed antic.i.p.ation. Fleetingly, Harry closed his eyes, then opened them.

”However, if you give me your word you will not stray from my side--not to admire some view, some horse or a lady's bonnet--' He looked down at her, his jaw setting.