Page 41 of The Mistletoe Countess
“Our estate.” He tipped his brow, holding her gaze for a moment before looking back out the window. “Yes, and we’ll attend service at St. James this Sunday. Everyone will want to see you.”
Grace fidgeted with her gloves. She looked out the window in an attempt to distract herself from the idea of people watching her, only to meet a dozen onlookers waving as the car passed. Well, at least they were friendly watchers. “And I can come to the village whenever I wish? I do so want to explore.”
“Of course, though I’d suggest you take Ellie with you if I can’t accompany you.” He gestured with his chin toward the window. “You have caused quite a stir, Lady Astley. I believe every person in Astlynn Commons has come out to get a glimpse of you.”
She raised a timid hand to greet a few children waving a holly branch as they stood in their caps and coats. Frederick had said before that the people of Astlynn Commons were the estate’s responsibility. Their livelihoods depended on Havensbrooke. The idea took root in Grace’s heart, and she sobered, staring at the faces with a new understanding, a purpose—caring for them.
“I hope you’re not too disappointed at having to postpone our honeymoon.”
Grace turned from the window. “Of course not! You must be here for your mother at present.” She sent him another smile. “And this has been such a marvelous adventure already.”
“You are much too easy on my heart, Lady Astley.”
“Well, I’ll make up for it by being hard on your peace of mind, I’m sure.” She turned back to the window and waved at a little girl standing with her mother at the corner of a lane. How very strange to be the center of such attention. “Perhaps, after we’ve settled and brought Havensbrooke back to its previous splendor, you can take me on a grand tour of Europe.”
“I give you my word. I’d enjoy filling your mind with actual places you’ve read about.”
She grinned up at him and returned her attention to the staggered buildings, which were growing farther apart. They must be leaving Astlynn Commons, which meant their next stop would be Havensbrooke.
The road twisted and turned as they climbed a hill. In the distance, a horizon of small mountains came to her view, looking somewhat similar to her Blue Ridge Mountains back home. Home. She sighed. She’d have to start thinking very differently about home now, wouldn’t she?
As they crested the hill, a wide river surrounded by evergreen forests came into view. A tower rose in the distance. Was that Havensbrooke? Just as Grace had the thought, a strange slamming noise exploded from the front of the car.
Grace turned to Frederick, assuming he’d know what was going on. He stared back as if thinking the same thing of her. Had she told him about the time she’d caused a cask of beer to explode? Or about the chestnut gun that backfired on her?
The slamming happened again. From the direction of the driver. It sounded nothing like a backfiring chestnut gun.
“Patton?” Frederick called to the front.
“The brakes, sir.” He replied, his voice tense. “They’re not responding.”
Grace’s mind slowly took in the meaning of the words as they began to descend the hill toward the bridge…and the river. Faster and faster.
“What did you say?” Frederick pushed closer to the front.
“The brakes.” Patton pressed the brake lever. “Something is wrong with them, sir. I can’t stop.”
Grace glanced at the fast-approaching river as the car began to shake from its ever-increasing speed. She played out the scenario in her head like a scene from a book and reached for the laces of her shoes.
Chapter Thirteen
Frederick could do nothing to prevent the oncoming disaster. And despite Patton’s best attempts, the car continued accelerating toward North Haven River with no rescue in sight. Frederick turned to his young bride to find her with one boot off and almost finished unfastening the other.
“What are you doing?”
“Preparing for the probable,” came her steady reply, before the car took a hard slide to the right.
Frederick grabbed Grace, cocooning her against him just as the car jumped the short stone railing of the bridge and pitched into the river.
The high water levels from heavy autumn rains provided some cushion on impact, but the jolt still sent Frederick crashing against the side of the door, pain shooting through his shoulder. Mercifully, the car remained upright, though tilted precariously forward and sinking even as he found his bearings. A shock of cold hit him in the back, as icy water rushed in on all sides of the windowless vehicle. He turned his body to keep the brunt of it from hitting Grace, but she was already hip deep.
“Oh!” She pushed back from his arms, wide eyes locked with his. “It was quite heroic, you know? Taking me in your arms that way.”
Frederick opened his mouth but couldn’t seem to utter a response. Grace took the initiative and started unbuttoning her coat. “This would have been so much better in summer. Less likelihood for hypothermia, you know?”
Frederick stared at his wife, then blinked a few times, only to find she’d completely removed her coat and was now working on the buttons of her day suit. Was she in shock? Going mad? And why was she removing her clothes? Frederick flipped his attention from trying to sort out his wife to focus on the front of the car. Patton slumped forward, head against the steering mechanism.
“Patton,” he called.
