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Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 8

Chapter 8

Jagger rubbed Kate's arm as she sobbed into his chest. Damn you. She never deserved this, any of this. You should have told her.

Kate composed herself as the carriage arrived at her home. "I feel so foolish. Please promise me you will forget what you saw."

"I would have never went to find Bellford had I...you know what? Let us not have further mention on the subject Kate." Jagger tried his best to smile for her comfort but inside her was mad, bloody mad.

Kate said her farewells, darted to the front door and then stopped. She turned and gazed back out over the street. I could've swore I felt someone staring at me. The sidewalks were empty not a soul to be found. A rush of air blew her skirts and Kate spun around.

"Little lady you are going to catch your death standing there like this," Nelly scorned her all while yanking her inside. "Honest to Betsy you are soaked clear through Kate." Nelly untied the ribbon on Kate's bonnet. "Do not move child. I will run a bath."

"I think you to be a mind reader Nelly," Kate said as she watched Nelly disappear around the corner. Standing there in the foray she was quiet. Almost feeling like a stranger in her own home or a child waiting for directions.

Before Nelly returned Kate had removed all items except for her dress and piled them neatly for Nelly to take. Catching her own reflection in the mirror she noticed her dress was not quit right. Oh dear God. She heard Nelly's heavy foot steps approaching. Kate took a shawl off the coat rack in front of her and wrapped herself, just barely get it around her as Nelly turned the corner. She offered Nelly a sweet smile.

"Alright dear, up the stairs with ya love," Nelly motioned with her hands.

Once up in her room Kate quickly unbuttoned her dress and striped it from her wet skin. Before long she was in the tub and alone. Although it was late afternoon the room was dim. The candle light played with the slight motion of the water around her. Soft glimmers danced on top of the water. Beneath appeared black and bottomless, much like the way she was feeling at the moment.

Nelly dashed in startling Kate to death. "do you no longer posses the gaging of time child?" She strode towards her tipping her fingers into the water. "Out with ya," she snapped. "Sitting a chilled bath water is no better than standing in the poring ran child."

"I had not realized it had draw cold," Kate said softly. She watched Nelly pull out her evening dress for her. "Nelly."

"Yes love," Nelly said.

"I do not feel much like having dinner tonight. I am quit spent and would like to go to bed early."

Nelly walked over to Kate and placed her lips to Kate's forehead. "Well, you are not running a fever." She turned and pulled out her nightgown." She helped Kate dress. "Get into bed and I will send for a spot of soup," Nelly raised her eyebrows,"That you will eat love."

Kate knew better then to protest Nelly's orders. She has yet win an argument with her.

Three days later Kate was still in bed and now with a cold. "Nelly what day is it?"

"It is nearly Friday," Nelly said.

"Oh no. How am I to attend my own birthday party like this in two days time? Do I look as retched as I feel?"

Nelly giggle. "Well love aside from your swollen runny nose causing you to sound like ole man Drowsing, puffy eyes, paler than usual completion, and let us not forget you are breathing like a rhino...you are breathtaking."

Kate let her head fall back to the pillow. "I'm doomed," she mumbled.

"Do not fret child. I have sent word to my sister and she has made you a special tea," Nelly said.

"As cheerful as you are by the news Nelly, I prefer to wait out my cold." Kate sneezed into her pillow. Nelly pinched down her eyebrows to Kate at that. She took it in her weak hand and slide it to the edge of the bed. "Auntie Fern's last concoction put me to sleep for two days. If you not remember you thought me to be dead and Gary was furious with you."

"Oh hosh posh child! This one will be fine. Your brother need not to know of it." Nelly gazed at Kate with a smirk.

Kate let out a sigh and buried her head under the covers.

"Besides love, your brother has invited company for dinner tonight and you are expected to be in attendance," Nelly added.

Kate flew out from under the covers. "What!" She grabbed the pillow at the edge of the bed and sneezed twice into it and then threw it to the floor. "Who is coming?"

"Child you have a cloth on the bed side table for that."

"I cannot reach it," she answered quickly. "Who is to attend?"

Nelly laid out her clothing on a chair fearing Kate may grab it to sneeze into. "i was not given the pleasure of that information even though I had inquired. He gave me a number of four extra."

The knock at the door drew their attention. Nelly opened the door. Kate watched a maid come in caring a tray and pinching her nose closed.

"Thank you dear, "Nelly said.

Kate sniffed the air. I cannot smell a thing. She watched Nelly pour a cup and then hand it to her. "Why was the maid holding her nose?" She asked gazing into the tea.

"I have no a clue love now drink it," Nelly ordered. "You must drink the whole pot of it within the hour and one more beginning an hour after."

"What odd name has she given this one? The last one she named was sleep away."

Nelly poured Kate another cup. "I cannot say."

"Kate laughed. "Can't or won't Nelly?

"My love just drink it and hush your your mouth," Nelly said.

Three hours later Kate was dressed and ready for the guests. "I feel amazing Nelly. I look even more amazing!"

Nelly smiled at her in the mirror. "Yes you do love now it is time to await your guests down stairs."

"No I think I shall make a grand entrance after everyone has arrived." She smiled at her own reflection. "I am beautiful aren't I?"

"Nelly pulled out her chair and said, "Everyone is awaiting you now child."

Kate turned to Nelly and hugged her. "I love you so very much. I think you to be the sweetest, cutest, little chubby woman I know Nelly." Kate released her and walked towards the door with dramatic fashion. "I think I shall be the talk of the party tonight Nelly."

