Page 2 of To Heal a Broken Earl
Incredibly generous and thoughtful, Martin had also built a bathing chamber at the back, complete with her very own cistern and hearth to heat water, similar to the one he had built for himself and Evie in their rooms. Upstairs, he had crafted a bright, airy bedroom just for her.
Emma had been overwhelmed by their kindness, thankful to have such a loving sister and brother-in-law who cared enough to make her feel truly welcome while also giving her the privacy and independence she valued.
Looking out the window, Emma gasped. She was shocked to see smoke billowing from the back of her sister’s home. Perhaps the fire was confined to the kitchen. Maybe she could put it out. But she couldn’t leave Katie alone.
“Did you see him, Auntie?” Katie asked, her voice small.
“No, sweetie,” Emma said quickly, running back to her. “Where are your shoes, Katie?”
“What’s wrong, Auntie Emma? Why do I need to wear my shoes?”
“Because there’s a fire in the house, sweetie, and we have to get to safety.”
Grabbing Katie’s shoes from beside the washstand, Emma slipped them on the child’s feet, her fingers surprisingly steady. She pulled Katie’s robe on her, then her own, moving swiftly.
Snatching two washcloths from the washstand, she wet them in the water basin and tucked them into her pocket. Taking Katie’s hand firmly in hers, Emma led her down the stairs, out the carriage house door, and toward the main house.
Unlocking the back door, Emma and Katie both coughed as a cloud of smoke poured out and surrounded them.
Taking one of the cloths from her pocket, Emma handed it to Katie. “Put this over your nose and stay close to me. Don’t let go of my hand,” she said.
“I won’t, I promise,” Katie said, placing the wet cloth over her face.
Emma hugged her close, tightening her arm around the small body beside her. She needed to question Katie more about the man, but right now, the fire came first. If it were confined to the kitchen, she might be able to put it out before it spread.
Yesterday, she had given the servants two days off.What could possibly go wrong?Now, every possibility ran through her mind like a stampede. What if someone had forgotten to dampen the hearth before leaving? What if the fire was already too far gone?
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Emma withdrew the second cloth and covered her nose. Tugging Katie firmly behind her, she rushed down the hallway that led to the kitchen. She flung open the door and stared in horror.Everythingwas on fire. Flames licked greedily up the walls, devouring everything in their path. There was nothing to be done. The fire was too far gone—it would soon claim the rest of the house.
She had to act swiftly.
Tightening her hold on Katie, Emma turned, guiding them down the hall toward Martin’s study.
She rushed inside, pulling Katie with her, and slammed the door behind them. Martin had shown her where the household funds were when she first moved in—just in case she ever needed money.
Opening Martin’s desk drawer, Emma felt around for the small bag of coins and bills. Her fingers brushed familiar velvet, and she grabbed it.
Glancing up, she saw smoke streaming in from beneath the door. Time was running out. Heart pounding, she stuffed the bag into the pocket of her robe. Grabbing Katie’s hand, she felt the door. Relieved it wasn’t hot, Emma opened it.
Smoke swirled into the room, thick and choking. Both Emma and Katie began coughing again. “Hold your cloth over your face, sweetie,” Emma said as she scooped Katie up, turned the child’s face against her shoulder, and hugged her close. Saying a small prayer, she made a mad dash down the hall, out the door, and back to the carriage house.
Running up the stairs, she set Katie down and grabbed her valise, stuffing it with as much clothing as she could manage.
Katie coughed again, and Emma grabbed a cup from her bedside table, filling it with water from the pitcher on her washstand.
“There’s so much smoke, Auntie Emma,” Katie said after draining the cup. “More smoke than when Daddy smokes his pipe.”
“It’s all right, sweetie. We’re going on an adventure. But you must be brave and do exactly what I say. It’s very important. Do I have your promise?” Emma asked.
“Yes, Auntie. Pinkie promise.”
Katie held out her little finger, and Emma hooked hers around it, squeezing tight.
Putting on her pelisse and helping Katie into her coat, Emma guided her niece back downstairs and hurried to the stable. “Katie, we’re going to ride to a safe place—away from the fire.”
“Will we come back and get my toys?” Katie asked, her voice small and hopeful.
“Maybe, sweetie. Right now, we need to find help.” Emma squeezed Kaite’s hand and added in a whisper, “You remember Lady Beadle, don’t you?”
