AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, well, look what we have here. Are you all alone, your ladyship?” He was a tall, wide brute with an evil glint in his eyes.
“Who are you? What are you doing in my house?” She hoped to divert the man’s attention from the two maids creeping up behind him.
“I’ve just come to find something that your husband stole from me, but perhaps it would be better to take you instead.”
The ogre lunged toward her, but not before Milly hit him over the head with the pan. He let out a groan as he sank to the ground. The women stood around the prostrate figure, not daring to move.
“Is he dead?” Beth asked.
“No,” Selena answered. “I can see his chest moving. He’s alive, but we need to hurry. Milly, give me the rope.”
The maid handed Selena the length of rope. They grabbed his legs and tied them together, then worked on his arms. Selena was so intent on her task that she did not notice the man stirring. Before she knew it, his hands were around her throat. Selena gasped, trying to take in any air she could.
Milly and Beth tried to pry his hands from Selena’s throat, but it was no use. This was it. She was going to die. Suddenly there was a noise from behind, but she couldn’t tell what it was. The next second, a fist landed soundly on the side of her attacker’s face, rendering him unconscious once again. Selena fell back, straight into Owen’s arms. He scooped her up and took her into the library.
There was a flurry of voices and activity. Selena was still coming around and couldn’t make out what was happening. All she knew was that Owen’s arms stayed securely locked around her. She was safe. That was her last thought before surrendering to the darkness.
* * *
Someone was speaking, but Selena couldn’t make out what they were saying, or see them. Open your eyes. With the greatest effort, Selena raised her eyelids to find Owen leaning over her. Gradually, the rest of the world came into focus. She was on the floor. Oh yes, she had passed out after nearly being choked by some ruffian.
Before she could speak, Owen wrapped her up in his arms. “Thank God I came when I did.”
“What happened?” Her voice was raspy from the attack.
“Bran and I were on our way over. We got out of the carriage just as Mrs. Henson appeared with the police. I came in and saw that fiend with his hands around your neck.”
Selena gave into the warmth and security of Owen’s embrace.
“Can you stand?”
“I think so.” Selena tried getting to her feet but faltered. Owen swept her up into his arms and carried her to her bedchamber. Katie followed close behind, fluttering around the room.
“I’ll leave you with Katie, but I will be back to check on you later.” Owen gave her a reassuring smile before leaving.
Selena rested her head while Katie prepared a bath. The maid muttered that all Selena needed was a bath, a spot of tea, and some rest. An hour later, she was under the sheets with a hot cup of tea. Each time Selena sipped the brew, it stung going down her throat, the muscles still raw from the attack.
“Try to get some rest, my lady.”
Rest was the last thing Selena’s mind. What she wanted were answers. Who was that man? What had he been looking for? Hopefully, when Owen returned, he would tell her.
A knock sounded on the door. Selena’s eyes popped open. She must have been asleep. Katie answered the door. It was Owen. The maid quietly left the room.
“How are you feeling?” He sat on the side of the bed.
“Better.”
He took her hand. “I’m so sorry for this. It’s all my fault. No matter what I do, my past keeps coming back to haunt me—and you.”
“You couldn’t have known someone would break in.”
“I should have suspected something after you were attacked the other week.”
“Did you find out who the man was?”
“Yes. His name is Barrows, and he is the man who attacked me in New Zealand. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. For now, you need to rest.”
Selena crossed her arms. “I am not a small child who needs to be coddled.”
