Page 78 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
She placed a foot on a stone bench and hiked her skirts high. A leather scabbard showed, strapped to her thigh. Securing the knife, she threw her skirts back down and stood straight. “Now I am ready to fight.”
Kara and the others let out whoops of joy and pride.
*
Niall tied thecart horse to a sapling in a spot where it could graze on marsh grasses, if it were so inclined. He perched himself on a fallen log a short distance away, where he could both watch the trail they had followed here, and keep an eye on the stretch of shore where the club held their ceremonies.
He was too far away to hear anything, but he could follow the progress of the lantern down the path, and he did see the bonfire when they got it lit. His mind wandered over their situation as he waited. He wondered what the significance of blonde hair was to Royston, and he spent some time plotting out the changes they would need to make at Bluefield until the man was caught.
They would have to fill Harold in on the danger to Beth, but Harold had come from the streets, and he’d held his own in more than a few of their adventures, as well. He would be another watchful eye in the days ahead.
Niall was just wondering if their solicitors had completed the casework for Harold’s adoption when he noticed the sparks flare in the fire at the curve of the lake. A few moments later, the frogs between him and the water abruptly stopped singing.
Niall froze, but a shout rose up from the women at the same moment, and he sighed. He would tease them, in a bit, about being so loud as to silence all the—
He heard the snap of a twig directly behind him, but it was too late. Something smashed into his temple and he toppled off the log.
Chapter Nineteen
“We must stayuntil the fire burns down of its own accord and our visitors depart.” Emelia waved a hand to encompass all of the circle of light.
The four of them sat together then, huddled around the dying fire, speaking of the women who had impacted their lives in the best ways—and in the case of a few, those who had taught them of the sort of woman they did not wish to be.
Kara found her own thoughts drifting once again to her mother. Looking across the fire at the empty benches, she was comforted by the thought that perhaps her mother might have come to lend her wisdom and strength to them all tonight.
Beth certainly seemed uplifted by her ritual. She appeared calm and hopeful, despite the hovering threat of Royston.
Gyda, though, grew distracted again as the fire burned low and the stars above them seemed to multiply. Abruptly, she clutched Kara’s wrist. “Did you see something?”
Kara followed the direction of her friend’s gaze to the dark skies. “No. Did you?”
Gyda stood. “I need to go. I’m sorry. I need a moment. Call for me when you are all ready to leave.” She fled into the dark, in the direction of the water’s edge.
Emelia scooted closer to Kara. “Whatisshe doing?”
Kara shrugged. “Adjusting to her loss? Struggling with the idea of a murderer coming after her friend?”
“Yes, yes, but what is it about these late nights spent staring into the sky?” Emelia threw out her hands. “Even in the city she is creeping out into the garden in her night rail. Twice now, she has spooked one of our members into thinking she is a ghost.”
“I don’t know,” Kara admitted. “But it is harmless enough.”
Emelia straightened. “Bah! You English! Always pushing down or hiding your feelings instead of screaming your anger or crying an ocean over your sorrow. Well!” She stood. “I am just tired and cranky enough, right now, to go and ask her.”
“Emelia, must you?” Kara pleaded. “Let her have her late nights, if that is what helps.”
“And so she shall have them, but I will have my answers as well!” Emelia paused. “Where is that bottle of ouzo?”
Kara sighed as Emelia retrieved the bottle and stalked off into the dark after Gyda. Lifting a shoulder, she gave Beth a half grin.
But Beth looked serious as she moved closer. After a moment, she spoke. “Thank you for helping me do this.”
“Of course.”
“I asked Rob to teach me how to stab a man,” she whispered. “He says it is harder than I imagine.” She looked worried. “I hope I can manage it, if it comes to that.”
Kara took her hand. “Remember what Gyda said when first she gave you that knife, Beth. You need to remember, you are not alone. Not anymore. We will do all that we can to make sure it never comes to that.”
Breathing deeply, Beth nodded. “Thank you. I do remember, and it makes me feel stronger.” They sat for a moment and stared up at the stars. “What do you think Gyda is looking for?” she asked.
