“I can get another when I return back and I’ll be traveling faster. It will get colder out here while you wait. Just take it. Guard your wife.” Marcus turned to leave. “And pray.”
Phillip pulled his wife up to wrap the long warm coat around her, taking great care with the exposed shoulder. He sat back against a tree and held her in his arms, resting on his lap while they waited so she wouldn’t be on the cold damp ground. He shivered. Duke stood guard. “Thank you, again, Duke. You did a good job.”
The crow nodded as if he understood the compliment.
Phillip couldn’t help a smile. While he’d never objected to the strange pet, he’d been a bit surprised at how well Beth had trained the bird. Gratitude shook him as he hugged her close. Tears found their way down his cheeks.
“Beth, please come back to me. There is so much to tell you. I love you, Beth. I want to share with you about God. He brought me back to you. I’m sorry I was too late to stop this from happening. It won’t change how I feel about you. You need to know that. You are beautiful to me. Precious. An unasked-for gift. Please wake up, Beth. I need you with me.”
He pulled out a handkerchief, gently wiped mud off her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. Lord, bring her back to me. Let her be all right. Thank you for leading me to her.
Time dragged on while he waited, shivering in the cold and the eerie darkness of the woods. He wished he’d thought of bringing torches.
Light approached. Marcus arrived with servants and torches. Together they managed to carry Beth to the cart and Phillip sat in the back buffering his wife from the rugged bumpy ride to the manor house. When they returned he carried her up to her room and Josie took over, assisted by Elsa. Phillip was shooed away.
“Go get yourself cleaned up, Phillip. When your wife awakens, you don’t want to scare her. A bath has been made ready in your room.” Thankfully the suite was next door to his wife’s. He’d not be staying there normally but would have preferred to share Beth’s room. Given the circumstances, he acquiesced to the demand and went to clean himself up. Slipping into the hot water, he sighed and closed his eyes. With God’s help, he’d found her. It’d be up to God now to save her.
11
Phillip paced in Marcus’s study, nursing a glass of brandy.
The housekeeper promised a simple repast to be enjoyed as soon as they all knew how his wife fared.
Dr. Bruce Miller strode into the room, shutting the door behind him.
Surging forward, Phillip greeted the physician. “How is she, Bruce?”
“Nice to see you again too, Phillip.” The man let his lip quirk on one end indicating he understood Phillip’s anxiety.
“I’m sorry. I’m just—”
“—worried for your wife. Just as you should be. Sorry to give you a difficult time.” He motioned to the chairs and both men sat. “Your wife took a hard knock to the head but has other bruises as well. I suspect she took a tumble from her horse. She’ll be stiff and sore for some time, but nothing is broken that I can detect. I’ve done what I can to cleanse the wound on her shoulder. The cuts aren’t terribly deep but she will have a scar with the skin they removed. The risk of infection is what concerns me the most.” Bruce took a deep breath. “How long have you been married, Phillip?” the physician asked.
“We wed over a month ago. Why?”
“Congratulations.”
“Is there anything I can do for her?”
“Pray. Make sure she gets fluids. Water, tea, weak broth. And lots of rest. I’ll be back in the morning to check on her.” Bruce rose and Phillip did as well.
“Thank you, Bruce.”
Doctor Miller left the room. Phillip finished his brandy and took the stairs two at a time to his wife’s room. He slipped in quietly and moved to the bed where she rested, so still. He didn’t care what anyone said. He was staying with her tonight, by her side. It was where he should have been all along.
In spite of the bandage on her head, her red hair flowed over the pillows. She was still beautiful.
He turned to the maid. “Elsa, you may leave. I’ll tend my wife tonight.”
“Shall I bring you dinner?”
He shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”
She bobbed a curtsy and left.
Phillip turned the key in the lock. Sitting on a chair by the fireplace he removed his boots and proceeded to undo his cravat. He tugged off his coat and waistcoat before bending to stir the flames. He understood why his wife needed it lit all night. It was the least he could do for her.
Striding to the bed, he sat in a chair to watch Beth sleep. The candles were lit by the bedside and next to them was a Bible. On top of that was a letter, addressed to him, in his wife’s delicate script. Gingerly he picked it up, broke the seal, and read.
Dearest Phillip,
I was delighted to get your letter this morning. I have missed you terribly. I was overjoyed to learn you had found Jesus. I too have discovered great peace and joy in accepting Him as my Savior. I have been reading the Bible and long to share that with you when we are reunited.
I am sad about the house but grateful God led us to be away so the fire could not succeed in the plans set for either of us. I need to tell you more about my family and past so you can better understand the evil we are up against.
More than anything, I long to be in your arms and gaze into your eyes and remind you how much I love you and how grateful I am that God brought you into my life. I also long to share with you the joy of the new life we have created that I carry within me. You are a father.
