There were no ledges to save Markham. They saw him plummet right down to the bottom, and heard his piercing cry. Millie hid her head in Jim’s shoulder, the horrific sound sending a shudder throughout her body.
“It’s all right, darling, you’re safe now,” Jim, pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately.
Chapter Twelve
Despite her protests to the contrary, Millie was made to go to bed early. “I’m perfectly all right,” she told Helen Haxby, who had arrived hotfoot from Kent whilst they were out.
“My dear girl,” said Helen, after they told her everything that had happened, “You’ve had two very stressful days. These things have a habit of catching up with you. Now go and get some rest, and if you’re very good, I might let Jim come up and see you.”
Jim’s kiss still burned her lips. He had held her all the way back to Fazeby Hall, and almost had to be peeled off her by his mother, whilst the others excitedly asked what had happened.
So she lay in her darkened room, frustrated beyond belief. She wanted to know why Jim had not told her he was going after Markham.
It was getting late when she heard a knock at the door, and Jim entered, carrying a tray. “I’m allowed to bring you a hot drink, but I have to leave straight away.”
“I wish you wouldn’t,” said Millie.
“In that case,” he said, smiling, “I’ll stay a while and risk the wrath your two mothers, Helen and Cynthia, waiting downstairs. Not to mention Henry, who has all but challenged me to a duel if I dare to bring your good name into disrepute. Have you any idea just how many people love you?” He sat on the edge of the bed, but annoyingly put the tray carrying the drink between them. “How are you feeling, my love?”
“I’m feeling perfectly fine,” said Millie. “Despite what people think, I’m not some helpless woman who needs to lie down for three days after every dramatic incident.”
“No one thinks that about you darling. But I did have to save your life today.”
“I rather thought it was I who saved yours.” Millie’s eyes twinkled up at him.
“Yes you did, which means I am now beholden to you for the rest of my life.”
“I don’t know that I want you to be beholden to me, James Haxby.”
“Oh, but I am, my love. You’ve saved me from a life of utter selfishness. I never wanted to get married, but with you it’s all I can think about.” He pulled her into his arms, sweeping away the tray. Millie’s heart flipped. Despite her silent affirmations, what Markham had said had played on her own doubts. She laid her head against Jim’s chest, hearing his heart beat in time with hers. “When I saw Markham grab you near the edge of the cliff. Dear God … I thought I was too late.” He kissed her for a long time.
“I love you,” said Millie, when he set her lips free again. The tears in her eyes were tears of joy.
“I heard what Markham said to you, and he was wrong.” Jim brushed a stray lock of Millie’s hair from her face. “And another thing, whilst you’re determined to think I’m some kind of cad, I didn’t take you to London to seduce you either. I had to get you away from that awful Mrs Oakengate somehow. She was determined to keep us apart, and I had no intentions of letting that happen.”
“I think she’s a terribly lonely woman,” said Millie, whose joy was making her feel charitable towards even Mrs Oakengate. “Why didn’t you tell me you were tracking Markham today?”
“Because I didn’t want to worry you about him still being in the area. I know, I know. It’s the caveman in me wanting to protect you again. Can you allow me that?”
Millie tilted her face upwards and kissed his chin. “I find it quite impossible to refuse you anything.”
“Careful, I might want to prove that theory, and Henry is a much better shot than me. We’ll go to London together to clear your father’s name, darling, because it’s something you really should be there for. But for now let’s forget all the awful things that have happened, and discuss wonderful things like marriage and babies.” They were just about to kiss again when…
“Jim…” said a voice from the door. “I rather think the babies can wait until after the wedding, don’t you?”
“Mother, we’re in love!”
“Wonderful, I’ll let everyone know you’re engaged. They’ll be sure to want to come and congratulate you. Now make sure Millie looks presentable. You’ve ruffled all her hair up.”
Helen swept from the room, smiling broadly.
“Mothers,” muttered Jim.
Millie stroked either side of his handsome face, and kissed him, happy to risk further ruffling until the others arrived.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
My True Companion Page 10
