With shaking fingers, she unwrapped the white linen, realizing with a heavy heart it was the handkerchief she’d given him. Unfolding the last piece of material she looked down. The emerald ring rested on top of a thick bundle of faded letters tied with a worn piece of leather. She instantly recognized her own handwriting.
She felt the blood drain from her face. These were the dozens of letters she’d written to Philip while he was abroad. Andrew’s most prized possession.
The truth hit her like a backhanded slap, and she felt an overwhelming need to sit down. His love for her was not of a recent nature as she’d assumed. He’d been in love with her for…
Something wet plopped onto her hand. Dazed, she stared at the tear, as another, then another, fell onto her skin. All those years she’d ached with loneliness, endured her husband’s cruel neglect and rejection of her and Spencer, Andrew had been wanting her. Needing her. Loving her.
The realization, the depth of his feelings, his devotion, humbled her, enervated her, and she could almost feel the wall she’d built around herself and her heart crumbling, leaving her exposed and her feelings utterly bare. Undeniable. She could hide from them no longer. She did not simply desire Andrew. She loved him.
A sob escaped her, and she pressed her trembling lips together. With an impatient exclamation, she dashed the back of her hand over her eyes. Later. She could cry later, although she dearly hoped she would not need to. Right now she needed to figure out where Andrew had gone, think of a way to help him find Carmichael. Then tell him what a fool she’d been. And pray he’d forgive her for the hurt her fears and confusion had caused both of them.
Clutching the letters and ring to her chest, she paced to the window and stared out at the soft, golden light signaling dawn. Her gaze drifted toward the stables in the distance, and she blinked at the sight of Andrew’s familiar, broad-shouldered figure approaching the wide double doors. Her heart jumped in relief. He was still here. If she hurried, she could reach the stables before he left. But with Carmichael possibly about, she needed some protection.
She dashed to her bedchamber, then dropped to her knees before her wardrobe and pulled out a worn hatbox. After opening the lid, she removed the small, pearl-handled pistol hidden beneath a pile of old gloves. She then set Andrew’s letters and the ring on top and replaced the hatbox. Cursing the further delay, she hurriedly dressed, then, slipping the pistol into the pocket of her gown, left the room.
Chapter 20
by Charles Brightmore
He allowed himself another quick peek over the door of the third stall where Shadow slept, curled up in the corner on a blanket-covered bed of hay. He’d have to make arrangements for someone to retrieve the puppy for him. And return Aphrodite. God knew he wouldn’t have the strength to come back to Little Longstone again himself.
Forcing his feet to move, he walked into the tack room. After setting down his pistol on a worn bench, he was preparing to reach for Aphrodite’s saddle when he heard Spencer’s voice ask, “You’re leaving, Mr. Stanton?”
Andrew turned swiftly. Spencer stood framed in the doorway, his eyes reflecting confusion and hurt.
Alarm rushed through Andrew. With Carmichael looking for him, the last place Andrew wanted Spencer was
Andrew approached him, his stomach tight with concern. “What are you doing here, Spencer?”
“I wanted to play with Shadow. As I left the house, I saw you entering the stables. You’re leaving?” he asked again.
“I’m afraid so.”
A stricken look came over Spencer’s face. “Without saying good-bye?”
Guilt kicked Andrew squarely in the gut. “Only for now. And only because time is very short. I planned to write you.” He quickly told him what was going on, concluding with, “As soon I’ve saddled Aphrodite, I’ll take you back to the house. You must remain inside until Carmichael is caught. Protect your mother. Do you understand?”
Spencer nodded. “When will you come back?”
Andrew pulled in a deep breath. There was no time to say all the things he wanted to, but he couldn’t do less than give Spencer the truth.
“Do you recall all those bothersome suitors who wish to court your mother?”
“Of course. We showed them not to pester Mum anymore, didn’t we?”
“Yes, we did. But unfortunately I fear I’ve become one of the bothersome suitors.”
Spencer blinked several times. “You want to court my mum?”
“I wanted to, yes, but things are not going to work out as I’d hoped.”
Spencer frowned, and Andrew could almost hear the wheels turning in the young man’s mind. “Why aren’t things going to work out? Mum likes you, I know she does. And… and she enjoyed the strawberry ice very much.”
“I know she likes me. But sometimes liking someone isn’t enough. And in this case, it isn’t enough.”
His bottom lip trembled and his eyes welled with moisture. “So you’re not
God help him. How many times could his bloody heart break in one day? Andrew reached out and rested his hands on Spencer’s shoulders. “I’m afraid not. But I want you to know that you are welcome to visit me in London anytime you wish.”
“I am?”
“Yes. And I hope you’ll seriously consider making the journey. I believe you’re ready to venture outside Little