Instead of being consoled, dread took control. “What man?”
“The man that took my hand when I was playing with the ducks.”
By now, Aunt Millie and the others had gathered around, insisting they head for the carriage. But Elizabeth wasn’t about to leave until she had more answers. Something wasn’t right.
“Do you see the man now?”
Phoebe glanced around. “No.”
Elizabeth set the little girl on her feet and crouched before her, ignoring the mud absorbing into her dress. “Phoebe, it is very important you tell me exactly what the man said.”
“When I got knocked down, he lifted me up and said to be careful. That I could get hurt.”
“So he helped you.”
Phoebe nodded.
Maybe the man had only been assisting her. Elizabeth wanted to believe that was all there was to it.
“Did he say anything else?”
“That he had a little girl like me and asked if we could play a game. We were going to see who could be the quietest the longest. I didn’t want to play anymore. I wanted to get the duck.” Phoebe turned her sad eyes on Elizabeth. “Am I in trouble?”
Relieved nothing had happened to Gabe’s daughter, Elizabeth wrapped Phoebe in a hug once again. “No, you are not in trouble. I was merely worried about you.”
Although unwilling to let the child go, she took note of the persistent showers. The umbrella the footman held in an attempt to shield the rain didn’t prevent errant drops from finding them.
“My lady, we should leave now,” he insisted, as Elizabeth stood and took Phoebe’s hand. “The carriage is this way,” he added.
Instead of following, Elizabeth stood, unable to move. In her panic to find Phoebe, she’d forgotten the waiting carriage. The enclosure, instead of bring relief from the storm, sent dread through her.
Regardless of her anxiety, it would be foolish to loiter in the rain any longer. With no other choice, she scurried with Phoebe into the carriage.
But the moment the groom closed the door, she wanted nothing more than to jump back out. The walls of the carriage moved in on her and her chest felt heavy, pushing the air from her lungs.
“We will be there before you know it, dear.” Aunt Millie attempted to comfort her. “Only a little further.”
Her teeth clenched past the point of being able to speak, Elizabeth could only nod her head in agreement. She stole a look in Phoebe’s direction. The events of the park must have taken their toll for Phoebe sat quietly next to Aunt Millie. Elizabeth almost wished Phoebe would cause an outburst or some sort of to-do, anything to take the focus off the moving carriage and the ping of rain against the roof.
Her body started to tremble and she curled her fingers around the edge of the seat, frantic for something to keep the shivers under control. She thought for sure she wouldn’t be able to keep her fear contained much longer, when the horses stopped and sent her rocking back in the seat.
The groom barely had the door open before Elizabeth pushed from the carriage. Free of confinement, she took a few steady breaths. It was still raining but she would choose standing in a downpour over riding in a carriage during a storm any day.
“Let us proceed inside before we are nothing but a puddle of water,” Aunt Millie urged as she led Phoebe into the house.
Free of the confines of the coach, Elizabeth hastened to follow.
Chapter 14
Elizabeth had been certain Gabe would never consent to relocating to his family seat, but three days later she reclined in his coach as it rolled through the countryside, enjoying the comforts available to a duke. His decision had been sealed by the unsettling events at the park. She wagered he’d have packed the entire household and vacated London that very day, if possible. As it was, their departure had been completed with as much speed as possible.
As the coach continued, Elizabeth barely noticed the bumps of the road thanks to the well-sprung carriage with seats so plush, she almost sank into them. For Phoebe’s sake, she was grateful Gabe had spared no expense when it came to his conveyance. The sleeping child spread out on the opposite bench was a picture of innocence. That hadn’t been the case when they’d first left London.
Not even the spacious coach had kept Phoebe appeased. They’d scarcely reached the outskirts of London when the child’s need to roam had overcome the excitement of the trip. Elizabeth and her aunt had done what they could to entertain her, but activity was limited while thus confined. Only by sheer will and the distraction of Phoebe’s dolls had they managed to keep her content.
When the gentle sway of the coach had been too much, and Phoebe had finally drifted to sleep, Elizabeth had breathed a sigh of relief.
She peered out the window. But it wasn’t the sprawling landscape that caught her attention. Her eyes found a more enticing sight to admire; Gabe’s strong back as he rode alongside. Growing up, they’d ridden together whenever she’d managed to convince Marcus to take her along. In this manner she was familiar with Gabe’s riding skills.
A lesser man might have problems with the strong-willed black stallion, but Gabe managed it one-handed as he conversed with the coachman. She studied the horse, admiring his magnificent bloodlines. Even his mount was the finest money could buy.
Elizabeth had never been naïve when it came to Gabe’s wealth. Even though it was considered vulgar, on more than one occasion she’d overheard marriage-minded mothers of the ton discussing the Duke of Wesbrook’s abundance of funds. She never looked at Gabe and saw the Duke of Wesbrook or the luxuries that came with him. To her, he would always be plain Gabe, the young man who had found time for her when she was a child. And the man she hoped would someday love her as the woman she had become.