Nelly picked up the tray after Kate had left and gazed down at the empty tea cup. "Good lord what was I thinking?"

Down in the kitchen one of the staff approached her. "Nelly, what are we to do with this tea labeled Conceded Truth from you sister?"

© copyright 2012

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6

Chapter 7  Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11

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A Forbidden Love



Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 5

Chapter 5

Kate did not sleep much that night. She ran through in her mind about the charming mysterious Mr. Bellford. He reminds her so much of the man she had loved her whole life. The man she was now forced to let go and forget. She tossed and turned in her bed. The covers were now twisted and tangled around her legs.

It's not far. Bellford should not be the one calling for me tomorrow. She closed her eyes and saw his smile peak out from under his over grown beard. Mr. Bellford.

Kate threw back her covers and got out of bed. Shuffling her way over to the double french doors she pushed them open, letting the cool breeze in around her. The balcony over looked the gardens below. Dew covered vegetation bounced the moon light off it's delicate parts. A big brilliant moon flooded over the earth with a cool pale silver light. A twinkle now and then added to the magical feeling of the night.

Is this right? Could this be what I was meant for? Mr. Bellford seems to good to be true. Kate's mind stilled momentarily. What if I fall in love with him and he is taken from me like... She silenced herself from speaking his name. The pain it caused from just thinking it was too much right now. Kate gazed up to the stars and whispered, "I would have waited a life time for you. Please believe me. I have to move on now. I wish so very much it was all different, that it was all what I had always dreamed it to be. But, it isn't and never will be." A large tear dropped from her eye missing her cheek on it's way down, landing on her hand. I want this to be the last time I cry for you. From this point forward I want to think of you, us, and it bring about a smile to my face and fill my heart with happiness.

Kate left and walked back threw the french doors. Turning to close them, she decided at that moment when the doors shut it would be the end of her mourning for him. Tomorrow will be a new beginning. The doors clicked shut and she rested her forehead on the frame. "Ok, this is going to be hard. I can do this. I have to do this."

Within a few hours the sun was beginning to rise. Kate had finally fell asleep and was woken by the birds outside her window. "No. Go away birds. It's not time yet. Let me sleep just five more minutes." Five minutes turned into three hours. Her eyes flew open and she looked at the clock. "Oh no!" She jumped up. It was now nine a.m. Mr. Bellford is set to arrive at ten.

Kate saw her close laid out and a bath already for her. How on earth could Nelly have known I was to got out this morning? Standing there baffled she heard Nelly in the hall. Kate rushed to the door.

"Nelly?"

"Yes my dear?" Nelly turned toward Kate in the hall. "You are still not bathed?" She shook her head at Kate and shooed her hands at her to go back into the room. "On with ya little lady. You will surely be late now."

Kate stopped once in the room and asked, "How did you know I had an appointment this morning Nelly?"

Nelly fussed with the bedding and answered with out looking at her, "Well the note of course my dear. Now get in the tub before it goes-"

"What note?"

"The one sent to my room yesterday evening. What do mean what note child?" Nelly looked at her with confusion.

"I did not send you a note Nelly."

"Well someone did my love. Now get in the tub. It is a quarter past. Time is a wasting." Nelly turned Kate around and removed her nightgown. "I will return in fifteen minutes to dress ya child."

Nelly closed the door and Kate sat down in the tub. Maybe it was Sues who sent it to her. Yes it would have to be. Kate washed her hair quickly and before she could finish with the rest of her Nelly came bursting in.

"Alright my dear up and out with ya. I lost track of the time and it is nearly quarter to ten."

Kate rushed into her close and Nelly fashioned a lose bun on top of her head. "My child you are stunning. I do not know of another woman in all of London that can look as you do with only fifteen minutes to dress." Nelly kissed the top of her head and softly said into her hair, "You look like your mum my love."

She loved it when Nelly told her this. Nelly had loved her mother as much as she did. Kate smiled. "Thank you Nelly."

"Yes, well, alright off with ya now. Go enjoy your day." Kate placed a sweet kiss on her chubby cheek and left the room.

Descending down the grand staircase, Kate saw Mr. Bellford standing with her brother Gary. She paused until she heard Gary laughing with him.

"Good morning," She said cheerfully.

Gary looked at her and smiled. Kate saw the bottle of expensive brandy in his hands. Her gaze flew to Mr. Bellford. He winked at her discreetly which made her smile too much.

"I have not seen you smile like that in a long time Kate," Gary said.

"Yes well it is a beautiful morning," Kate replied. After a moment she stepped forward. "We should be on our way now. Have a wonderful day Gary."

Gary nodded and left to his study.

Bellford escorted her to the carriage. He held out his hand for Kate. She gazed up at him and slid her hand into his which caught her breath unexpectedly. The carriage pulled away from her home and she suddenly felt nervous.

"Kate?"

She glance to him.

"Why are you nervous?" He asked her softly.

"I am not nervous Mr. Bellford,." Her statement was followed by a nervous laugh.

"You are and I know you are because you bit up the corner of your lip." Kate stared at him. "And that laugh was a nervous laugh too."

Kate finally blinked. "Perhaps I am slightly nervous Mr. Bellford."

"Kate. Please stop calling me Mr. Bellford. You can call me just Bellford."

She burst out laughing. "Not much of a difference. Ok then Bellford. So may I ask where you are taking me?"

