Rockford and Loraset out on horseback, the path winding through the woods. Silence settled between them, thick withunspoken words. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Their only accompaniment was the rhythmic clopping of hooves and the distant rustle of leaves. After a while, he noticed Lora adjusting her gloves, a nervous habit she could not overcome.
She broke the silence. “I hadn’t fully considered the implications when I came this morning.” Her eyes remained fixed on the path ahead.
Rockford glanced at her. “You were seeking answers.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he searched for the right words. “I should have been more mindful.”
She shook her head gently, the motion causing a few loose strands of hair to catch the sunlight. “We both hold some responsibility. What’s important now is handling the situation as Barrington suggested, appropriately.”
He nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small, rueful smile. “Barrington suggested we create the impression we met by chance during a ride.” He gave her a side glance, hoping for her agreement.
“That seems wise.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
They rode silently for some time, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. Rockford exhaled slowly, the sound mingling with the afternoon’s quiet. His mind churned, grappling with the gravity of the direction the mission had taken. Each heartbeat pounded with the realization of what he stood to lose. When he and Barrington first derived the plan, he thought it would be good to spend time with Lora and if it bothered Hastings, all the more reason to do it. He never thought, God’s Blood, how had this happened? But as he looked at her, riding beside him with quiet determination, the truth was undeniable. He had fallen in love with her.
He closed his eyes as the word seared into his brain. Love. Since he returned from France, he had made honesty, loyalty,and trustworthiness the bedrock of his identity. Yet here he was, entangled in a deceitful plan.
He glanced at Lora, her profile illuminated by the dappled sunlight. She had shown such courage and determination, qualities he admired deeply. He had always prided himself on being a man of honor, yet now he found himself violating the very principles he held dear. The mission demanded secrecy, but the cost was eroding his self-respect. He couldn’t bear the thought of Lora seeing him as a liar and a fraud.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and tired. “Lora, I want you to know, I never intended for you to become embroiled in all this.
She turned to look at him, her gaze steady and unwavering. “I chose to involve myself. And despite the… complexities, I don’t regret seeking the truth.”
The path gradually widened, leading them out of the dense woods and into open fields. The landscape was a patchwork of meadows and farmlands, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. They reached Stonefield Crossing and turned south to follow the Sommer River.
Rockford’s gaze flickered to Lora. “Lora, you don’t have to take this on. Hastings is not a man to be underestimated.”
Lora met his gaze with quiet determination. “I am aware of the risks, Rockford. But I cannot stand idly by. The clinic is vital. I cannot turn my back on the people it serves. I must see this through.”
How had he not known about her valor? He laughed to himself. All he had seen was Adam’s little sister in a beautiful woman’s body. “Together, we will see it through.” Silently, he made another vow. No matter what happened, if he had to put his own back to it, she would get the clinic expansion she was fighting so hard for.
As they approached the outskirts of her family estate, Fallsmith Manor came into view, its imposing silhouettesoftened by the waning light. Rockford guided Lora to the front door, reluctant that their journey was ending.
Before she dismounted, Rockford reached out, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “Promise me you’ll be careful. We have a long road ahead, and I need to know you’ll stay safe.”
Lora nodded, her expression resolute. “I promise, Rockford.”
He helped down. She shook out her skirt. The stable boy came out to take Astra. She looked around.
“Is something amiss?”
“My satchel,” she looked up at Rockford, her face a mirror of distress. “I left it at the lodge.”
“Not to worry. I’ll have it for you in the morning.”
As she disappeared into the house, Rockford lingered for a moment, watching the door close behind her. With a heavy heart, he turned his horse and began the ride back. The path ahead was uncertain, but his commitment to protect her was unwavering.
*
Lora stood atthe threshold of her father’s study, her heart pounding. She had heard the familiar sound of his voice mingling with the rustle of papers as she passed by the corridor. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked softly on the door.
“Lora, my dear. Come in,” her father called warmly from inside.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, a smile on her face. “Welcome home, Father. How was Brighton?”
“It was delightful,” he replied, setting his quill down and motioning for her to sit. “Your mother had quite a list of tasks for me, but we managed to get through them all. Adam sends his regards as well.”
Lora nodded, feeling a moment of peace in the familiarity of their conversation. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s good to have you back.”
Her father studied her for a moment, then asked, “Do you have any plans for the next season?”
