Page 53 of The Wise Daughter
Mr. Lacy’s eyes finally found Aaron’s. There was gratitude in those eyes, and approval. Aaron sensed that the dread they had shared in the last hour counted for more in his future father-in-law’s esteem than all Aaron’s wealth and status combined. They both wanted nothing more than to care for Nora and see her safe.
With this newfound sense of fellowship, Aaron patted Mr. Lacy’s shoulder. “It was a comfort knowing you were searching for her.”
Carver, looking proper and formal even in his nightclothes, approached. “We are all relieved you are all right, Miss Lacy.”
Nora eased back to Aaron’s side like a child who wanted to hide. “Thank you, Mr. Carver.”
Aaron greedily took Nora’s hand, giving in to his urgent need to be close now that he had experienced the fear of losing her. “Yes, thank you for your help tonight, Carver.”
“Happy to oblige. I must say, I’m surprised none of us were able to find you, Miss Lacy. Where had you wandered off to?”
“It doesn’t matter where she was, Carver. What matters is that she is safe and unharmed.”
“Of course, Your Grace. I’m only shocked by this trouble. What good fortune that Miss Lacy was away when the fire started.”
Chuff stomped over and wiped his glistening, soot-stained forehead with his forearm. “That’s it, Your Grace. The fire’s extinguished. We made sure of it.”
“You and everyone who has helped have my deepest thanks. Carver, Chuff, please see that everyone here has the chance to go to the kitchen for any refreshment they need after such an exhausting endeavor. I hate to wake Mrs. Bloom, but I daresay, she’s already awoken with all the commotion. Everyone may have their choice of meats, fruits, cakes, breads, sweets, whatever they want. Cleaning up can wait until morning. Late morning.”
“Thank you.” Chuff looked excessively relieved.
Mr. Lacy gave his daughter one last embrace. “Nora, if you’re all right, I’ll return to my room now. These old bones won’t support my tired weight any longer.” He released a long, dramatic yawn. “You’re in good hands. Good night, Nora. Your Grace.”
“Good night, Father.” When Mr. Lacy was out of sight, Nora looked up at Aaron. “Have you noticed how he treats us as if we are already married?”
“Does it matter? We are engaged.”
“Yes, but…” She bit her lip, her cheeks crimsoning enough to appear aflame even in the hushed candlelight. “I never expected to be in such compromising situations. Or so many.”
Compromising?Was she still thinking about the possibility of breaking their engagement? She couldn’t be. He had felt her heart hammering against his just minutes ago as he held her. There were looks and feelings between them, enough to convince him something was building, and yet, the doubt still wedged in his thoughts, impossible to brush away.
“Nora, I don’t want anyone to know where you will be staying tonight. For your own protection. I was planning on showing you to a new bedchamber myself.” He felt the deepest flush wash over his face,down to his chest. “But if it is too improper, if you would rather I ask Mrs. Manning, I can have her arrange something.”
She looked over her shoulder to where a few men still lingered, cleaning debris and buckets before making their way to the kitchens or their beds. If she worried about compromising situations, he would not force her to follow him, but the part of him that wanted to protect her like a soldier in battle hoped she would agree.
“I think it would be safest if I follow you.”
A wave of relief rolled over his shoulders. Perhaps she was learning to trust him after all. First, he led her to another floor with guest rooms. He didn’t know whether any of them would actually be ready for guests, but it didn’t matter. They weren’t what he had in mind anyway. It was only a precaution for appearances in case anyone was attempting to follow them. He took his time, leading her through the corridors. Once he was sure no one was watching, he led her to his study.
“Aaron, why are we here? Why the confusing route?”
“To keep you safe. You’ll see what I mean.” Though it was dark, it only took him a moment to open the door hidden behind his bookcase. “This is my favorite room for many reasons.”
“Not another passageway.” She frowned but followed him anyway.
Inside, his heart hammered as she clung to him. Having relinquished his candle to have his hands free, they were in complete darkness. It wasn’t his preferred way to traverse the castle either, but if he was truly to protect her, he had to prepare her with knowledge. With her hand in his, he taught her how to navigate by touch, what to feel for and how to test whether she was in the correct passage.
“This wooden rail will lead you back to my mother’s music room, but when you feel the break in wood, you must turn left and anticipate the stairs. If you follow to the right, you shall find the hidden garden.”
He tried to keep his focus on guiding her, but it was impossible not to notice the softness of her hands and the clean, apple blossom scent in her hair.
She jumped suddenly and gave a muffled cry, her whispers frantic. “Aaron, something just scurried past my foot!”
“Just another mouse.”
She took a fistful of his night shirt and pulled his face close to hers. “I know someone just made an attempt on my life tonight, but thus far, the most terrifying moment has been just now when I felt something run past my ankle.”
He covered her hand with his, hugging it to his chest where she must have felt the urgent rhythm of his heart. “I promise to avenge both your beautiful ankles should anything happen to them.”