He flashed her a devilish smile. "You may but that does not mean I will answer." He watched her head fall back as her laughter deepened. "It is a special place that I thought you might enjoy."

Kate composed herself and gaze to him. "What is different about you today?" She studied him a few seconds longer. "It is you beard." She motioned with her hands to her own face. "You have groomed it."

"I did. As beautiful as you are Kate I was embarrassed to stand next to you yesterday looking as I did," He said.

Her cheeks warmed the instant he said it. "I thought you to be handsome either way Bellford." I can not believe I just said that to him. Why am I being so bold?

He smiled at her. "You did. Well I wish I would have known that this morning. I would have left it." He chuckled as he saw Kate's mouth open slightly. "Katie I'm just teasing." She smiled at that.

The rest of the ride was comfortable and their conversation went smooth, easy, too easy for them. Kate noted out loud to him it felt like they were old friends reunited. Kate of course blushed again when Bellford replied he could have never seen her just as a friend.

Kate gazed out the carriage window as it pulled up to a large building. "Where are we Bellford?"

© copyright 2012

To Be Continued Every Monday


by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1      Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4    Chapter 6

Chapter 7  Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


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Whispers In The Night ~ 3rd Novel in the series "Whispers of Desire"

Novel 3 in the "Whispers of Desire Series"

Sneak Peak at Chapter 1

Quinten stands in the large picture window thinking of her. His gaze falls down to a book left on the window seat before him. The leather is a pale lavender. Quinten picks it up and opens to the place that has been marked with a pink ribbon.


May 11, 1822

His deep sultry voice whispers to me, "You are a desire I can't run from Hanna."

He reaches his hand up and gently brushes a lock of my hair from my cheek. As his finger trails across me he leaves my skin burning with a deep wanting for him. Leaning in closer with his body cradling me with the strength of him, he softly says, "Nor will I try to run from."

I wanted nothing more then for him to take me. His gaze burns through me and finds the core of my heart and ignites it into an inferno. Am I his desire? How could those big brown eyes do so much to my body in a matter of seconds from across a room? It scares me to think what might happen if our lips were to ever touch.

When I close my eyes I can't help but think about his body pushing up against me. The power of his presence behind me makes my body tremble. He knows it too. I felt it. His breath deepened in my ear and left me in a poised state of waiting. Waiting for his words. Waiting for his touch. Waiting for his kiss. Is this what happens to lovers? All the confusion. The desperate longing. The need to feel something for him...anything. I want to scream stop and at the same time cry out for him to touch more of me.

"Hanna, you have never been kissed before have you?" Was I foolish for shaking my head no. Should I have tried to convince him of a false? Does he care if I have not?

"Quinten I-"

"Sshh," he whispers.

His lips graze my neck so very softly. It causes me to wonder what his warm moist tongue feels like elsewhere on me. He then trails them up to my ear and whispers, "Now you have." A rush from the cool night air fills the space where his body just was. I should have called out to him to come back but I was confused. I have never felt this way before. The smell of him when he draws near paralyzes my words. The very though of catching his eye thrills and terrifies in the same moment. How can I possibly want something so desperately and be frighted by what he may deliver onto me. My mind races to make sense of the moment while my body screams for him to touch all of me. My heart cries for him to embrace me tighter.

The notion of never being able to feel this way for another second in time causes distress within me. He has captivated my soul with his words, his gaze, his touch. How am I to turn away from this? Is it real? Is what I see in him real?

My fantasies of him are growing more intense. The added reality of what I now know has mixed with the desire of the unknown.

"Quinten," I cry out in a moment of pleasure. It is a torturous fantasy that plays with me nightly. Last night I awoke heated and wet. He does the most wicked things to me in my dreams. He whispers sensual desires he carries for me.

I can no longer face him without my cheeks burning. All the sinful fantasies from the night before play in my mind as he gazes at me. I feel so foolish thinking naughty things of him in his presence. I must leave soon. Tomorrow I will spend the day avoiding him and then I will take my leave. There is simply no other way. For if I do not...I will give into this lust I hold for him. I feel, no, I'm scared I will only be left with a broken heart. Desire and lust are not love.

Hanna lay in her bed thinking of what she shall say in the morning as a reason to leave. She suddenly sits up and says, "My journal." Jumping the four feet down to the floor, she takes of swiftly walking towards the stairs. Panic is welling up within her. She knows she had left it on the window seat earlier and curses herself for doing so.

Making it down the two flights of stairs to the main floor, her walk now turns into a run. The room is all the way in the back of the estate where no one ever visits. The halls are dark with only spots of silver moonlight to illuminate her way.

She stops dead in her bare feet on the wood floors as she sees the glow of candle light from the crack under the doorway. "Oh God...no," she managed to pant out. She reaches out and turns the door knob.

Quinten turns towards her with the journal in his hands. She stands before him in her pale pink night gown breathless. Strands of her thick long black hair blow from her face with every exhale. The deep pink color of her cheeks warm her creamy soft skin.

Hanna backs up from the doorway realizing he has read it all. He sees the embarrassment flood her eyes open wider. She turns and begins to run towards the way she came.

"Wait Hanna, wait!" Quinten tosses the book onto a chair and takes off after her. She has a good head start but not good enough. Quinten soon catches up to her and grabs her by the arm spinning her body towards him. "Hanna please stop." He sees the tears glisiling in her beautiful blue eyes.

She pushes against him. "Do not do this Quinten. Let go and let me be."

