Shine Like the Dawn

by Carrie Turansky

  Nate glanced out the window and scanned the front drive and gardens. Maggie followed his gaze, but there was not a gardener or anyone else in sight.

  Please, God! Send someone to help us.

  Nate turned back to Dixon. “You won’t get away with this. We have a written record of everything we discovered. If anything happens to us, they’ll know who is at fault.”

  “We’ll be long gone by then.” Dixon yanked Maggie closer to the door and looked out the window. Seconds stretched into minutes as they waited. Maggie’s head throbbed, and she silently sent off another prayer while Nate’s gaze remained fixed on the front drive.

  Finally, the carriage rolled around the side of the house and pulled to a stop by the entrance.

  Dixon leaned closer to the glass, watching as the driver stepped down and walked away in the direction of the stable.

  Nate shifted his gaze to meet Maggie’s. His dark-brown eyes reflected determination, but they also seemed to send an appeal to trust him. Her stomach churned. What did he mean? What did he plan to do?

  “Open the front door.” Dixon lifted his chin toward Nate.

  Nate stepped forward and pulled open the heavy wooden door.

  “Now go outside,” Dixon ordered, and Nate stepped out onto the gravel drive. Dixon shoved Maggie out the door and into the driveway. “Open the carriage door!”

  Nate did as Dixon said, then turned and faced them.

  “Get inside.” Dixon shoved Maggie toward the carriage. Her foot caught on her dress, and she tripped.

  Nate reached out and caught her. As they straightened, their gazes connected and held. “Whatever happens, I love you.”

  “And I love you,” she whispered back, searching his face.

  His expression grew firm, and the determination returned to his eyes. “Climb in.” Nate took her hand and guided her toward the carriage.

  Confusion and panic pulsed through her. How could he send her away with Dixon only two seconds after he’d said he loved her?

  He nodded to her, urging her with his eyes to have faith in him. She summoned her courage and stepped up into the carriage. Once inside, she glanced around, expecting to see Helen, but she wasn’t there.

  Nate closed the carriage door and stepped in front of it, putting himself between Maggie and Dixon. She took a seat next to the window and looked out, her heart pounding hard while she sent off another silent plea. Please, God, protect Nate, stop Dixon, and put an end to all of this.

  “You won’t save yourself by trying to escape.” Nate’s voice was firm, his tone commanding. “The police will follow you, and if you take Miss Lounsbury, it will only add to your crimes.”

  “Oh, we’ll get away, because there won’t be anyone left to tell the police anything about it.” Dixon raised his gun toward Nate and cocked the hammer.

  Maggie gasped and lunged for the carriage door. “No!”

  “Stop or I’ll shoot!” Owen Campbell marched around the side of the house, flanked by Helen and Clara. He held a long hunting rifle up to his shoulder and aimed it at Dixon.

  Dixon pivoted toward them, and his eyes bulged. “Helen! What are you doing?”

  “The first sensible thing I’ve done in years.”

  “You’ll regret this!” Dixon’s hand shook as he raised his gun.

  Maggie’s gaze darted across the scene, her heart pounding.

  Nate lunged for Dixon. The gun exploded. Clara screamed. Helen fell back and grabbed her arm as she crumpled to the ground. Owen charged forward, while Nate wrestled Dixon to the ground. Two young groomsmen came running around the side of the house and dashed into the fray between Nate and Dixon.

  Maggie threw open the door, bolted from the carriage, and ran toward Helen.

  Clara knelt on the ground beside Helen. “Mother, oh, Mother.”

  She gripped Clara’s hand, her eyes squeezed tightly closed.

  Maggie dropped down on the opposite side of Helen and scanned her bloody arm. She whipped off her sister’s shawl, folded it, and pressed it against Helen’s wound. She looked across at Clara. “Come around and hold this against her arm.”

  Clara moved into place and pressed her hand against the shawl. Maggie rose and turned toward the men.

  “We’ve got him, sir.” Owen’s voice rang out.

  Nate rose, leaving Dixon facedown on the drive, with Owen and the two groomsmen holding him in place.

