Clearly, they’d been involved somehow, but who had killed them?
It wasn’t Croft, for the gentleman had spoken to him while hell broke loose at The Albion.And now this.
He firmed his jaw and curled his hands into fists.
If only there were a way for him to ensure nothing else stopped Croft from fully embracing his destiny.
24
Samantha climbed through the open window and entered the women’s side of the servants’ quarters.Ward was already making his way across the roof together with Sarah, but according to her, Mrs.Parks, the cook, and Susie, the scullery maid, were still in their rooms.
Samantha’s nightgown fell against her legs, gently swaying with every movement.It was most impractical for this endeavor.If only she’d had time to put on a pair of breeches.A jacket would be welcome as well, but since she had neither on hand, she’d have to make do.
She set her cold feet on the raw wood flooring.Heat seeped through the soles while the smell of smoke wafted around her.Not good.It meant that the fire was eating its way through the downstairs rooms and would soon reach this level.
Time was of the essence.
She hurried to the first door she found and flung it wide.
Empty.
Onward to the next and then the one after that.
Until she found the women she sought.
They sat on a narrow bed, Mrs.Parks with her arm around Susie.Both of their faces were marked by dread – the paralyzing fear of being trapped – the knowledge that death could not be avoided.
Registering Samatha’s presence, they raised their stricken expressions toward her.Incredulity mingled with hope.
“Mrs.Croft.”A bare whisper from Mrs.Parks.
“Time to go,” Samantha told the pair, electing to keep her manner firm and decisive.“Come on.We can cross the roof and jump to the neighboring house.”
Susie gave her head a violent shake.“I’ll fall to my death.”
Possibly.However…
“You’ll die as surely as I’m standing here unless you leave this instant.”
“She’s terrified of heights,” Mrs.Parks said.“We both are.”
“More so than of fire?”Samantha asked, exasperated by their unwillingness to see reason.When neither responded, she said, “If you’re lucky, the smoke will render you unconscious before the flames reach you, but if the flames get to you first, your flesh will melt from your bones.The agony you will know cannot be imagined.”
“But to jump is…inconceivable.”Susie clung to Mrs.Parks as though the plump woman could keep her safe.
“Also,” Samantha said, crossing her arms, “I’ve no intention of abandoning either of you.So if you choose to die here, then so shall I.”
“You cannot mean that,” said Mrs.Parks.“You’ve a daughter to raise.”
“Which is why I would very much like for the two of you to get off that bed and come with me.”The ghastly sound of collapsing wood followed this statement.Samantha’s heart leapt in warning, but she forced her rising panic behind a calm exterior.
When the women looked like they needed time to consider, Samantha stepped forward and grabbed Susie by the arm.“Trust that I will protect you.”
Susie dug in her heels but Mrs.Parks, the older and wiser of the two, stood and pushed the scullery maid in the direction Samantha was trying to steer her.Through the door and toward the window.
“I can’t,” Susie wailed while resisting Samantha and Mrs.Parks.“Please don’t make me.”
“We can’t let Mrs.Croft die on account of us,” said Mrs.Parks.“Come on, Susie.If I can do this then so can you.”