"I can't!" She pauses in his grasp. "I won't." Quinten lossenes his grip. "Not ever Hanna. Not in this lifetime."

Hanna awoke with tears streaming down her face. A nightmare of a fantasy that had almost been real...was real once upon a time. She lay her head back to the soft comfort of the pillow turning her head towards the window. She gazes up at the stars and whispers, "Where are you Quinten?"

© copyright 2011

Coming To You Spring 2012 

Weekly Romantica Short Stories Starting This Coming Up Monday

One Night of Passion...

Can Kate Allow Herself One Night of Passion With this Stranger Who Has Some How Found His Way Into Her life?

Will She Let Go Of The Man She Once Loved and Waits For Faithfully? Will She Allow What Has Been Presumed To Be A Friendship Turn Into Something More? 

How Can She With This Stranger Who Reminds Her So much Of The Man She Misses Desperately.

He Has Captivated Her In So many Ways.

The Soft Deep Sound Of His Voice Resonates Within Her. This Strangers Gaze Burns Her Cheeks Warm With Desire. His Strong Gentle Touch Forces Her Body To Ignite Leaving Her To A Tremble Long After He's Left. 

How Is She To Resist Him? To Stop What She Feels For Him.

One Night of Passion Is All He Offers Her. 

It Is All He Promises To Her.

Kate is Left Asking, "Why?"

This Mysterious Man Whispers Softly To Her..."Katie..."

Come Back and Start Reading To Find Out What

He Has Said To Kate Next Monday!

One Night of Passion

Offers

Seduction, Passion, Lust, and Promises of Pleasure...

Pssssst... Chris

Go to http://www.pagesofromantica.blogspot.com/



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Chapter 29

   Brook held Grams on the sofa doing her best to comfort her while Richards and Landon spoke in low voices at the bar. She was not able to hear much of anything that was being said. Landon then walked behind her and left out the door.

   Richards came and sat down next to them in a club chair. “Landon is going to search for Devon.”

   “How could they have any rights to take her like that? She is not safe Richards,” Brook said.

   “We will bring her back shortly; do not worry either of you,” Richards said. He tried to remain strong in front of them. Secretly inside, he was terrified she would be shipped off before they had a chance to get her back. Lester knows a lot of bad people in many places. Anyone of them would do his bidding for the right amount of shillings.

   As everyone waited, minutes turned into an hour and an hour turned into two, then three. The tension in the room was thick. Landon had come back long ago and had been out two more times with no successful results. He had no idea where the hell Devon had gone. Landon was able to locate where Eli lived and left an urgent note with the butler for Devon or Eli. The only thing that was needed to secure Sarah’s freedom was the original will.

   Brook lept to her feet and said, “Someone is coming down the drive.” She pointed out the window.

   “It is not Devon,” Landon said with disappointment in his voice.

  The man’s knock on the large wooden double doors echoed throughout the house three times. Richards answered the door and the man handed him a note. Richards stood in the entryway and opened it. The note was in his brother’s handwriting.

   Grams, Brook, and Landon heard Richards voice as he shouted, “Oh dear God!”  Everyone ran into the entryway where Richards stood by the still open front door.

   “What is it Richards?” Grams asked. The look on his face terrified her.

   “It is from my brother who works for Lord Mcmay. Sarah is locked in the cellar with Collins and he says she needs help now. He goes on to say the staff is crying because of.” Richards stopped reading. He didn’t want to say it out loud to anyone.

“Why are they crying Richards?” Grams demanded.

Richards gazed to the three of them standing with waited breath for him to finish. “Because of Sarah’s pleading sounds of whimpering and screams for Collins to stop. There is more but I will not read it in front of the women.” Richards looked to Landon and said, “We need to do something now.”

   “What is it you need to do Richards?” Devon asked as he stood in the doorway smiling.

   Grams threw herself on Devon and began talking and sobbing in his arms. Devon could not understand a word she was saying. He wrapped his arms around her. “Grams whatever has you so upset?”

   “Mcmay has taken Sarah,” Landon said.

   Devon felt his heart pound and his stomach drop. “When?”

   Richards said, “Hours ago. This is a note I just received from my brother.” He handed it to Devon.

   Everyone watched Devon’s face as he read it. They saw his hands begin to tremble. Devon dropped the note and ran out the door.

   Landon followed him and Richards said to Grams, “We will need towels, water and a doctor.” Then he left and headed to the stable following Devon and Landon.

   The men rode fast and hard. It had begun to rain an hour ago and the wind had now started to pick up. It took them twenty minutes to get to Lord Mcmay’s estate. Upon arriving, Landon dismounted first and began to pound on the wooden doors. Richards joined Landon in front of the doors. Devon walked up, without waiting for someone to answer, opened the door and walked right in.

  Richards brother Edwards, was hobbling towards them as quickly as he could manage.  “Mcmay left a long time ago and Collins is in the kitchen with two of his friends.” He said.

   “Where is Sarah?” Devon demanded.

   “She is locked in the basement Sir. Collins has the only key.” He pointed down the hallway. “Sarah was calling for you Sir. I have not heard any sound from her since right before Collins came up from the cellar and I fear the worst.”

   Devon and Landon stormed towards the kitchen just as Collins and his two buddies were coming out. Devon hit Collins square in the face and knocked him out cold. Landon beat the tar out of the other two men in a matter of thirty seconds with Richards’s help.

