Page 96 of Foolish Bride
Could he love a woman who was a murderess?“What are you thinking?”
“I was just thinking that I have never had my life saved by a woman before.” He tucked the cloth inside his jacket and pulled her closer.
“I didn’t know what to do. I saw the knife in your boot and I acted without thinking.” The same sense of panic that gripped her in the carriage returned.
He kissed her forehead. “You did exactly the right thing, love.”
Voices and pounding hooves penetrated the fog. A moment later, Thomas and Daniel rode up.
Thomas dismounted and looked inside the carriage.
“Are you two all right?” Daniel asked.
“A little bruised, but otherwise we’re safe.”
Thomas shook his head. “I guess that solves that problem. You took care of him.”
The three men exchanged a look.
Michael said, “Yes. I took care of him.”
Thomas and Daniel both looked at her.
Grateful that Michael kept her part in the incident a secret, she kept quiet, though she suspected their friends knew the truth. She had done the only thing she could, but still her stomach lurched and her hands shook.
Thomas went to find Inspector Hardwig to manage Roxton’s body and report what had happened.
Middleton arrived last on the scene, but said he would send notes to people in high places, assuring that Roxton’s death was unavoidable. He shook his head. “The man was clearly mad.”
Due to the carriage’s severe damage, Elinor rode the rest of the way on horseback with Michael. While she could have ridden on her own, she was glad for the safety of his arms. Sitting in front of him, she leaned into his chest and tried not to think of the events of the past few days. The heavy haze afforded them some small bit of privacy.
Wet and tired, Michael, Elinor, and the rest of the party returned to Marlton Hall just before dark. The moment they entered the yard in front of the tall wide doors of Marlton’s estate, Elinor’s sense of quiet was shattered.
The butler had the door open before they’d finished dismounting.
Grooms rushed forward to take control of the exhausted animals.
Sobbing, Virginia Burkenstock ran from the door, down the steps, and crushed Elinor in her arms.
“It’s all right, Mother. I am all right.” She patted her mother’s back.
“I was so worried. I was sure you were dead.” Virginia wept.
“All is well, Mother. I have been rescued.”
At that, her mother broke away and turned toward Michael. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again and threw herself against him, sobbing once again. “Thank you, your grace. Thank you. I do not know how to thank you.”
Michael stood with his arms wide and an expression of utter confusion. It was comical, but Elinor’s energy was too sapped even for a laugh.
He looked to Elinor for help, but she just smiled and shrugged.
He patted Virginia’s back. “It is my pleasure to deliver Lady Elinor back to you safely.”
The butler cleared his throat. “Your grace, your brother’s health has taken a turn. Your mother asked for you to come above stairs as soon as you are able.”
Virginia disengaged herself and rushed back to Elinor.
Michael looked at her.