All my love and devotion are yours,
Beth
Phillip read the letter several times before folding it and placing it back on the Bible. He stared at his wife. In a month’s time, she had become vital to his happiness and now she carried his child. A child whose life was threatened by today’s brutal attack. Love, joy, and anxiety stirred within him. He grabbed his wife’s hand and began to pray.
When he finished, he blew out the candles and crawled into bed next to her, trying to enfold her into his embrace without hurting her further. His hand rested on her stomach as if by placing it there he could protect the little life growing within that now seemed so vital to their future happiness.
~*~
Everything ached but there was warmth around her. Safety and security she’d craved all her life enfolded her and she smiled to herself as she snuggled into the firm body next to her.
Body. Her eyes flashed open as her arm splayed across the chest of her husband. Phillip was here!
She allowed her gaze to travel up to his face. So peaceful in repose. Stubble on his chin. His blond hair normally perfectly in place was messed up. She sighed. “Oh, Phillip. You came,” she whispered.
His lids opened revealing the crystal blue of the sky on a cloudless day. “Of course I came. I will always come for you, sweetheart.”
The throbbing in her shoulder caused the memory of her attack to flood in and she shivered as she clung to him. Tears filled her eyes.
“Beth? What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”
“I just remembered the attack.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time. I never should have left you.”
“This was not your fault. I didn’t take a groom.”
“That likely wouldn’t have stopped them. They might have killed him rather than risk exposure.”
She sniffed. “I believe you have the right of it. But Phillip?”
“Hmmm?”
“They branded me.” She closed her eyes and tucked herself into him as if she could hide her shame.
He whispered, “I know.” His finger lifted her chin so she was forced to open her eyes and meet his gaze. “I still find you beautiful and love you. If the Black Diamond thought to drive a wedge between us, he failed.”
“I love you, Phillip. I have news…”
“Is it what you shared in the letter you didn’t mail? I found and read it last night. You are with child.
”
“Are you happy?”
“Thrilled, my dear. I never planned for a wife and family but since God brought you into my life, I’m finding there are things I never hoped for that have become integral to my happiness. You. Finding God. And now a child we created.”
“I was glad to hear you’d found God too. There is so much I long to share with you.”
“And share we shall. In time. But for now, the doctor has ordered rest and I am determined to ensure you recover from this.”
“Yes, m’lord.” She kissed his lips, snuggled into him and drifted back to sleep.
~*~
Her heart rate slowed as her body relaxed. She had awakened in his arms. She would recover and knew his love and protection. Phillip had failed her, yet she seemed to forgive him. Lord, help me to do better. To be the man she needs me to be. Protect us and our unborn child.
He eventually rose and rang for food to be brought to the room. He did not want to leave Beth’s side as she recovered.
Elsa entered with a tray.
Josie followed the maid in. “How does our patient fare?” Josie asked.
“She awoke this morning but rests now.” Phillip poured a cup of coffee and took a sip before sitting.
“I can order a bath for her soon.”
“That would be fine but I’ll be taking care of my wife.”
Josie nodded and gave a soft smile. “I’m happy for you, Phillip. True love has found you at last. Ring if you need anything. I’ll leave you to your peace.”
“Thank you, Josie.”
“You are more than welcome. I remember all you did to help us. You’re a good man.” She exited the room.
Memories of watching Marcus fight off Josie’s kidnappers returned. Was he as fierce in his love as his friend had been? Marcus was blessed that he’d survived that beating. His friend still had a slight limp, especially when he was tired. He never complained.
Thank you, Lord, for the example of Your sacrificial love shown to me in Marcus. You’ve blessed me in my friends as well as my wife. Help us fight this dark enemy.
Beth stirred and rolled to her back with a moan. Phillip set down his cup and saucer with a clatter as he rushed to her side. “Beth?”
She bit her lip. “Forgot about that hole in my shoulder.”
“Let me help you.” Phillip assisted her that morning and by the time she had bathed and put on a fresh nightgown, she was exhausted.
The doctor returned and shooed him out of the room.
Phillip wandered down to the study to seek out his friend. He walked in and shut the door.
Marcus looked up from his desk and rose to his feet. “How is Beth?”
“Bruce is with her now. She hurts, which is to be expected. Sleeping a lot. She gave me some news in all this.”
Eyebrows rose on his friend’s face.
“She is with child.”
A wide smile emerged and Marcus rushed forward to pat him on the back. “Congratulations. What wonderful news in the midst of this trial. Josie told me Beth is also following Christ.”
Phillip grinned. “Yes, I’m so relieved. I realize it doesn’t guarantee things will be easy but it’s a comfort.”
A knock came to the door.
“Come in,” Marcus called.
Bruce entered. “Gentlemen.”
“You’ve news of my wife?” Phillip asked.
“Yes. The wound is clean and should heal well.”
“I’ve already shared with Marcus the news that we are expecting a child.”
The doctor grinned. “So far there is no indication her trauma has harmed the babe. That doesn’t mean everything is fine, but for now, it looks good.”