   Devon found the key and opened the basement door. “Sarah!” He shouted as he ran down the stairs. The further he moved down the stone steps, the dimmer it became. The dam odor engulfed the space. The air felt cool and damp. He went to the left and hit a dead end. “Sarah where are you?” Devon turned back as he went the other way and followed the stone hallway around as it curved. “Sarah!” His voice was despite and cracking. His entire body was shaking. Devon was terrified as to what he might find.

   “I should have been home with her. If I had, none of this would have happened. Where are you Sarah? God help me please. Sarah!”

   As the curve of the stonewall ended, he stopped dead in his tracks as he saw her. He was petrified to move, to know if she was alive. Devon ran to the corner of the small room where Sarah was chained to the wall, hanging by her arms. A single torch in the opposite corner, light the small musty room.

   Devon picked up her head gently to check her breathing. She was badly beaten and covered in her own blood. He could not hear any sounds coming from her. “Richards!” Devon screamed as loud as he could. “Oh God Sarah no. Please breath for me sweet heart. Richards!” Devon’s voice was horrifying to hear.

   Richards and Landon came up next to him. Landon removed his coat and handed it to Richards as he looked away. Richards used it to cover Sarah’s bare chest.

   Richards said, “Devon go find the key for these chains.”

   “She is not breathing. Help me, she needs to breathe. Richards do something please. You have to save her for me please. I can’t live without her.” Devon was beginning to lose it.

   “Landon he is going into shock. Sit him down and find me the bloody key.” Richards tone was stern and calm.

   Landon left as he ran from the room. Devon sat on a stool next to Sarah’s lifeless body dangling by her wrists wrapped in rusty chains. He stared at the blood dripping from her face that had already stained her soft blond hair. She did not look like his Sarah. Devon followed a drip of blood as it fell from her chin to the floor. A large puddle had already formed at her feet. He looked back to her hair that was stained dark red, almost brown-black. His gaze moved down and to see her clothing torn away from her body.

   Richards checked her breathing and it was shallow. “She is breathing Devon. We will get her out of here and take her home but you need to get a hold of yourself. I will need your help. Devon! Look at me.”

Devon tore his eyes away from Sarah. “Richards I…I love her so much.”

“I know Devon.” Richards did not know what else to say to him. He wanted nothing more than to give his promise that Sarah was going to be fine…but he couldn’t. He knew that Sarah's life was most likely going to parish before night's end.

   Richards’s brother came down with a sheet to wrap her in. Devon stood up and pulled the coat from Sarah. He saw close-up what Collins had done to her body.

   Richards handed Devon the sheet and said, “Put this on her Devon.” Richards watched as Devon was not responding. Richards grabbed Devon and slapped him across the face. “If you are not going to help her then leave!” Richards needed Devon to remain focused.

   Devon looked down at the sheet in his hands and started to wrap it around Sarah’s body. His hands were shaking so hard he could barely form a fist to work with the material.

   Richards then handed Devon a large glass of scotch and said, “Drink this it will help calm your nerves son.” He was keeping his composure, he had to, Devon was in no condition to help anyone. He had caught a glance of what that man had done to her. In Richards’s opinion, this so called man was not human.

   Devon chugged down the scotch Richards had given him quickly. Staring into his empty glass he realized he was going to kill Collins. He was going to strangle the breath out of another human being without remorse. Devon knew he could live with it. He knew it was wrong and he didn’t care.

   Landon came back with tools in his hands. “Mcmay has the key. We can use these to break through the chains.”

   “Good thinking Landon,” Richards said as he took a set of tools from Landon.

   Devon stepped forward and said, “I will do it Richards.”

   Richards nodded handing him the ax.

   “Why is there a puddle of blood at her feet behind her?” Landon asked.

   Richards pulled back the sheet and saw a stab wound in her side. “She has been stabbed. You two get to work and I will apply pressure to the wound. You need to work quickly.” Richards bunched up the material and began pressing on the wound.

   Devon and Landon hit the chains to break them apart. After ten minutes, Richards pulled his hands away from Sarah’s wound and checked it. The bleeding had not stopped yet, although it had slowed some. He reached up and checked her pulse and then her breathing. “We really need to hurry gentlemen if you could please.” Honestly the smell of Sarah’s blood mix with the musty scent of the cellar was getting to him. The deafening clanking from the ax striking the chains was not helping him with his queezy feeling.

   After another ten minutes Landon broke threw his first. Sarah’s body slummed down as Richards caught her. Devon within a minute had broken threw the other chain.

   Devon took her up into his arms and headed for the stairs. Outside a carriage was waiting for him. He turned to Richards. “You take the horses and Collins.”

   Devon sat on the seat with Sarah in his arms. He was still applying firm pressure to Sarah’s wound on her side. Devon could feel her blood seeping down his leg. She felt cold and her body was so limp. Devon pulled back the sheet wrapped around her bloody body. He was horrified as he gazed at all the gashes and bite marks that covered her. He put the sheet back around her and held her tight against him as he began to tremble again. “I am so sorry Sarah. I should have never left this morning. I have failed you and I have failed your father. I am no hero for you.” Devon opened his eyes and gazed down at her legs resting on the seat. He saw the pink trim of the dress he had bought for her and had sent home to her. He felt his fist clench the wet sheet wrapped around her. Devon imagined how pretty she must have looked in it. He moved his eyes back to her swollen bruised face and kissed her forehead. He did not even recognize her. “Don’t leave me Sarah,” he whispered.