Elizabeth was relieved to be leaving London and not solely because she wanted to get Gabe away from the countless distractions. The day at the park had rattled her more than she’d admitted. But after the men Gabe had sent to scour the area for clues returned with nothing, they had no choice but to put the incident behind them. They could only go forward and make sure nothing similar happened again.
If not for the rain and the necessity of returning Phoebe to the house, Elizabeth would have searched through every bush and tree looking for the man. At least there’d be no such issues to deal with at Gabe’s estate.
“Dear, you will surely strain your eyes if you keep staring at him,” her aunt chuckled at her side.
Elizabeth whipped around. Despite being caught outright by her aunt, she tried to make light of it. “Whatever do you mean, Aunt? I am just taking in the scenery.”
“Pish. No scenery I know of can hold a woman’s attention so.”
Had she been that obvious? Her cheeks grew hot. “Yes . . . Well . . . He . . . That is . . .”
Aunt Millie’s gentle laugh filled the coach. “Don’t worry, dear, I’ve studied my fair share of scenery through the years. There is no harm in sneaking a look,” she finished with a wink.
Elizabeth often wondered how the lady managed to keep this side of herself from society. It was quite amusing to watch her dear aunt fool the other ladies of the aristocracy. No matter who she dealt with, Aunt Millie always had a no-nonsense attitude and was highly respected. Anyone outside the family would be shocked to hear her speaking in such a fashion. Elizabeth, on the other hand, would have been more shocked if she hadn’t.
Aunt Millie relaxed further into the plush squabs. “I know you are enjoying the sights, but when are we to arrive?”
“I believe it is a day and a half ride from London,” she replied, making herself more comfortable on the expansive seat. “With our early start today and stopping for the night, we should arrive late tomorrow afternoon.”
“At least Gabriel knows how to travel in fashion.” Aunt Millie rested her head against the back cushion
and closed her eyes.
After a few short minutes, her aunt started to snore softly. Now was her chance. All witnesses asleep, Elizabeth wasted no time returning to the window. She huffed a sigh. During her exchange with her aunt, Gabe had vanished from sight. Since she had nothing but actual scenery to watch, she sank back in her seat.
Disappointment couldn’t prevent her from smiling as she watched Phoebe pull her dolls tight to her chest. She knew the child would blossom even more away from London.
Now, if only securing Gabe’s love would be as easy.
At a slight jerk, Elizabeth’s eyes flew open. Blinking to wash the sleep away, she glanced around. The day had grown darker, but she could still make out Phoebe’s slight form and to the right, Aunt Millie continued to emit light sounds in her slumber.
The motion of the carriage slowed and she realized the coach was stopping. She peered out the window, expecting to see the inn. Instead a tree line edged in a darkening sky greeted her. Why would they break in the middle of nowhere?
Her hand on the door, she was almost pulled to the ground when it suddenly wrenched open. A dark figure swiftly entered, then lifted Phoebe into his arms and filled the seat across from Elizabeth with his large frame.
The briefest of heartbeats passed before her body relaxed, as if it recognized the man on a primal level. Who was she trying to fool? She would know the width of those shoulders anywhere. It could be utterly dark and she’d easily set him apart from any other. She remained silent as Gabe tucked the sleeping child into the curve of his arm. Watching the man show his daughter such gentleness warmed her heart. He might not realize it yet, but he would be a wonderful father.
She lifted her eyes to Gabe’s face and was startled to find his gaze fixed on her. Even in the dim lighting, she could make out the heat shining within. She squirmed under his scrutiny. As much as she wanted his passion directed at her, the intensity of his desire was somewhat alarming.
She knew perfectly well the type of women he was accustomed to. There’d never been any whispers linking him to a female who wasn’t either a woman of loose morals, a widow, or even married. Women who were well aware of a man’s needs—and how to satisfy them. What did she know about pleasing a man? She would never be adequate for him.
Distracted by his proximity, she almost missed the coach move forward once more. “Why did we stop?” she quietly asked, not wanting to wake the others.
“A storm has started to move in. I thought it would be best for me to settle inside before I became soaked.”
His deep tone did little to warm the dread snaking through her. “S-storm? But . . . but the skies were blue a short time ago.”
Unaware of her mounting fear, he chuckled briefly. “That may be, but there is one hell of a storm approaching.” Some of her agitation must have become apparent because he added, “There is no need to worry. If the heaviest of the rain holds off, we should be at the inn within an hour. I’ve already sent someone ahead to have rooms prepared.”
Within an hour I may no longer be in my right mind. Aunt Millie started to rouse, saving Elizabeth from having to answer. She silently prayed the entire storm held off until they were safely at the inn. If it didn’t, Gabe would learn something about her she would rather he not.
Aunt Millie straightened in her seat, raising a hand to check her coiffure. “Oh, dear me. I do believe that was the best sleep I’ve had while traveling.” She glanced across the coach and noticed Gabe. “Gabriel, boy, I didn’t realize you’d joined us. I hope my slumber didn’t disturb you.”
“Watching a beautiful woman sleep is always a pleasure.”
“Boy, your silver tongue will land you in trouble someday,” Aunt Millie easily returned.
