Page 16 of A Flurry for a Duke

“She’s mine. You can’t have her. You don’t even deserve to look at her.”

“Give ‘er back or I’ll make you.”

“With apples?”

Isaac had gained on the man, only a few yards away now.

“No, with this.” The man finally pulled out a pistol, shaking it at Isaac’s chest.

That stopped him in his tracks. But before he could evaluate his options, he watched as the apple cart owner drew a wooden plank up into the air and landed a heavy blow against the ruffian’s head.

The pistol dropped and Isaac stepped up swinging a right hook into the man’s jaw. He sunk to the ground.

“Tie him up and have him taken in, will you? The man tried to kidnap my woman. I’ve got to get her to safety.”

“Aye, will do.” The apple cart owner took another bite of his gleaming red fruit. “Take one for the road.” He tossed one to Isaac.

And that’s when Issac noticed the snowfall. It was coming down in droves. He ran to his horse and swung up into the saddle where Hope lay. Pulling her upright, he cradled her against his frame. Her head bobbed against his shoulder.

And then he felt a soft breath against his neck. Shivers ran up and down his spine. He blinked hard. Snow was falling on his face. A small warm flake melted down his cheek.

He still had to get them to safety.

By the time he arrived back in the village, the snow was so thick he couldn’t see through it, and Hope was shivering from the cold, wearing only a light pelisse.

There was no time to take her home, so he carried her into the inn. Making eye contact with the tavern owner, he said, “I need a physician. Is there one close?”

The owner canted his head to the right.

“I’m a doctor,” an elderly man sipping tea piped up. “What can I do for you?”

Isaac raised his arms a bit, showing off the bundle he was carrying.

With a click of his tongue, the physician said, “Right. Well, then. Let’s go.”

It didn’t take long for him to check her body.

“Must have been knocked out by something. Haven’t seen the likes of this before. You sure she didn’t take something herself? Laudanum? Opium?”

“No. I’m sure,” Isaac glared at the man. “Someone just tried to kidnap her.”

“Hmm…”

And then Isaac could see the skepticism in his eyes. “How long beforemy wifewakes up?”

“Can’t say…” The physician prodded Hope with his finger. “Never seen this before.” He poked her again.

“If that’s all you’re going to do, I can certainly take it from here. I’d say thank you, but I’m not sure why.”

The doctor clicked his tongue. “I’ll be on my way. Got to walk home before I get snowed in here. These flurries don’t look like they’re about to quit any time soon.” He made it to the door and turned back. “One more thing. Order yourself some food. And don’t shake your head at me. You may look calm, but I can see you’re rattled. It’s not easy to think of basic needs like food at a time like this, but you’ll be needing your strength to take care of her. And when she wakes up, she’ll be needing some sustenance.”

“Fine. Have them send up a maid, will you?”

“Will do.” The man nodded and quit the room.

Within minutes a maid had appeared and Isaac ordered food, beverages, and clean water to be brought up.

Hope lay on the bed soundly while Isaac peered out the window. A vertical blanket of snow greeted him. It was about time it finally came, but of all the days, of course, it had to be now.

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