Page 93 of Never Leave Me
Whatever might happen, he would need another dose to live, perhaps even two. She was going after him prepared to save him, somehow, someway.
The May morning was cool, and she drew the coarse cloak about her further, making sure the hood hid her hair. The stable boy had willingly given her the disguise for two half pennies. He’d also agreed to saddle and bridle a horse as well as unlock the back gate.
Ellen checked both ways, and seeing no one, she set off across the stable yard toward the rear servants’ gate. Thankfully, the horse followed docilely.
Once she was outside the walls of Chesterfield Park, she found herself standing in a field of long grass and wildflowers shrouded in fog. A doe and her fawn glanced up from where they were grazing nearby at the wood’s edge. The moonlight illuminated their big, frightened eyes and noses wet with dew.
As beautiful as the countryside was, she couldn’t dawdle. She mounted the horse and glanced one last time at Chesterfield Park. “Good-bye, Marian.”
At first, Ellen hadn’t wanted to admit to Marian that she’d used some of the holy water for Harrison’s return to the present. But word had spread quickly through the manor that Harrison had fallen ill. She’d reassured everyone that Harrison wasn’t suffering from the plague, but the servants had stayed away nonetheless.
Ellen had instructed Marian not to revive Harrison, knowing he’d remain alive in the present time after his body in 1382 deteriorated and died. She hadn’t left any holy water for herself so that no one would interfere with her plans to rescue Dad. And, as difficult as it had been, she hadn’t left a bottle for Josie either for the same reason, to prevent Harrison from using it on her instead of the little girl.
She hoped she could still find a way to aid Josie, but she also knew that once she was in Lord Worth’s possession, he’d never let her go. He’d hold her captive, using her as a pawn to do all he could to get the wellspring. She just prayed Will and Marian wouldn’t give in to his demands so that her sacrifice would be worth it.
The truth was, she suspected she’d live out her final days with Lord Worth, however long that might be.
Blinking back tears, she started in the direction of Reider Castle, having a vague idea of the direction to go from her recent ride with Nicholas, using the woodland as her guide.
The expanse of the Weald never failed to amaze her. She’d heard the men talking about how the Weald had a life of its own. She took that to mean people also lived within the depths of the Weald and that she would be safest if she stayed along the perimeter.
Although the road was deserted in the early hour, she remainedvigilant. She hadn’t traveled long before she heard the pounding approach of riders. Quickly, she slid off her horse and drew it into the woodland, hoping to avoid detection, especially with the covering of her brown cloak.
As several men passed by, she suspected the party was going to Chesterfield Park, another group of knights joining up with Will. Already one neighbor and his armed men had arrived late last night. Several more had pledged to arrive in the morning. Will and his retinue of retainers along with the other knights planned to ride to Reider Castle in advance of midday and the scheduled execution. She needed to get to Lord Worth well before they did.
When the thudding of the riders faded, she straightened, but not before a hand snaked over her mouth and fingers clamped down on her arm.
Fear spurted through her chest. She jerked against the hold, trying to free herself, and bit down on the hand that cupped her mouth, but all she tasted was the bitterness of a thick leather glove.
Warm breath fanned against her cheek. “It is I, my lady. Nicholas.”
The whispered words penetrated the alarms ringing inside. She ceased her struggle and sagged against him.
“’Tis much too dangerous for a beautiful woman such as yourself to wander the Weald alone.”
She nodded.
“You seem to have a penchant for putting yourself into threatening situations, lady.” His tone was edged with rebuke as he lifted his hand away. “One might begin to believe you have no regard for your life or your future.”
Was Nicholas right? Did she give herself over easily to danger? Maybe the acceptance of her fate had made her more reckless.
“I want to live and have a future.” Somehow the whispered words slipped out. And once they were out, she knew they weretrue, perhaps always had been. She’d simply been too afraid to say them aloud, afraid that if she allowed herself to hope, she’d only end up disappointed.
Nicholas released her and scanned the landscape. “Then you are fortunate I have many eyes and ears throughout the Weald and learned of your presence here before any peril could befall you.”
A cool breeze gusted against her, making her cold outwardly. But now ... the desire to live—truly live—burned hot in her chest. She couldn’t stuff it away any longer.
Nicholas motioned to her horse. “I shall accompany you back to Chesterfield Park anon.”
“No. I’m riding to Reider Castle to offer myself as a prisoner to Lord Worth in exchange for my father.” Even as she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, a part of her hoped Nicholas would stop her.
He pinned her with a dark gaze. He wore his usual chain mail with his sword upon his belt. But this time, he also had a quiver and shouldered a bow. “You cannot expect me to believe Lord Durham approves of such an exchange.”
“No, I don’t expect that of you. I’m doing so without Will’s knowledge.” He’d been too busy making plans to pay her any heed.
“Then you leave me no choice but to return you to him.” His gloved hand clasped her arm.
She yanked away, but his grip only tightened. “Your brother intends to burn my father at the stake at midday, and I am the only one who might be able to stop him.”