   When the carriage pulled up, Landon and Richards were waiting at the front steps for him. Devon carried Sarah’s pale limp body into the house. As he passed by Grams and Brook in the entry, the two women gasped and Grams let out a painful cry as she reached for Sarah’s hand dangling in the air.

   Brook gazed down at the trail of blood that was following Devon. She did not want Grams to see it, so she looked to Richards to take her. Richards gazed down and understood what Brook had saw. After Richards took Grams in the drawing room, Brook found some rags and a pail for water in the kitchen and started wiping up Sarah’s blood with a scrub brush as she then blooded it with the rags. She could her Grams crying over the sound of the bristles against the thick rug.

   Landon knelt down beside her and took a rag. He soaked it in the water and began to wipe as well. He looked over to Brook after a few minutes and saw her tears falling to the floor. He dropped his rag in the pail and took hers out of her trembling hands. Landon pulled her to her knees and hugged her tight.

  Brook felt her body soften in his arms. It felt so good to be held in his strong embrace, she felt safe. Brook had been holding in the whole day’s events and she could feel it starting to surface. She tried to push it back down until Landon’s hand ran threw the back of her hair and he started to rub her back. Those simple motions opened a floodgate. Brook wrapped her arms around his neck and cried hard as she let it all come out in his arms.

   Landon didn’t say anything to her, he just held her tight. He knew she had tried to be so strong for Sarah earlier that day. He recognized she was the rock in the group and always kept her composure for everyone around her. Right now, she needed someone to be that for her and he wanted to be that someone for her.

   Brook slowly pulled back from him and said, “I am sorry.”

   Landon took a handkerchief out of his coat pocket and handed it to her as he said, “I possibly needed that more than you did to be honest.”

   Brook finished wiping her face and smiled as she looked up to him. Landon felt himself lean into her and kiss her gently. She felt soft in his arms and her breath was sweet tasting.

   Brook kissed him back. She felt an over whelming sense of comfort in him kissing her. Brook let herself relax into his strong arms. For a brief moment she let everything just melt away. His hands closed around her waist and pulled her closer.

   The kiss lasted less than twenty seconds, as a voice from the drawing room caused them to stop. Landon still was hovering close to her lips and he brushed them gently with his. Brook’s eyes were closed and she felt like she was floating.

   “I don’t want to stop,” Landon said to her softy with his lips still grazing hers.

   They heard Richards voice near the doorway and moved slightly away from one another. Brook picked her rag back up and continued to wipe. Landon gazed down at her profile, as he was trying to figure out what just happened and why he had chosen that moment to kiss her.

   Devon opened the door and called to Brook. “The doctor needs some assistance.” Devon walked closer to her and explained that he was not married to Sarah and was not allowed to remain in the room past this point. Brook listened and then disappeared into the room.

   Landon was scrubbing the floor as Devon looked down to his friend. He grabbed a rag and helped.

   Richards approached them from behind. “You two should not be doing that.”

   Landon said, “I don’t mind it is giving me something to do.”

   There was a knock at the door behind them that drew their attention. Richards walked over and answered it. It was the officers from earlier. Richards escorted them in and over to Devon, who was still wiping the floor from Sarah’s blood.

   “What has happened here?” The round short man in charged asked.

   “This did not happen here. It happened at Mcmay’s. Sarah, the woman you dragged out of here pleading for you not too, was beaten and tortured and this is her blood,” Landon shouted at him.

   Where is she? I want to see her?” the man said.

   Richards said, “I will notify the doctor of your request, wait here.” Richards came back and said, “He will need a few minutes. He needs to finish closing her stab wound.” Then Richards walked away leaving the man standing there.

   Devon and Landon did not say a another word to the officer standing next to them. Landon noticed the man start to tap his foot on the rug by Devon’s hand. “I’m sorry Sir. Are we keeping you from something more important…like a round pastry perhaps?”

   The officer immediately looked to Landon and said, “I beg your pardon?”

   Devon said, “I think what my friend was trying to say was, you seem impatient about something. Now if you care to keep your foot attached to your ankle…Well I suggest you stop tapping it in our faces, officer.”

 At the moment he planned to reply to Devon, the doctor called for him. The short round man waddled away and into the room behind the door where Sarah was lying. Devon and Landon finished cleaning and went to the drawing room to join the others. Landon walked to the bar and poured a round of drinks.

   Grams saw Devon’s shirt and started to cry all over again. Devon looked down and realized his white shirt was no longer white. He removed his coat and then worked on his shirt. “Damn buttons,” he mumbled to himself.

   The officer and the doctor entered the room a second later. Both of them approached Devon and the room grew silent.

   “We will track down Mcmay and this Collins fellow. My men and I will question them to see what has happened.”

   “Collins is in my stable and Mcmay I believe is at a card game,” Devon said. He then looked to the doctor.

   “I have stopped her bleeding but she has lost a tremendous amount of blood Lord Price. Her face has a few broken bones and quite a few of her ribs are broke. That would explain why her breathing was so shallow when she was chained to the wall.” The doctor removed his glasses. “Sarah has what might possibly be a severe head injury. Right now, it is hard for me to discern the extent of the damage that has been done to her. She has a lot of swelling and when that begins to subside, I will be able to give you a better diagnosis. I have stitched up many areas and the bite wounds she sustained will heel in time… if she survives. I am truly sorry. I wish I was able to do more for her and you Lord Price.”

   Devon shook his head in understanding to what the doctor was telling him. “We are all grateful for everything you have done.”