“A man can only hope.”
Phoebe started to stir in Gabe’s arms. The increased noise must have penetrated her sleeping mind. Elizabeth watched the little blue eyes open, and when Phoebe saw her father holding her, she snuggled tighter into his chest.
Any doubt Gabe cared for Phoebe vanished at the look he gave his daughter and his unwillingness to release her.
A distant rumble filled the carriage, causing Elizabeth to tense. She had almost forgotten the threatening storm. Aunt Millie silently covered her trembling hand and gave a calming squeeze, well aware of her plight.
Thankful the dark corners of the coach concealed her when her body started to stiffen, and powerless to stop it, she hoped Gabe wouldn’t notice the fear invading her body as the storm rolled closer. Her aunt knew of Elizabeth’s desire to keep her weakness a secret from others, so she wasn’t concerned Gabe would be alerted of her rising distress.
She gritted her teeth. I just need to reach the inn. Then I’ll be able to hold it at bay.
She peeked at Gabe from under her lowered lids. Sometime during her personal battle, he’d sat Phoebe at his side. Through her clenched jaw, Elizabeth managed a slight smile. Yes, he would definitely be an impressive father. But first, he would have to realize himself capable of such a thing.
He suddenly raised his head and peered at her, as if he felt the weight of her gaze. Afraid he would be able to see the fear etched in her tense features, she sank further into the corner. Try as she may, she couldn’t get her body to relax, no matter how illogical she knew her fear to be. She told herself over and over the coach was safe, she was safe, but with each flicker of lightning and low growl of thunder, she pitched into a new level of torment.
“I’m sorry for the darkness, but I told the driver to make haste, and at these speeds I don’t care to have a lamp lit. I hope you don’t mind,” Gabe said, his voice calm and easy.
Elizabeth tried to focus on his even tone, using it to anchor herself. She swallowed the lump in her throat, working to smooth out her voice. “That is fine. We can make do.” She detected a slight narrowing of his eyes and knew she hadn’t succeeded in keeping her strain hidden.
She was saved from further scrutiny as Aunt Millie addressed Phoebe. “We can think of it as an adventure. What do you say, poppet, do you want to go on an adventure?”
Her interest piqued, Phoebe bounced on the seat and nodded.
The increasing roar echoing in her ears kept her from hearing the exchange between Phoebe and her aunt—and occasionally Gabe—but Elizabeth fought to keep her eyes fixed on the ‘adventure’ playing out before her. Anything to help ignore the fat drops of rain splattering against the coach. Of all the times for this to happen, why now? Why in front of Gabe?
To maximize the light inside the coach, Gabe had kept the flap of the window open. Since asking him to close it would alert him to her distress, she endured the way her body flinched at each streak of lightning that brightened the sky. Cold dread pierced her when the winds increased and rocked the coach. Each new chapter of the storm brought an added facet of her affliction to the surface.
The howl filling her head increased and she broke out in a cold sweat, uncontrollable shivers stiffening her muscles even further.
The outside edge of her vision started to blacken. She didn’t know how much longer she could fight it. And it would only get worse. There had been a few occasions when she lost consciousness when her burden struck. She could only hope this wouldn’t be one of those times. She took a few deep breaths, forcing her shoulders to relax. Slowly the darkness started to recede.
During the flashes of light, she caught her aunt sneaking glances in her direction, understanding full well what was happening to her. Aunt Millie also knew nothing she did would keep the fear away, but would offer what support she could without alerting Gabe to Elizabeth’s predicament.
What would he think if he ever learned of her abnormality? His likely reaction caused her muscles to constrict even more. With such heightened tension, the darkness surrounding her vision returned. Again, she tried to calm herself. I can do this, she repeated silently.
She almost had it contained when a bright flash of lightning filled the coach the same moment a crack of thunder split the air. And, without further warning, her world went black.
Chapter 15
“What the bloody hell!” Gabe exclaimed as he caught Elizabeth in his arms, mere seconds before her body connected with the floor of the coach.
“Gabriel! Watch the profanity in front of your child,” Millicent scolded him.
Adjusting Elizabeth slightly to obtain a better grip on her limp body, he felt her chest rise and lower against his arm. At least she was still breathing and didn’t appear to be drawing her last speck of air.
With Millicent’s chastisement still playing in his head, he glanced at her, bewildered. What the devil had the woman been talking about? Her niece had collapsed, for no apparent reason, and her only response was to lecture him for his use of improper language.
Actually, as he studied Millicent, he realized she didn’t appear surprised—or too concerned, for that matter. What was going on? As much as he needed an answer, now was not the time to worry about Millicent and her lack of distress. Elizabeth had yet to move.
Anxious to see her safely settled, he turned to Phoebe. Worry pushed for him to bark an order at his daughter to move, but a bit of good sense prevailed and he strove for a gentler tone. “Phoebe, Elizabeth isn’t feeling well. Would you sit by Millicent so I may tend to her?”
Even in the weakened light, he noticed how concern scrunched her small face. “Don’t worry, she’ll be all right.” Or, at least he hoped she would.
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