Page 73 of The Ones Left Behind
“That was my fault. When you reached me earlier today, I was at a point of desperation. I had not had a meal in days and was beginning to feel as though the world was closing upon me,” Henry explained.
“We should see that you have a proper meal before you go. I will also have Cook pack what she may in the way of provisions.”
“Actually,” Henry said sheepishly, suddenly looking very like the young boy she had known, “I went to the kitchen first.”
Kitty’s hands went to her hips. “Do you mean to say you were raiding the larder while we were out looking for you?” she scolded.
“Well, I suppose that is the way of it, but I was starving and I wanted to speak to Matthias alone first, without any interference.”
She shook her head. “Be off with you and take a bath and then you will give me a proper hug before you leave.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He cast an exaggerated bow and then winced.
“Are you hurt?” She could not help but notice the grimace.
“Preston winged me in the hip—fortunately not in a place infection is common, but it still smarts when I move it a certain way.”
“I can sympathize,” Matthias said wryly. “By the by, where did you hit Preston?”
“In the shoulder, as one is supposed to.” Henry shuddered. “I was not trying to kill him, give you my word.”
Matthias nodded. “Have that bath now and do us all a favour.” Hornsby had arrived and was waiting to go with Henry.
“You are riper than a fly-infested dunghill.” Hornsby did not mince words as he wrinkled his nose.
Henry held up his hands in surrender. “I think everyone present has now mentioned the rancid odour of my person.” He turned to leave but stopped on the threshold and looked back. “I am happy to see the two of you are together at last, as it should be. Now, brother, I suggest you set about having a proper heir.”
When they were finally alone, Matthias sat down on the chair he had earlier vacated and pulled Kitty into his lap.
“Thank you,” he said, speaking softly in her ear.
“For what?” She tilted her head back to look up at him.
“For coming to my defence. Henry would not have stood a chance against your wrath.” She felt him smile against her forehead. “I do not think my fiercest trooper would have held the line against it either.”
“I have always thought they should allow women in the army. War would be a much shorter affair if so. You know what they say about the wrath of a woman scorned. But this...” She choked a little with emotion. “This was pure selfishness.”
“How so? You were trying to save my life.”
“Because, you tomfool, I do noteverwant to live without you again.” She could feel her chin begin to quiver as the reality of all that had happened—and what could have happened—set in. It felt good to be in his arms at last, but what a journey it had been to get there!
“Ah. If that is the way the wind blows, we had better attend to saying our vows as soon as may be.”
“I cannot think Mr. Henderson would object to marrying us later today if he is at liberty to do so. I am sure there has been sufficient time for any objections to be made since Sir Nigel so kindly made the announcement for us at church.”
Matthias laughed. “Who would ever have believed we would be thanking him for anything?”
“We must repay him by having a small ceremony at the chapel here and not inviting him.”
“You have read my mind,” Matthias said and kissed her with such passion that she almost forgot where she was. “Shall we invite the rest of the village instead?”
Kitty laughed. “As amusing as that would be, I think I would prefer a private ceremony amongst those of our friends who are here.”
“We can always hold a big celebration afterwards... perhaps when I can walk again.”
Some time later, when she was in his arms, leaning snugly against him, Kitty thought she could never be so happy again.
“Do you know why I fell earlier?” Matthias asked.
