Page 31 of Mistress of Darkness

Chapter 15

When Gwen came down the stairs in her heavy traveling coat and bonnet, Robert was waiting for her.

“Are you ready?” he asked quietly.

“Everything is packed,” she said curtly, without looking at him.

Though she tried to pass him by as she headed to the entry hall, he caught her arm. “Gwen, please,” he said. “This is the last thing I want. Surely you must know that.” He turned her to face him. “I’d give anything to have you with me.”

“Then let me stay,” she blurted out, glaring into his chest. “I can take care of myself. I can–”

He lifted her chin and the moment that she’d dreaded was upon her. His soft gaze lingered on her eyes, then her lips, and the resolve that she’d spent the last hour hoarding evaporated.

“Oh, Robert,” she sighed, her eyes filling with tears as she fell into his arms.

“I know,” he whispered. “I feel just the same.”

For a long time he simply held her, and Gwen prayed it could go on forever. No place felt safer than in his strong arms and nestled against his hard chest. But when he finally drew back, he didn’t let her go. Instead he held her face between his wonderful hands, and leaned down and kissed her. Unlike their first kiss, there was no hurry and no crush. Instead, he took his time as he melded their lips together. His mouth was warm and gentle, and his touch so full of tenderness that she felt she could cry again. With the soft and insistent caress of his lips, he kissed her breathless and when they finally separated, she had to gasp.

“Don’t forget that,” he whispered and touched his forehead to hers. “Because I won’t.”

She smiled through her tears. “I couldn’t if I tried.”

He let her go and stood back, then gazed through the open entry. “Where is Parks? I’ll need his help with those trunks.”

She swiped at her eyes and sniffed a little. “Perhaps he needs help with the rig?”

“I’ll go and find out,” he said.

Quickly, she latched onto his arm. She’d spend every last second that she could with him. “I’ll go with you.”

The day outside was gray with a dense fog that blanketed the grounds and surrounding land. Though the mist was heavy, the temperature wasn’t as severely cold as it had been. Riding in the rig wouldn’t be freezing, but it would be wet.

“I’m sending Parks with you,” he said. “He’ll purchase a carriage and horse for us in Renwick, if he can find one. Even a pony cart would do. Just something to–”

As they crossed the threshold of the stable, they saw a body on the ground.

Robert surged forward, as Gwen lifted her skirts and coat and ran after him. Her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. It was Parks, laying on his back.

“Oh, Robert! Is he…?”

Robert pressed his fingers to the valet’s neck. She saw a gash on the older man’s forehead and bruising on his cheek. “No, he’s alive, but his pulse is very weak.”

“Oh, thank God, he’s not dead.”

Robert hesitated, holding his valet’s hand lightly. It was the first time that she could recall Robert looking indecisive. She fidgeted, looking at the hall over her shoulder. Suddenly, the stately building looked more than imposing; its shutters looked like gashes against the exterior as if torn by a knife. The doors were deep, black holes from which no one would return.

“It’s growing dark,” he finally said, standing. “We can take him into the house, but he may not see out the night.” He looked down at Parks. “He needs a doctor.” Then Robert looked at her. “Gwen, I think we need to take him to Renwick.”

“In the dark,” she said flatly. They both understood. Not only would there be no moon to steer by in the fog, but highwaymen would surely be laying in wait along the roads.

He stripped off his coat and layed it over Parks’ chest. “I’m going to retrieve my pistols,” he said. “Are you up to this? I can’t leave you here alone.”

“I’m with you, Robert,” she said decisively. “Hall or highway.”

“Good girl,” he said, taking her hand. “Is there a small case that you want to bring with you?” She nodded. “Then let’s go.”

Hand in hand they ran back to the hall. “The pistols are in the library,” he said. “Stay with me, then we’ll get your case and leave.”