Bound By A Scandalous Secret. Diane Gaston

pulled away and climbed into the coach.

      ‘Safe journey,’ Penford said through the window.

      As the coachman was mounting his seat, a horse’s hooves sounded near. A beautiful silver-grey steed appeared beside the coach.

      Rossdale leaned down from his saddle to look inside the coach. ‘You are leaving already!’

      Genna leaned out the window. ‘We must get back.’

      ‘Forgive me for not being here to say a proper goodbye.’ His horse danced restlessly beside them.

      Genna spoke in a false tone. ‘I do not believe I shall forgive you.’ She smiled. ‘But thank you for allowing me to give you a tour of the house. It was most kind.’

      He grinned. ‘It certainly was more than I ever thought it would be.’

      The coach started to move.

      ‘Goodbye!’ Genna sat back, but turned to look out the back window as the coach pulled away.

      Rossdale dismounted from his horse and stood with Penford watching the coach leave.

      They watched until the coach travelled out of their sight.