Rowangot down, and after movingAshea little, he was able to hearLucybreathing.ThankGod!Hebrushed a kiss on her lips. “Lucylove,I’mgoing to get you out, butIhave to helpMaryfirst,” he whispered.
Heturned toMaryand touched her shoulder.
“I’mall right,Ithink, milord,” she said, her eyes still closed. “Justvery shaken up and very cold.”
“I’mgoing to hand you up toLordsSorenandLatham,” he said, glancing up atSliceandLatham, who had joined him on the topside of the carriage.
“No, milord,”Maryprotested, opening tearful eyes. “Takemilady first.Shegot hit by a brick,Ithink, andIhaven’t heard a peep from her.”
“Mary, you’re a generous lass, butIneed to get you out first soI’llhave more room to helpLucy.”
Themaid nodded.
“Letme know ifIhurt you.I’lltry my best not to,” he said.
“I’mso cold, milord,Icouldn’t feel anything ifItried,” she said as he lifted her through the opening where the door used to be.LathamandSliceeased her out, andLathamhelped her off the carriage and carried her to where he’d left the driver—nearNelson, who was also watching the horses.
OnceMarywas safely inSlice’shands,Rowansquatted down next toLucyand kissed her again. “Sweetheart, it’s me,Rowan,” he said, his voice clogged with emotion. “Please, you’ve got to hang on for me,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. “We’regoing to get you out of here.Pleasestay with me, love.”Hekissed her again on the lips.
“ForGod’ssake, man, you can kiss her all you want later,”Lathamreprimanded.
Rowanthrew him a scowl over his shoulder.
Heturned back toLucy.Asmuch as he had hoped for it, there was no response.Gently, he lifted the small fox, who protested with a high-pitched chatter and accusatory eyes at leavingLucy’sside.Rowanrealized the fox had been trying to keepLucywarm and safe. “Ashe…little fellow, you’re a hero, butLucywould have my hide ifIdidn’t see you safely out of here, so back in the satchel you go.”Asheseemed to understand and climbed back into the bag.Suddenly, it occurred toRowanwhat it was thatLucyloved about animals.Ashehad helped her without expecting anything in return, just as she had helped him.Heturned back toLucyand checked her pulse.Itwasn’t as strong as he would have liked. “She’snot conscious.Awarming brick hit her head.”
“Thedoctor will be at the house when we return ifIknowFrankie,”Lathamsaid.
“Severalfootmen and horses arrived as well,”Slicesaid, joining them again. “WebundledMaryand the driver up, and they’re on their way back to the manor.”
RowanliftedLucyand swiped off the frozen tears that he hadn’t realized had run down his face.“Whatif she doesn’t wake up?”he asked himself.
“Iheard that,”Lathamsaid. “She’sa strong woman.She’llsurvive this,Rowan.Wewill see you married yet.”
“Ihope so,” he heard himself say.Ashe carefully handedLucyup toSliceandLatham.Takingthe small satchel with the fox inside, he climbed out of the carriage.
“We’llreturn later to help the footmen recover the horses and the luggage,”Slicesaid, handingLucyback toRowanas they made their way up the hill where their horses were.
“We’llhave to get the broken axle fixed before moving the carriage,”Nelsonadded.
Rowannodded as he gently handedLucyback toSliceso he could climb onto his horse.SliceliftedLucyto him.Lathamhanded him a blanket, whichRowanslipped gently aroundLucyas he tucked her head against his chest.WithAshesafely secured behind him,Rowanturned his horse towardsLathamManor.Thefour men moved as quickly as they dared go.
“Lucy,” he murmured into her ear as they rode. “Ilove you.Pleasedon’t leave me.NotwhenI’vejust found you.Youare the most stubborn, brave, single-minded womanI’veever met.Ifyou wake up,Ipromise,I’llbuild you the best damn animal sanctuary in the world.”
Tohis surprise, her eyes fluttered open like a butterfly’s wings, and she looked up at him.Rowanfought to keep his eyes dry, but it was the most wonderful sight he’d ever seen in his life. “Lucy, you’re awake.Areyou hurt?Imean,Iknow you were hit by that blasted brick, but are there other places you hurt?” he began.
“Shhh!” she said in a raspy voice, placing her finger on his lips. “Iwant to hear what you told me…before.”
“Before?” he asked, puzzled. “IsaidI’dbuild you a sanctuary.”
Sheclosed her eyes. “Beforethat,” she whispered.
“Isaid you are the most stubborn, brave, single-minded womanI’veever met.”
Sheshook her head gently. “No.Imeant before that.”
Hegrinned. “Isaid,Ilove you.Pleasedon’t leave me.NotwhenI’vejust found you.”
“That.Canyou tell me again?”