  Jackson stepped out the front door, followed by two footmen. The old butler’s eyes widened as he took in the scene. “Sir, are you all right? What happened?”

  “I’ll explain later. Andrew, use my horse to ride into the village for the doctor. Then alert the police and ask them to come as well.”

  “Yes, sir!” Andrew ran off toward the stable.

  “Phillip, bring a length of rope and tie up that man.” Nate glared at Dixon, then turned and strode toward Maggie. Lines creased his brow as he knelt on the gravel drive next to his stepmother. “I’m sorry, Helen.”

  “It’s not your fault. None of it is.” Helen pressed her trembling lips together. “I was wrong. I should’ve put a stop to all of this a long time ago.”

  Nate laid his hand on her uninjured shoulder. “Don’t worry about that now.”

  “If I’d only been honest with your father, none of this would’ve happened.”

  “But you made the right choice today. That’s what’s most important. I’m grateful. We all are.”

  Maggie nodded, her throat too tight to speak. All these months she had blamed Helen for what had happened to her family, but now she knew the rest of the story. It was true Helen had been foolish and dishonest about her past, but Maggie’s pride and anger had pushed her to make assumptions about Nate’s father and stepmother that were never true. A wave of sorrow and regret washed over her. She had been wrong, very wrong, about many things. She owed Nate an apology, and perhaps she owed Helen one as well.

  The footman returned with the rope and handed it to Owen. Nate called Phillip over, and they lifted Helen off the ground.

  Clara rose and stifled a sob as they carried her mother into the house.

  Maggie embraced her with a gentle hug and patted her back. “It’s going to be all right, Clara.” And for the first time in a long time, Maggie actually believed those words were true.

  Nate stared into the library fireplace, watching the flames leap and dance as he recalled the events of the last few hours. The police had arrived and taken Dixon away, but they’d promised to return Monday morning at nine o’clock to question Helen and the rest of the family. The doctor came a short time later and was still upstairs with Helen.

  Nate tensed, recalling his wrestling match with Dixon and the fateful shot that had struck Helen down. He’d tried to protect Maggie and his family, but he hadn’t been able to prevent Helen’s injury. And though she carried some blame for today’s events, in the end she’d stood against her brother and tried to do what was right. He was glad for her change of heart, and he hoped it would go in her favor when the police questioned her about everything that had happened.

  He turned and glanced across the room. Clara and Owen sat together, talking to each other in low voices. Owen held her hand, and her eyes glowed with tenderness as she looked at him. That young man had saved all their lives today, and he’d earned Nate’s gratitude and respect.

  Nate’s gaze shifted to Maggie. She sat on the chair near the fireplace, watching him with a wistful hint of a smile on her lips. Her smile spread wider when she realized his focus was on her. A pretty pink flush filled her cheeks, but she did not look away. Affection and admiration stirred in his heart, and he longed for a moment alone to speak to her.

  Dr. Hadley walked through the doorway, carrying his black medical bag.

  Clara rose from her chair. “How is she, Doctor?”

  “I believe she’ll be all right. The bullet passed through her arm without hitting a bone or major artery. With rest and good care, she should recover and hopefully regain full use o
f her arm.”

  Clara clasped Owen’s hand. “Oh, thank you, Doctor. May I go up and see her?”

  “Yes, but I gave her some medication to help her sleep. That should take effect soon.”

  Clara sent Owen a questioning glance.

  He nodded to her. “Go on, then. I’m sure she’ll want to see you.”

  Clara beamed a grateful smile, then hurried out the door. Nate thanked Dr. Hadley. He promised to return the next day to check on Helen, then he bid them good night and left the room.

  Nate turned to Owen. “I want to thank you for what you did today.” He held out his hand, and Owen shook it. “I admire your courage, facing Dixon as you did. You not only saved my life, you saved Miss Lounsbury’s as well.”

  Owen straightened his shoulders. “I was glad to do it, sir. We’re family now, and that means we take care of each other.”

  Nate smiled. “You’re a good man, Campbell.”

  “Thank you, sir. I’ll say good night.” He nodded to Nate and then to Maggie. “Miss Lounsbury.”

