Page 64 of A Love to Remember
He also finally understood Robert’s actions. His brother had loved him, loved him more than his own life. If the roles had been reversed, Philip would have gladly given his life for Robert’s.Gladly.
While he was still to blame for dragging Robert into the war, he finally saw that—by living this joyless half-life he had chosen—he was actually denigrating the sacrifice Robert had made. Robert had died to give Philip a chance at a full life—and to his eternal shame he’d almost mucked this up, too.
He couldn’t lose Rose.
Philip leaned over his horse’s neck, urging him to go even faster. It was only when he saw a light bobbing along the road that he slowed. Even so, he was almost on top of the person before he realized the staggering lantern-holder was Elaine.
He pulled his horse to a skidding halt, slid out of the saddle, and landed lightly on the road, ready to confront the treacherous woman.
He made no effort to try to look less threatening. “Where is she?”
The lady’s maid was already breathless, but the snarl in his voice made her clap a hand to her heart.
“Cumberland.” It was Grayson, voice cool, yet with a warning edge. “Let her catch her breath.”
Philip wanted to shake her, but he stood stomping his Hessians on the snow-covered road, his horse’s reins in one hand, until Elaine had managed to find enough breath to speak.
“Thank God you are here,” she gasped out. “I helped Her Grace escape from Lord Kirkwood, but I’m sure he and Lord Francis Gowan won’t be far behind us. I took Her Grace to one of your estate cottages, my lord. The couple’s names are Faith and David.”
Philip almost collapsed with relief. But he had to ask. “Has he”—he closed his eyes briefly—“has he married her?”
“No, my lord.” Elaine shook her head while stamping her feet to keep warm. “Not yet.”
Philip’s breath left his chest in a rush, and he groped blindly for the support of his horse’s neck.Thank you, God.Rose was still free. Still his.
Gathering his stormy emotions, Philip turned to the men. But before he could issue any instructions to send them off into the night, Grayson gripped his shoulder.
“This is our chance,” he said, urgent and low. “If the seven of us can catch Kirkwood and Gowan in the act of kidnapping Rose, our affirmations, together with Rose’s word, will be enough to bring them to trial and make a case to the chancery to remove Kirkwood as Drake’s guardian.”
Philip cursed into the stormy night. Grayson’s words made sense, but any restriction on his desire to race to Rose’s side and kill Lord Francis made his skin crawl.
He gestured one of his men over. “Take Her Grace’s maid back to the castle.” He helped Elaine up onto the man’s horse. “We shall talk later. Thank you for helping Her Grace.”
The man didn’t wait for Elaine’s response, but wheeled the horse around and set off in the direction of the castle.
Philip swung back into his saddle. Then he and the others started off at a gallop to David Horton’s cottage.
—
Rose wished she could ask to lie down. After her third cup of tea—liberally laced with David’s whisky—she was no longer cold. Now, however, the room was behaving oddly, and she was starting to feel very hungry indeed.
When her stomach finally decided to protest its lack of sustenance and growled like a savage dog, Faith gave a horrified gasp and jumped to her feet.
“Oh, Your Grace,” she said, her face flaming. “I’m so sorry. What must you think of me?”
A few moments later Rose found herself being served fresh, warm bread, along with delicious homemade cheese.
“Fresh baked this morning, Your Grace.” Faith was still crimson. “I should have known that you’d be hungry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Rose swallowed another bite of the crusty bread and smiled at the young woman, feeling better already. “You’ve no need to apologize for anything, Faith. You’ve done more than I could hope for, and I’m so grateful. You’ve put yourselves in danger for me.” She looked over at David, who stood guard by the window. “I won’t forget it.”
“Movement,” David snapped out. “In the trees. Faith, into the other room. Quickly.”
The floor swayed as Rose stumbled to her feet, still holding her bread and cheese. Then Faith was beside her, pulling her in the direction of the other room, which was their bedchamber. Faith pushed her gently onto the bed and then whisked back and closed the door.
And just in time. David must have opened to the visitors because Rose could hear the low murmur of voices. It went on for quite some time.
Then the bedroom door opened.