   “Lord Price, it is my belief that this estate should prepare for the strong possibility that lady Mcmay will not make it till the morning Sir.” The doctor pinched his lips together as he heard the gasps and cries coming from behind Devon.

   Devon looked down to the floor. “Is there no hope for her?”

   The doctor placed his hand onto Devon’s shoulder and said, “Son, if you are not close with our lord, then now would be the moment to call upon him and introduce yourself.”

   Devon looked to him. “I see.”

   The silence of the room was shook alive by a thunderous pounding on the front door. Richards rose to go and open it but whoever was on the other side of it, just barged threw and into the room.

   “You had no right to enter my house and take what does not belong to you.” Mcmay was walking towards Devon and pointing his finger at him. “Where is the little chit?”

   Devon lunged foreword after him as he pushed past the officers. He wrapped his hands around Mcmay’s throat and tackled him to the ground. “You bloody bastard! How could you?” He squeezed so hard he thought his hands were going to break. Devon wanted to watch this man die. He wanted to make him suffer. Every man in the room used all their strength to pull Devon from Mcmay.

   After Mcmay was free from Devon’s grip and up on his feet again, he said, “She needed to know her place. Collins was kind enough to assist me with that.” Mcmay gave Devon a wide evil grin as he narrowed his eyes at him as well.

   Landon reached out a punched Mcmay in his throat hard. Mcmay fell against the side table and smashed threw it with Landon landing on top of him. Landon went to draw up his arm and hit Brook in the mouth with his elbow. Landon had not even noticed. Brook quietly left the room to sit with Sarah. She could not stand anymore of this insanity.

   “Landon James stop!” Grams shouted in a stern motherly tone. As Landon looked to Grams, Mcmay hit him in the eye knocking him off his body. The officers abruptly stepped in to take Landon’s arms. One of the officers locked him in cuffs.

   Grams stepped foreword addressing the chubby Captain, “You remove those shacklings without haste.”

   “With all due respect Lady Wilsbee, they will remain in place until everyone in this room gains some resemblance of composer. Now, I will go and have an interview with Lord Mcmay while the rest of you remain still…and silent.”

     Mcmay cleared his sore throat and attempted to shout, “These people have no rights to her,” he said as he was coughing. “I am taking her back with me right now.”

   “You cannot move her. I will not allow it,” the doctor said with disbelief filling his voice.

   “I can do what I wish with her,” Mcmay said and then turned to Devon and finished his sentence, “And to her.”

   Richards hit Mcmay in the back of the head with a poker for the fire. Mcmay fell to the ground flat on his face.

   The officer shouted, “Bloody hell, have all of you gone mad?”

   “Yes we have. Did you see her face and the state of her body? I assume not, because if you had, then you would not be asking us that,” Grams said to the officer.

   Mcmay stumbled to his feet. “I want her removed now,” he said while holding the back of his head. “And I want this man arrested,” he pointed to Richards.

   The officer looked to Devon and said, “My hands are tied on this Sir. I have to allow it, he is her charge.”

   Devon took a step forward and said, “She is to be my wife tomorrow. If you attempt to go anywhere near her, I will kill you and anyone else who tries after you.”

   Mcmay started laughing and said, “I will not give consent for the marriage.”

   Devon said, “You have no authority over her. I have found Benjamin’s original will. You drew up a fake one and now you will hang for attempted murder.”

   “Prove it Price. I want to see this will.” Mcmay challenge him.

   Devon looked to the officer and said, “A friend of mine is holding it safe for me. As soon as I can reach him I will give you all the proof you need.”

   The officer ran his hand through his hair then said, “I am sorry. If you do not have it right now, I cannot help you Lord Price.”

   “He has it right here.” Eli handed it to the officer.

   Devon was shocked to see him. Eli smiled and said, “I have been sitting in the corner with Grams for an hour.”

   “I am glad you are here.” Devon grabbed him and shook his hand. Eli patted his back. “I am too, my friend.” Eli released him. “Landon had left an urgent note with James my butler and I came straight here without haste.”

   The officer called for his men outside the room and had them take Mcmay and Collins away. “You have my deepest sympathy regarding Lady Mcmay and do wish an acute recovery. I will be in touch.” Then he left.

   Devon walked over to Grams who was sitting on the sofa. He keeled down so he was eye level with her and said, “I had wanted to tell you about our engagement differently and celebrate with you. I am sorry it was delivered to you in this manner Grams.”

   She smiled at him and said, “I do not care of that my boy. I knew last night at the ball you were going to ask for her hand. Any man who makes that much of an ass of himself, has to love the woman draped over his shoulder. Go and be with your future wife Devon. She needs you.”

   Devon kissed her and then left the room to his study where Sarah was. Devon quietly knocked on the door and then opened it. He saw Brook sitting by her side. “Do you mind if I come in Brook?”

   “Not at all Devon.” Brook stood up to leave.

   “You do not have to leave,” Devon said to her.

   “I want to Devon. She needs you to be with her.” Brook smiled weakly at him.

   “Are you alright Brook?” Devon asked her.

   “I will be alright when I know Sarah will be.”

   “I cannot lose her Brook. She is my everything and I love her.” Devon gazed at Sarah.

   Brook put her hand on his arm and said, “She looked beautiful in the dress you sent for her. Interesting choice of buttons.” She chuckled.

   Devon smiled. Brook looked to him and said, “I have never known a woman to love a man as much as she loves you Devon. I truly believe for that reason alone, she will not let go.”

