Chapter Five
When Cyrus found Elspeth lying unmoving within the overturned coach, icy fear froze his muscles. "Elspeth?" He dropped inside and knelt beside her, then grasped her slender shoulder through the thick blue cloak. "Elspeth?"
She squirmed and frowned, opening her eyes.
Thank the saints she was alive. "Are you hurt badly?"
"Um… nay." Her voice was too uncertain and breathy for his peace of mind.
"Let me see your head?" After helping her sit up, he pulled back the cowl.
"'Tis naught but a bump." She moved a hand toward her injury, but he stopped her.
"I'll check it." He slipped his fingers beneath her flame-red, unbound curls and detected a small lump on the left side of her head. He pulled his hand back to look at his fingertips. "I don't see any blood. Does that hurt?" He gently touched the knot again.
She drew away. "'Tis a bit sore."
"Why was your driver urging the horses at such a mad pace?" Cyrus demanded, annoyed with the man.
"I told him to hurry, but I didn't expect him to drive the horses so recklessly."
"You're lucky you weren't killed," he scolded. "Why are you in a rush?"
"Was Vance injured? Or Jenkins?"
Irked that she'd ignored his question, Cyrus stood. "We'll check on them. They were thrown clear. Can you stand?"
"Of course."
"Is she well?" Fraser called from outside.
"Aye." Cyrus was certain she would be. Taking her elbow, he helped her up. She swayed and grabbed onto his forearm, giving him another surge of alarm. "You're faint. You may be hurt worse than you realize."
"I'll be all right." Rubbing her forehead, she pressed her eyes closed for a long moment. When she opened them again, her amber gaze appeared unfocused at first, then sharpened upon his. He felt as if he'd been punched hard in the chest. What the devil was wrong with him? Was it fear for her life because she could've been killed so easily?
He frowned. "Better?"
"Aye."
When she glanced away, he found himself wishing she would look at him again. How daft was that?
"I'll help you out." Grasping her slim waist, he gently lifted her through the open doorway to sit on the side of the coach facing upward. She was so slight, she barely weighed anything. Strange feelings arose within him. What the devil were they? Protectiveness?
Why should he feel so protective of her? She wasn't a member of his family or clan.
When she drew her legs out and dangled them over the edge, Fraser helped her down. "Are you hurt, m'lady?"
"Nay, merely a few bruises. I'll be all right."
Cyrus hoisted himself up and leapt out onto the dark mud and grass which had been torn up by the wheels. Still concerned about her well-being, he eyed her closely to make sure she wouldn't swoon.
"Let's go see if the men are hurt." He tucked her hand around his elbow and led her toward her driver and guard.
The two stood beside Rebbie and Dermott.
"Were you injured, Lady Grey?" Rebbie asked.
"Just a bump on the head." She looked to her servants. "Were either of you injured?"
