Connery laughed.
Under the darkening sky, Connery and Fleur resumed their stroll around the pond, and over the lush grounds surrounding the estate. As they continued to exchange playful banter, the distant rumble of thunder reverberated through the air, heralding an approaching storm.
“Where did that come from?” Fleur asked.
“The weather’s quick shift in this area has never failed to amaze me,” Connery said.
Worried that Fleur might catch a cold or worse given her recent illness, he removed his jacket and held it above their heads to shield them from the large drops of rain that had begun to fall. “Let’s hurry before it turns into a deluge,” Connery said. He was actually thankful for the rain for it gave him an excuse towrap a protective arm around Fleur’s delicate shoulders as they hurried back to the manor. He was no fool, nor a wee lad at his first ceilidh. He knew when a woman was attracted to him. But he was not looking for a mere flirtation. Not with a woman like Fleur. He’d never met a woman like her and the need to protect her was strong as was his admiration for her strength. He hoped that Gerald and Wright caught the bastard who did this to Fleur and Selena soon so that both women could resume their lives without the fear of being attacked again.
~*~
Chapter Fifteen
The next day
Gerald returned from his morning ride, still shrouded by the morning fog. He had toured the estate grounds closest to the manor house and was satisfied with the security detail that surrounded and protected the estate, including the large number of footmen Wright had hired positioned with rifles around the grounds.
Gerald slid down from Aphrodite and walked the thoroughbred into the stables, his anger still burning over whathe’d learned about the imposter who’d hurt Selena and her mother. The fact that Selena had been accosted in such a vile manner and had narrowly escaped a brutal rape erupted a fire of fury inside him. When they tracked down the bastard posing as Lord Percival, Gerald would rip off his limbs and enjoy doing it.
Yesterday, following her emotional description of the last time she’d seen the man calling himself Lord Percival, Selena’s energy seemed to evaporate. He’d planned to speak to her on their walk, hoping to hear more of what had happened. He needed to hear the full story. But her need to sleep quashed his hope to take a walk. When she laid down for a short nap, she ended up sleeping straight through the day and night.
Resigned to waiting, Gerald led Aphrodite into her stall. Startled when he heard Selena’s soft voice at the other end of the stable, he handed Aphrodite’s reins to Joshua, who had been delivering fresh hay to the stall. “I’ll take good care of her, your lordship.”
“Thank you, Joshua. She had a long ride and needs to be brushed.”
Approaching Selena, he slowed to listen.
“Azure, it’s so good to see you, my sweet boy. I brought you an apple and some carrots,” she whispered. “But don’t tell anyone.”
Gerald grinned as Azure gave a soft snort in reply.
“I’m so lucky to have you, Azure,” she murmured. As the horse munched, she gently patted his neck.
“Good morning,” Gerald said.
Selena turned in surprise, her hand going to her chest.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
A glowing smile lit her face and his breath hitched at the beauty of it.
“Oh! Good morning, Gerald. You did not startle me, I was just sneaking Azure some treats.” She winked and Gerald’s heart did a dozen somersaults.
He looked at the dark-haired woman standing next to him. She was brave and beautiful and when she was near, he struggled to control the feelings that stirred within him. “Selena, could we take a walk? Do you feel up to it?”
Pleasure lit up the beautiful blue eyes that regarded him. She nodded. Handing Azure another carrot, she kissed her horse on the nose. Smiling up at Gerald, she said, “I’d like that very much.”
~*~
As they walked away from the stable, she felt Gerald’s hand grip hers and squeeze. She knew he was trying to reassure her, but he didn’t know everything. He didn’t know everything because she hadn’t told him. And she promised she wouldn’t keep secrets. But this one hurt so much, she didn’t know how to tell him, but tell him she must.
Selena wished she had never recalled the memory of that night with Percival. The vile man had molested her. She felt nothing but the heat of shame.
“I apologize for sleeping so long yesterday.”
“Selena, you slept almost a full day. You obviously needed it, love. I’ve just missed you.”
He probably won’t miss me when he hears everything, she thought. One day he’d be an earl, how could he possibly want a wife who was sullied? “I was tired. I don’t think I’ve ever been that tired, Gerald.”
