Page 44 of Finding Hope
“I should not have said anything,” Patience said repentantly.
“The notes are putting me on edge, as well. But none of them have threatened my life.”
“Besides, I do not think anyone would be so bold as to try to shoot you with so many people nearby,” Grace reasoned. “’Twould be very risky.”
“I do not wish to speak about it anymore.” Hope found that she had already been dwelling on the uneasy feeling and if she thought someone was now trying to kill her, it would make her suspicious beyond measure.
“Are you in pain?”
“Only a little, now.”
“You should rest. We will escort you upstairs.”
“The doctor did not say I needed to go to bed!” The last thing she wanted was to be alone with her thoughts.
“Very well, what do you wish to do? It will still be a few hours before the hunt is finished, I suspect.”
“Perhaps we may join the other ladies?” Grace suggested.
“I think reading in the bath house might be more restful,” Patience suggested as an alternative. “I know I am a bit chafed and sore from all of the jumping.”
“And I would like to continue with the second volume of my book,” Grace agreed.
Hope did not think she felt like reading, but she would never admit as much. She loved the bath house and could sit there for hours. As Hope began to stand, they could hear a commotion in the entrance hall.
“It sounds as though the hunters are returning,” Grace remarked.
“If you would rather go and see your friends, I do not mind. I can keep myself company,” Hope said.
Before they could hurry out of the room to see, a visitor appeared in the doorway.
“Faith!” they all exclaimed at once.
Grace was first to throw her arms around their beloved sister, followed by Patience. Hope remained on the sofa, filled with happiness at Faith’s return.
Faith caught Hope’s gaze. “What has happened? Lord Brosner said you and Rotham had been shot?” Faith asked as she came over to sit beside Hope and gave her a hug.
“Thankfully, the bullet lodged in my bonnet. The doctor says there will be no long-term effects.”
“How could that have even happened?”
“A poacher is what they believe. They were searching for him as we left to bring Hope to the house,” Patience explained.
“Well, thank the heavens nothing worse happened.”
“I am so glad you are here,” Hope said, suddenly feeling the urge to cry. She batted away the tears that threatened.
“Westwood received Rotham’s note and thought it was best if we were here,” Faith said. “Is something else wrong? Not that being shot isn’t enough to bring anyone to tears.”
Hope’s throat was tight, and she gently shook her head, which made her wince. How could she explain?
Patience walked over and closed the door. “Someone has been sending her notes,” she said quietly. “Not threatening, but not quite admiring either.”
“Like compliments laced with warnings,” Hope clarified. “I can see no reasoning for them.”
Faith furrowed her brow. “I can see why you would be disconcerted. We are here now and will resolve everything.”
Hope prayed Faith was right. She certainly felt better having her near.
