Page 86 of The Mistletoe Countess
But instead of wilting from a gunshot wound, the woman stood poised at the door with a rifle in hand. Grace paused to appreciate the fierceness of the stance.Fantastic!
Graced edge up behind her. “Did you shoot him?”
“No, milady.” She turned, lowering the rifle to her side. “But I put the fear of God in ’im. He rode north.”
My lady?Had Grace met the woman on the day she and Frederick visited the tenants?
“Well, you were spectacular with that rifle. I mean to learn how to use one as soon as Lord Astley will teach me.”
The woman’s pale gaze shot to Grace, pale brows raised. A whimper came from the little girl, so with another glance outside, the woman closed the door and made her way across the room.
“It’s all right, luv.” The woman knelt and rubbed the top of the little girl’s head, soothing away the whimper. “The worst is over.”
Grace stepped closer to them, smiling at the little girl, whose large, dark brown eyes looked strangely familiar.
“Do you have any idea who he was?” The woman tossed the words over her shoulder.
“Not at all,” Grace murmured, studying the little face.
“It’s curious why they’d come this far from the main house.” The woman moved forward toward the stone fireplace, holding the little girl’s hand. “They must have been after you specially.”
“Exactly.” Which tossed a kink in the idea of someone trying to murder Frederick. She paced near the round table at the edge of the small kitchen, speaking more to herself. “Ransom? Revenge?” She looked over at the woman. “I don’t think I’ve been here long enough to offend somebody to the point of murder.”
The woman’s lips softened at the corners. “You must alert the authorities, ma’am.”
“Oh, most certainly.” Grace’s breathing began to relax so she could take in her surroundings. A quaint cottage with warm colors all around, from the hardwood floors covered with rugs to the dark red curtains on the windows.
The woman gestured toward Grace. “We have a guest here, don’t we, Lily?”
Grace turned her full attention on the little girl, who had quieted at the woman’s side. Loose dark curls framed a pale, cherub-like face.Frederick’s daughter.
The little girl studied Grace’s face with such fascination, Grace couldn’t help seeing a little of Frederick as a boy in those eyes.
“Lily.” Grace melted to her knees. “That’s a beautiful name.” A nursery was certainly the next addition on Grace’s list of renovations. “I’m Lady Astley, but I think you should call me Grace.”
“I can tell already Lord Astley’s worries were in vain.” The woman studied Grace, the hesitance in her smile dissipating.
“Worries?”
“I think he was concerned about how you’d take to his ward.” She touched Lily’s head with the tenderness of a mother. “Though he wouldn’t say as much outright.”
“I can’t imagine not falling in love with her.” Grace touched Lily’s nose, inciting a shy grin, and looked back to the woman. “Do you have all you need here? You’ll be safe?”
“Lord Astley takes good care of us, but I’ve been seein’ to myself for years.” The woman’s jaw hardened. “And my brother lives here with us.”
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re not in the cottage alone.” Her gaze went back to the window. “Though, I may send an extra man to scout the area tonight, if you don’t mind.”
The woman’s expression gentled as she nodded.
“Dat was a woud noise.” Lily blinked those dark eyes up at Grace with renewed interest.
The sweet voice shot directly into Grace’s heart. “I’m sorry, Lilibit.”
“I don’t wike woud noises.”
“I don’t either. Thunder especially.”
Her nose scrunched into a frown. “It can be vewy woud.”
