AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t know what we’ll do without you,” Etta said. She blinked back tears as Tia settled against the soft leather squabs. “We’ll be lost.”
“Weel, I’m glad ye’ll no’ have to worry about that.” He grinned as he slammed the coach door and climbed up front. With a shake of the reins and a soft cluck, the pair of bays set off.
*
Near Bliss Manor
“Thank you, Dr.Wharren. It’s so good to have you home.” The old woman pushed a basket into his arms. “I don’t have much coin, but these scones are fresh and the jam made from the best cherries last summer.”
“I appreciate the baked goods.” Gus smiled. “Your husband should rest easy tonight. Follow my instructions with the tincture in his tea and the ointment on his chest. If his fever rises again, send for me.”
“Be careful on the road with no moon to guide your way. The snow has been falling thick and heavy.”
Ominous gray clouds blocked out any light; fat snowflakes drifted down, pristine white against the gloomy backdrop. His driver jumped down from the brougham to open the door.
“All good, sir?” the man asked.
“Yes, positive news for a change.” Gus wrapped the scarf around his neck another time and pulled on his gloves. A pair of chestnut horses snorted softly and pawed at the ground, their wide rumps covered in snow.
Gus climbed inside, glad to be out of the cold wind. Coming home, for it was his home now, had been the right decision. He thought of the work ahead of him as the carriage swayed and bumped along the familiar road. There were purchases and repairs to be made, but the mansion and grounds were in decent shape.
They slowed at a fork in the road. A right turn took them directly to Bliss. The opposite went through the village. As the driver headed toward the manor, the clouds parted momentarily. Something flashed silver. He squinted at the dark outline of a carriage perched alongside the other path. Then the moon disappeared once again.
“Johns, stop,” he yelled, opening the wooden shutter to stick his head out. “I think someone might be in trouble.”
The driver expertly turned the brougham around. “I don’t see anything, sir.”
“I want to be certain. It’s a nasty night for someone to be stranded.”
They found a small conveyance not far down the road, tilted with a broken wheel.
“Whoa, there, whoa.” Johns held his lantern high.
Gus jumped out as soon as the wheels crunched to a stop. “Hello!”
A young girl with blonde curls, bright cerulean eyes, and a dazzling smile popped her head out. “We’ve been rescued!” The door swung open, and a petite female waved, a velvet reticule dangling from her wrist. With each gesture, the carriage wheels creaked and wobbled.
“Careful, miss,” Gus said with a smile. “You’re in a precarious spot.”
“A pot of what?” she asked. A small gloved hand pulled on her cloak from behind and she looked over her shoulder, nodded, and turned back to him. “Oh, yes!” she giggled. “Precarious, indeed!”
The shutter opened again, and another face appeared. Gus tried to swallow, mesmerized by the loveliest eyes he’d ever seen. Large and golden-brown, they held his gaze and made his mouth go dry. Her dark bonnet was tipped sideways and a long sable tress fell over her shoulder. The accident must have been jarring. When she smiled, tiny dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth; her full lips revealed straight white teeth.
“I will have to agree with my sister, good sir. You are a hero, indeed,” said the stunning creature in a honeyed voice. “Our, er, driver has gone ahead on foot for help. He thought we’d be safer inside while we waited.”
“Wise man,” agreed Gus, finding his voice. “Johns, see to the trunks. I’ll tend to the ladies.”
The door was a good distance from the ground due to the broken wheel on the opposite side. He held up his hands to assist the younger girl just as she jumped toward him. He caught her with ahmmphas his hat tumbled off. He set her on her feet and grinned at her high-pealed giggle. “Aren’t you a vivacious young lady?”
“That’s a very polite way to sayobnoxious,” the beauty said, drawing out the pronunciation of the last word.
The blonde stuck her tongue out at her sister. Gus laughed and retrieved his hat, then moved to help the other sister. He placed his hands on her tiny waist while she lightly gripped his shoulders. He lifted her from the door and slowly set her down. As he did, the clouds parted again, illuminating her face. Creamy ivory skin, a pert nose, and those eyes flashing like faceted amber.
Bloody hell, he wanted to kiss her.
He didn’t even know her name.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Her cheeks colored, and she peeked at him through thick, dark lashes. One hand touched her hat and she gasped. “Oh, my. We must look a fright!”
