Page 78 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Persephone
Northumberland, England April 1813
Being in the house with her dear friends once again was something that she had missed.
She walked to where Brooks stood next to the large bed, and a fire blazed in the fireplace, making the room warm.
He kissed her and then helped her undress and made love to her until she fell asleep in his arms.
Her sleep was something she had missed and sorely needed.
And being back in her husband's large, warm arms, it was the trick to get her to sleep. She knew she would not be able to without him wrapped around her like he did.
It was obvious from the past few days when he was out looking for Rose.
And now that they were out in the country, this added protection from Bruce and Kitty was exactly what she needed.
She woke once when dawn was streaking across the sky and Brooks stirred next to her.
He kissed her shoulder, “Go back to sleep love.” He whispered, still groggy from sleep.
She did as he asked, shutting her eyes and falling back into a dreamless sleep until he roused next to her and got out of bed, re-making the fire and then climbing back in beside her in the chilly room.
She smiled at him, “I love you.”
He kissed her, “I love you. Are you happy to be here?”
She nodded, “So happy. The further we got away from London, the happier I got. I feel like I was still so worried there that they would find me. And now? Now I can finally be myself. Be free.”
He grinned, “We certainly can. I cannot wait to start our lives. The way we should have from the beginning.”
She let out a sigh and Brooks jumped from the bed, “Let’s get dressed and go see Aidan and Rhia. Then we can go to the cottage.”
She laughed and he helped her get out of bed, and then to dress.
She had gotten used to his help now and knew no lady’s maid would ever do.
And she told him so. He threw his head back and laughed and then thanked her.
She pulled her hair into a braid and pinned it up in the back of her hair.
Then they left the room and walked down to the dining room, where the sounds of talking were coming from.
They peeked inside and Rhia noticed them and gestured for them to come in, “Good morning! Please come join us.”
Aidan stood and gestured for two more places to be set and then grinned as they walked over.
Lydia and Jacob were at the table and Lydia jumped up from her seat and hurried around the table to come and hug them.
“Oh, my dear girl. I am so relieved to see you this morning. And that you are well. How have you fared? I know that being taken by your parents must have been shocking.”
She looked over at Brooks and he shrugged, “Lily must have told them.”
Lydia nodded and gave Brooks a quick double kiss on his cheeks, which he returned. “Lily did write to us about that. She also begged us for the protection of your maid. She feared for you and for her.”
Persephone gasped, “Anneliese? Is she all right?”
Lydia smiled, “Of course darling. She is well. I assure you.”
