She was on her feet at once. Cold fear washed over her. “Is he…?”
“I do not know, my lady.”
Lora’s mind raced. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Of course, milady.” He turned to leave.
Lora barely heard him. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Rockford’s carriage, wrecked. She forced herself to breathe, to think. He needed her. “Mr. Axbridge, please have the carriage ready for me at once.”
As Axbridge left, she grabbed her cape out of her wardrobe, her thoughts in turmoil. Someone had tried to kill Rockford. The realization shattered what was left of her anger.
“I can’t lose him,” she whispered, tears welling anew. Despite everything, the thought of him being hurt, or worse, was unbearable.
She pulled on her cape and gloves and hurried down the stairs. Mr. Axbridge stood ready at the door and helped her into the coach.
“Take Lady Lora to Rockford Manor.”
Lora looked at her butler from the carriage window and graciously nodded. Her carriage traveled quickly down the silent boulevard that led to the other estates.
Her mind was a jumble. She was afraid of what she would find, but she couldn’t stop herself from going.Let him be safe. Let him be safe. Let him be safe.Was the cadence the wheels made as they rolled over the hard-packed lane.
Her carriage turned down the manor’s drive, and moments later, Lora stood before the grand entrance, her heart pounding.
The heavy oak door opened to reveal the footman, his expression one of polite concern. “Good evening, Lady Lora,” he greeted with a respectful bow.
Lora took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Good evening, James. I came to inquire about His Grace’s condition. I heard about the accident and… I want to know how he is faring.”
James’s eyes softened slightly. “Of course, milady. His Grace is in a delicate condition. While he has sustained some injuries, they are not as grave as initially feared. However, the situation is still quite serious. He is receiving the best care possible.”
Lora’s eyes widened with worry. “Thank you for telling me,” she said, her voice catching with emotion. “I… I hope he recovers swiftly.”
The footman hesitated for a moment. “Would you like to see him, Lady Lora? I’m sure it would lift his spirits.”
Her heart ached to see him, to assure herself that he was truly safe. But what then? What would she say? What could she say? She swallowed hard. “No. I just needed to know.”
“As you wish, milady,” the footman said with a nod.
She managed a small smile, turned, and returned to her carriage.
James closed the door gently behind her, the echo of its closing resonating through the silent hall.
Outside, Lora paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing on her way. She could not yet face Rockford directly, but knowing he was alive and receiving care brought her a small measure of relief. Lora hesitated for just a moment before stepping toward the waiting carriage.
Unbeknownst to her, upstairs in a darkened room, Rockford stood by the window, watching. Rockford’s eyes followed her retreating form, his heart aching with regret. The sight of Lora, even from a distance, stirred a fierce determination.
“Your Grace.”
“Yes.” He watched the groom help her into her carriage.
“Lady Lora inquired about your health.”
“Thank you.”
The footman left, but Rockford remained at the window, watching her carriage disappear down the drive. Her trust had been his guiding light, carrying him through the darkness. He had been a fool to risk it, a greater fool to lose it. His hands clenched at his sides. “Lora, I will prove myself worthy of you—no matter the cost. This, I vow.”
Chapter Thirty-One
19 October 1822