  “Good night,” Maggie called, her eyes shining with gratitude.

  Owen strode out of the library, leaving Maggie and Nate alone for the first time since the confrontation with Dixon.

  Nate crossed to the settee and took a seat beside Maggie. He reached for her hand. “How are you feeling?”

  She lifted her other hand to her forehead. “I have a bit of a headache, but it’s not bad.” She leaned back with a sigh. “I’m just thankful Dixon has been arrested and Helen is going to recover.”

  He sat back and ran his thumb over the top of her hand. “And I’m thankful you’re all right.” His throat tightened as he considered all that had happened. He could’ve lost her today if Owen hadn’t intervened when he did.

  Her gaze traveled over his face, reading the emotion behind his words. “We’re both very blessed with the way things ended today.”

  “Yes, we are.” His chest expanded. God had guided and protected them, and for that he would always be deeply grateful.

  Jackson shuffled through the doorway. “Excuse me, sir, but Mrs. McCarthy is asking when you’d like dinner served and how many will be eating.”

  Maggie shifted on the settee and slipped her hand from his. “It’s getting late. I should go.”

  “No, please stay.”

  Questions flickered in her eyes.

  “You’ve been through two ordeals today, and I’m sure you must be tired. Why not rest here tonight?”

  “But Grandmother will be worried.”

  “We can send a message.” He rose, and she stood beside him. “And tomorrow morning I’ll drive you to Mrs. Birdwell’s in time to pick up your grandmother and Violet for church.”

  Maggie’s smile returned, and she nodded. “All right.”

  “Then on Monday you’ll want to be here when the police arrive to question everyone.”

  “Of course.” She was eager to tell them what she’d learned.

  Nate turned to Jackson. “Miss Lounsbury and I will have dinner in the dining room as soon as it’s convenient. Please check with Miss Clara and see if she’d like to join us or take her dinner on a tray in Mrs. Harcourt’s room. And please send a message to Mrs. Hayes that Miss Lounsbury will be staying at Morningside as our guest tonight. Also that we’ll pick up Mrs. Hayes and Violet before church tomorrow.”

  “Very good, sir.” Jackson gave a small bow and walked out.

  Nate turned back to Maggie. There was so much more he wanted to say, but he could see the faint lines around her eyes and the tired slope of her shoulders. This was not the right time to talk about his hopes for the future. It would be better to wait for a special moment to declare his love and give her a memory she could treasure.

  He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed her soft skin.

  Surprise and delight glowed in her eyes.

  “We’ll have dinner and get a good night’s rest. Then we’ll be ready to face whatever comes tomorrow.”

  “Before we eat, there’s something I want to say.”

  He nodded to her. “Go on.”

  “I’m sorry I was so stubborn about my assumptions. Now that we know the truth, I can see I pushed too hard and was wrong about so many things.” She sighed and looked up at him. “I should’ve taken matters more slowly and listened to you and not been so headstrong about my opinions. I was unfair and even unkind, especially accusing your father as I did. Will you forgive me?”

  He clasped her hand. “Of course I forgive you. I held to my position with just as much tenacity.”

  “We are quite the pair, aren’t we?”

  He nodded. “We’re both strong and determined, and those are good qualities. But if we’re not careful, they can be carried to the extreme—and that’s what gets us into trouble.”

  “Thank you, Nate.” Then she leaned toward him and brushed a light and tender kiss across his cheek.

  Pleasant warmth radiated through him, and for one delightful moment he forgot about everything they would face in the coming days.

  On Sunday morning, Maggie, Nate, and Clara enjoyed a peaceful breakfast at Morningside. Maggie found her gaze continually drifting toward Nate. He had a purple bruise on his left cheek and a small cut under his right eye from his fight with Dixon, but he still looked wonderfully handsome.

  He glanced her way. “What are you smiling about?”

  “I was just admiring your battle scars.” She sent him a teasing grin.

  He chuckled. “At least I won the fight.”

  “Yes, you did.” Her heart lifted, and she thanked God for answering her prayers and protecting them both.

