The lad puffed his cheeks. “Bugger. Couldn’t bloody hold ’em.”
“You did well. No one expected such a ferocious storm.” He peered to the sky and listened. A low rumble headed to the east denoted its departure, bequeathing them with lighter rain, soaked boots and a rather stunned stillness.
“C’tain?” Lynch was scratching his chin. “I’ll take the lad and phaeton to that last inn we passed, bandage his noggin and check over the horses. Then we’ll come back fer yer.” He shook his head. “Autumn storms, eh?”
Miles nodded and assisted Daniel to his feet. “I’ll get Miss Seymour and find the other ladies.” Not to speak of askingVerity’s forgiveness, for he feared he might have been a little rough.
“Blimey, how’d yer get the prads so calm,” said the lad with a gawp, as indeed the two bays were now peering around as though butter wouldn’t melt.
“M’ grandfather’s secret.” Lynch’s gold tooth glinted through the drizzle. “But I can give yer a few tips.”
Daniel made for the phaeton so Miles turned back to his own carriage.
“Verity,” he called as he neared. “You can come out. It’s safe.”
No answer. The door remained closed.
So he hastened, hoping he’d not hurt her as he’d pushed her in.
“Verity?” He threw open the door. Squinted into the darkness. “Verity?”
What the hell…
21
HE WHO WOULD HAVE THE ROSE MUST NOT FEAR ITS CHANGING SEASONS
Breathe.
The word raged in Verity’s mind. Eyes closed and covered with her palms.
For if not, she would see the carriage walls closing in, the darkness, the smallness, suffocating her.
No air.
No breath.
Tucked in a corner on the floor with knees drawn up, she felt something stir but would not move, could not move, not even a shiver, numb, mouth parched and such a tightness to her chest.
“Verity?”
Oh, no…
And sank her head further into her knees. Would not look up.
“Verity, you’re shaking.”
A hand at her shoulder. She flinched.
“Did I hurt you?”
She endeavoured to shake her head but naught worked – not limbs nor lips.
The hand slid towards her neck, warm yet it made no difference.
Rough fingers curved around her chin and with firm assurance but gentle guidance shifted her head upwards.
“Can you open your eyes?”