   “Did she talk about me to you?” he asked her.

   Brook said, “She didn’t have to. Anyone could see it when you were in the room with her. We had been talking earlier this day and she said something I thought you might want to know.” Brook waited for Devon to look to her. “She had told me she would have never thought she would be able to find a man as amazing as her father was. Sarah said you were perfect in every way possible to her. She referred to you as her hero. Knight and shining charmer is what she called you.”

   Devon smiled at Brook but he really wanted to cry. He was no hero or anything else to her. Brook said good-bye and left. Devon sat quietly next to Sarah. He did not care how she was going to be or look later on, he just wanted her to wake up and say his name. Devon remained by her side watching her breathe and on occasion saw the twitching of her fingers.

   When Brook left the room, Landon was waiting outside the door.

   “Devon is in with Sarah.”

   “I know. I was standing out here waiting for you. Are you all right? I want you to come and eat something Brook.” Landon said softly.

   “Thank you but I do not feel much like eating now.” Brook said to him without making any eye contact.

   They began to walk down the hallway together. Landon said, “I shall get you some tea. Will you drink some tea for me at least?”

   “I can get the tea Landon,” Brook said.

   “No I will get the tea, you go sit down.” His voice was slightly soft with an undertone of direction to it.

   Brook did not argue with him and sat down. She noticed the blood on her dress. She would need to go and change soon but she was so tired. In a few minutes, she told herself. The room was quiet, as everyone had moved to the dining room for dinner, although she was sure they really weren't in the mood for food either. Brook put her feet up on the sofa after she removed her shoes. She laid back and it finally hit her how drained she truly felt.

   Landon returned with a maid carrying Brook’s tea and found her asleep on the sofa. He had the maid put the tray down and he sat in a chair next to Brook. Landon watched her chest rise and fall as her breaths slowed and deepened with her slumber she was falling into. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the chair.

   Brook was unsure how much time had passed when she awoke. Gazing to the chair next to her, she saw Landon in what looked to her to be a very uncomfortable position. He was sitting on his hands behind him. She reached over and placed her hand on his knee. “Landon,” she whispered.

   Landon woke and saw Brook leaning over in front of him. “Hello Red.”

   Brook smiled and sat back down. “I haven’t heard that one before. You are so cleaver and creative with your choice of words. Women must simply fall to your feet with whit like that.” She gave him a quick glance as she poured some tea for them.

   “Oh you are very Irish Brook O’Brien. Your mouth is as fiery as your hair seems to be.” Landon gave her a sideways smirk.

   “Would you be talking with me if it weren’t?” Brook saw Landon’s smile widen. “I thought not.” She reached over and placed a small scope of sugar in both the tea cups. “Sarah has awoken slightly. The doctor said that is a great sign. Devon has not left her side.”

   “I would suspect not, knowing Devon. I believe she will recover fully Brook.”

   Brook gazed to him and said, “She is talking somewhat and she knows who everyone is so far. The memory of tonight is gone though.”

   “Would you want her to remember?” Landon asked.

   “No, it is just that her memory from the entire last week is gone as well. Sarah does not remember Devon asking her to be his wife.”

   “Well, look at it this way Brook. At least Devon will know what her answer will be when he asked this time around, right.”

   Brook started laughing softly. “I suppose you’re right.” She held out the cup of tea for Landon. After a moment, he still had not taken it from her. Brook glanced at him and saw a smile on his face. “Is this amusing to you that I am holding out tea for you?”

   “No that is only half of what is amusing about this.”

   Brook put the tea down in front of him. “I my questioning if I dare ask you why Landon.”

   “Oh do ask because I think you shall find it possible more amusing than I”

   Brook shook her head and said, “Alright then. What is so amusing?”

   Landon sat back a little more comfortable and said, “You see my Red, you are holding out a cup of tea for a man whom you assume can take the tea from you.”

   “You are not making any sense Landon.”

   “The whole thing makes perfect sense, Red,” Landon said,

   “It does not and stop calling me Red.” Brook picked up her tea and sipped it carefully. She thought for a moment about what he was saying. She quickly looked at him.

   Landon smiled again at her. “Ah, you are more cleaver than I thought,” he said.

   “What? Landon no.” Brook burst out into laughter.

   Grams entered the room and brought with her the aroma of mini muffins with blueberries. “What is so funny Brook?”

   Brook just shook her head. She was laughing too hard to answer her at that moment.

   Grams sat down next to Brook. “Good gracious my child, breathe.”

   Landon said, “You will soon be laughing as well. In all the fuss over Mcmay and Collins the officers forgot something of theirs.”

   Grams leaned foreword and asked, “What was it?”

   Brook shouted out, “Their cuffs on Landon!”

   “Oh heavens no.” Grams began laughing with Brook.

   Landon stood up. “I see neither of you plans to offer me a lick of aid.”

   Grams stood up and announced she was going to fetch Richards. Landon started to follow her out of the room.

   “Wait, I can undo them for you Landon,” Brook said. She pulled a hairpin from her hair and walked over to him…still giggling of course.

   “I told you it would be more amusing to you.”

   Brook said, “I do apologize but how could you not remember to say something?” She began to work on the cuffs.

   “Honestly, I was wondering where you had gone. I did not see you and I…I was wondering.” He felt Brook pause for a second with the cuffs. Just then he heard a snap.

   “Oh no,” Brook whispered.