  Lilly walked into the dining room and sent Maggie a brief smile as she passed. “Excuse me, Miss Clara. Your mother is awake and asking for you.”

  Last night Lilly had spent almost an hour with Maggie, helping her prepare for bed and listening to all that had happened in the village and then with Roland Dixon and Mrs. Harcourt. No doubt the whole staff knew all about those events by now. But Maggie thought it was better for Lilly to pass on the full story rather than leaving it to their imaginations to fill in the details. Nate had also spoken to Jackson and given him information for the staff as well.

  “Thank you, Lilly.” Clara laid her napkin on the table, then glanced at Nate. “I’d like to stay home from church this morning so I can be with Mother.”

  He looked across at Clara. “We could have one of the maids stay with her, if you’d like.”

  “She’s asking for me, and I’d like to hear what the doctor says when he comes to check on her.”

  “That’s kind of you, Clara.” Maggie sent her a gentle smile. “I’m sure that will be a comfort to her.”

  Clara rose and looked at Nate once more. “So it’s all right?”

  “Yes, it’s very thoughtful. I’m glad you’re willing to stay with her.”

  “Of course.” Clara released a soft sigh. “She can be difficult, but she is the only mother I have, and I am her only daughter. We’d better learn how to appreciate and care for one another.”

  Nate’s gaze followed Clara as she left the table. When she disappeared out the door, he turned to Maggie. “She’s coming through this better than I expected.”

  “Yes, she is. Perhaps knowing she has a future with Owen has helped her gain perspective.”

  “She does have a certain glow about her, which is surprising under the circumstances. But I think you’re right—we can credit Owen for that, in more ways than one.”

  “When will you tell Helen about their engagement?”

  Nate pushed his chair back. “Not yet. I want to wait until she’s feeling stronger before I give her that news.”

  “Good idea.” Maggie laid her silverware across her plate and rose.

  Nate looked her way. “It’s a bit early yet, but shall we go into the village?”

  “Yes, I’d like to speak to Grandmother and explain everything before we go to church. You know how news like this tra
vels, and I wouldn’t want her to hear it from someone else.”

  Maggie tipped her head to the side and let the breeze blow full on her face as they drove toward Heatherton. Everything seemed fresh and new on this beautiful spring morning. She glanced across at Nate, and his whispered words of love during the incident with Dixon replayed through her mind. Would he repeat those words soon? She pulled in a steadying breath, and with everything in her she hoped he would.

  As soon as they arrived at Mrs. Birdwell’s cottage, Violet vaulted out the door on her crutches. “Oh, Maggie, I’ve missed you!” She smiled at Nate. “How is Juniper?”

  Nate opened Maggie’s door. “She’s fine, but eager for your return to Morningside. Each time I go to the stable she noses my pockets as though she is looking for a treat.” A smile tugged up one side of his mouth. “I wonder where she learned that habit?”

  Violet laughed. “I suppose I taught her.”

  Grandmother came to the doorway and lifted her hand. “Hello, come inside.”

  They gathered in Mrs. Birdwell’s small kitchen, and she served tea while Maggie and Nate relayed all that had happened in town and at Morningside the previous day. Maggie didn’t want to frighten Violet, so she was careful not to give too many harsh details. But the news of the strike and Dixon’s arrest were probably already circulating throughout the village, and she decided Violet ought to know the basic facts.

  When Maggie described climbing into the carriage and watching Nate face Dixon, Violet’s eyes grew round and she turned to Nate. “Do you think that man would’ve taken Maggie away if you hadn’t tackled him?”

  Nate’s expression grew serious. “I wouldn’t have let that happen. I was just waiting until Maggie was out of his grasp before I took him down.”

  Maggie pressed her fingers to her lips, touched again by Nate’s willingness to put himself between her and Dixon and protect her at the risk of his own life. She didn’t even want to think what could’ve happened if Owen hadn’t charged around the house when he did.

  “Is that how you got that cut?” Violet pointed to the red line beneath Nate’s eye.

  “Yes, Dixon was quite a fighter, but we overpowered him without too much trouble. He might have been bold when he had a gun in his hand, but he howled like a wounded animal when he was facedown on the drive.”