Page 65 of The Ones Left Behind
He cackled. “You have turned practical now, Kitty. Your mourning clothes make you look drab. You used to be fanciful. I used to think you were a little fairy.”
For a moment, Henry had forgotten his agitation and was thinking of a better time. It did not last long, however. He turned his gaze upon her once more.
“Henry, you must do something. You cannot stay here forever.”
“Why not? I have been here for some days and no one has been the wiser.”
“Why not speak to Matthias? He will help you, I assure you. Moreover, Worth or his Runners will hunt you down eventually. Do you want to live like that? Always looking behind you?”
“If I were the Earl, it would be another matter altogether.”
“What are you saying, Henry?” Kitty hoped she had misunderstood.
“Perhaps I shall still be the Earl.” He then looked at her with such fierce intensity, she was terrified he meant it.
She turned and ran away, bursting through the old door, hurrying as fast as her feet would carry her down the hill, not stopping to protect herself from the thorny thicket. Only when she had reached the valley did she pause to catch her breath and relieve the stitch in her side.
What was she to do? She had to warn Matthias!
Once the pain subsided, she forced herself to keep going. She had passed through the worst part in the dark because she had not stopped to consider what lay ahead.
Her arms and legs were still shaking with fear, but it did not appear that Henry had chased after her. Part of her had thought he would change his mind and hold her for ransom against Matthias.
Was he up there now, plotting to kill his brother? Did he really believe he would not be prosecuted if he killed his brother in addition to Viscount Preston?
He has lost his mind—and that made him very, very dangerous. Someone had to bring him to his senses and help him get away.
Kitty passed by the orchard and then came to the path by the lake. Had it only been a few hours since she had been in that dream-like state with Matthias, when they had declared their love for each other still existed? He had wanted her before! It was as if happiness had been dangled in front of her and was about to be snatched away forever.
“Kitty?” a low voice called. “Kitty, is that you?”
She could not make out the face in the dark but it was one of the gentlemen. Relieved, she turned and walked towards the lantern and the voice.
It was Waverley. “Thank God! We have been searching for hours.”
“Forgive me. I told the ladies where I was going. I thought Matthias would understand where I was.”
He put his arm through hers to lead her back to the house. “Goodness, you are shaking! What happened?” He removed his coat and wrapped it about her shoulders.
“I think it would be easier if I told it once.”
Waverley nodded his understanding. “Cover your ears.” He whistled loudly and after a few moments, several of the servants began coming towards them.
“Mrs. Gordon is safe. Everyone can return to the house for now. Spread the word, please.”
The servants acknowledged the Duke and went on their way.
They walked in silence back to the house, Kitty trying to assimilate her thoughts from the predicament they were currently in. Henry was like a fuse about to light a cannon, and time was running out to diffuse him.
Hayes opened the door for them, and his face looked shocked and relieved at the same time.
The Duchess ran out into the entrance hall. “Thank goodness you have been found!”
They walked on into the drawing room, where Matthias and Lady Amelia were waiting for them. Kitty removed her coat and handed it back to the Duke.
“Good God, Kitty! What happened to you? You look as though you have been attacked by a wild cat!” Matthias exclaimed without preamble.
She looked down to see her gown was in shreds and stained with blood. As her nerves began to settle, having reached safety, the sharp sting of her cuts began to make their presence known.
