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He had to stop whatever was happening to his Pack.
He had to protect them.
Avenge them.
A stabbing pain slashed through his shoulder as a bullet hit him, and he bolted for the Jennings wolf that was running for him from the woods.
No matter what happened to him tonight—Eliza would be safe for always.
Chapter Forty-Six
Garret,
I have only just arrived at my late uncle’s estate, as weather has delayed my travels. All the time waiting out the rain has given me ample time to think of our last moments together. Regrettable moments that will forever tear at my heart.
Eliza scribbled out the words of the letter. This was one of many she had started, and then thrown away. What a waste of such fine paper. As she’d done time and time again, she crumpled the page and tossed it into the ivory-trimmed wastebasket.
That stupid, gaudy trash bin. How much food and supplies would such a fine piece be bargained for in Rockdale? She snorted. Probably not much. Who in their right mind would trade for such a useless trinket there?
She sighed and began to write again.
Dearest Garret,
I’ve arrived safely and am writing as promised. I hope this letter finds you well. I’ll be home soon. I love you and miss you dearly.
Yours always,
Eliza
There was simply too much to convey on a piece of paper. And with any luck, she would return around the same time as her letter arrived in Rockdale, and be able to tell him all of the thoughts that laid in her heart to his face, while she was in his arms in their bed.
She jumped when the door swung open and a massive woman barreled toward her.
“Miss Elizabeth!”
Laughing, she braced herself for Berta’s hug. Then Berta’s arms came around her and squeezed her. She’d thought never to see her dear friend again in her lifetime. “Berta! Oh, it’s so good to see a friendly face.”
“When have you arrived, then, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Only an hour ago, and I’m convinced Jacques has become ever sterner in the short time I’ve been away. He let me in without even the slightest hint of recognition or pleasure.”
“Oh, you’d be right, for sure, mum. He’s been a horrible oaf since you’ve been gone. Things are so solemn around here, what with everything that has happened.”
Berta had come to work for the Hall family before Mother passed. She was older, and roughly-polished at times, but had become a friend. Or as much a friend as one could secretly be, away from the ever-judging eyes of Aunt Elizabeth. Berta had been the one to encourage her, along with Mother, to find her happiness and seek out Roy.
“Well, so tell me what has happened, then, Berta.” She motioned for the woman to take a seat in the cushioned chair near her writing desk. Berta took off her cloak and draped it over the back of a chair in haste, glanced at the door and sat down.
“I’ll tell you, it was the saddest day when Mr. Hall passed. His sickness was very fast. We all knew it was bad, and your aunt stayed by his side until she caught the fever too and was ordered to bed.” Berta sniffled.
Immense sadness washed over her. Until this moment, his death hadn’t felt real. She’d done a job of keeping her thoughts from the loss. First Mother, then Roy had been taken away God-knew-where, and now Uncle Frederick was gone forever? It was too much to process. “I didn’t get to say goodbye,” she whispered.
“Well now, girl, does anybody really get to say goodbye? Death works on his own clock now, doesn’t he? Don’t fret, dear,” Berta said, glanced at the door and leaned toward her. “Lady Hall,” she said in a whisper, “went to hiding your letters as soon as they came, but I grabbed up the last two and read them to Mr. Hall when he was so ill. And Mrs. Hall couldn’t stop me, on account of being ill herself. I tell you, it brightened his last days to hear from you, to hear of your happiness and your marriage, and everything. I like to think it gave him peace.”
Chills rippled up her arms, and tears stung her eyes. “Aunt Elizabeth hid my letters from him? Why would she do such a thing?”
“Of course she hid them. Have you met her?” Berta snorted to cover a giggle. “She don’t like you none too much, I’m afraid. Never has, if it wasn’t obvious.”
“Yes, well, the feeling is mutual.”