“Continue bed rest?”
“For at least another day. She will tire easily.”
“Thank you,” Phillip said.
“I’ll return on the morrow, but send for me if anything changes.” The physician left.
Phillip turned to Marcus. “I’m returning to Beth. I don’t want her to be alone.”
“I understand. For now, you are both as safe as we can make you here. At some point we’ll have to figure out what, if any, our next steps are.”
“I’ll be praying about that.”
“As will I. Go to your wife.” Marcus motioned for his friend to leave the room.
Phillip took the steps to her room and found Josie there bursting with happiness having heard the news about the baby. She wrapped Phillip in a hug before she left them alone.
Beth yawned as she held out a hand to her husband. He strode to her and sat on the bed by her side. “I’ll rest better with you beside me.”
He removed his boots and coat. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”
~*~
Two days had passed and at last Beth was allowed out of bed.
Phillip hovered around, loathe to leave her.
As sweet as that was, she found it suffocating. There had been no indications that the baby had been injured in the attack. “Phillip, we must talk.”
“We’ve been together for the past few days and have talked plenty.”
“But not about what we really need to discuss.”
“Which is?”
“The evil that haunts us.”
“Interesting choice of words.”
“The rhombus on my shoulder is a mark of death. It claims the Black Diamond owns my soul. At least in his mind. I have no clue who he even is so he can’t fear exposure from me. The bigger concern is my father and Lord Wolton.”
“That you’ll expose them?”
“There are still things I’ve not told you about my past. I know disturbing things about Lord Wolton. If the truth of those things became public…he’d kill me without blinking twice.”
“And yet you need to tell me these things?”
“You are my husband. I don’t want secrets between us. Your life is in danger regardless. He’ll assume you’ve already been informed of my past. You realize I wasn’t pure on our wedding night, but what you don’t know is why.”
“I know how a woman loses her…”
She shook her head. “You were my first.”
He stared at her.
She reached out to grasp his hand. “There are some things worse than being raped.” Beth bit her lip. Her husband enfolded her in his arms as her body shook from memories rising from the dead within her.
“Shhh. Beth. I still love you. I’m sorry you had to endure that.”
“You don’t even know what I endured.”
“I don’t need you to tell me specifics. As for the Black Diamond, we both belong to Christ now. His evil has no power over us. Nor does Wolton’s.”
“I know so little about how to fight this.”
“We’ll keep reading and learning. God can lead us through this.”
She nodded and rested in the truth of her husband’s love, as well as God’s. Her past was washed clean and it no longer had the power to hurt her if she walked in her new truth. Oh, if she could only get her mind to understand and wipe it all away. But then, perhaps there was a benefit to remembering. She’d never be naïve about the very real physical danger they still faced.
~*~
Later in the day, Phillip led Beth downstairs for dinner with Marcus and Josie. Every muscle protested movement but she was grateful to be out of the room. After the meal, Josie escorted her to the drawing room in front of a cozy fire for the evening had grown cool outside.
“Is your health improving?” Josie asked.
“As much as it can when I ache as I do. It shall pass. Thankfully the baby is well from what we can tell.”
Josie smiled. “I’m happy for you both. What a blessing.” She rubbed her own bump.
Phillip and Marcus entered.
“You chose not to stay long over your port?” Beth inquired.
“No. I wanted to be with you.” Phillip grinned and gave her a wink.
Her face grew warm.
“I wish we could get our hands
on the men who tortured you, Beth,” Marcus said as he sat next to his wife.
“It would do you no good. I suspect they are paid by the Black Diamond but have no clue who he is.”
“I thought Wolton sent them.” Marcus leaned forward.
“The diamond shape on her shoulder is a brand of the Black Diamond. Or so my wife informs me.”
“I’ve heard of him. He was behind Sir Bastian’s attack on Josie.” Marcus clasped his wife’s hand. “Thankfully you, Phillip, along with Theo and Michael, managed to stop that.”
“He would have branded me?” Josie asked, growing pale.
“Possibly.” Weariness flowed through Beth. “But I think in this case it was a warning. That doesn’t mean Wolton still won’t be after Phillip and me. I know too much about his activities for him to allow me to live.”
“What kind of group is this?”
“Satanic. They believe this land is not the property of England or the monarchy, but belongs to members of a secret group. They long to undermine the government and encourage Napoleon to attack our shores. Sympathizers are scattered throughout the countryside to await the signal to stir up dissension and distract the government from the imminence of an attack.”
“Wellesley won’t be able to stop them? How do they think Napoleon will get that far north?” Josie asked.
“I doubt their plans will succeed as they’ve been missing a sacrificial offering to the overlord of their society.”
“A handpicked virgin. I believe that was your destiny, Josie, as another escaped them the year before. These special offerings are carefully chosen. They wanted me this time, but as I am married…now I am only a threat. They are evil and twisted. They will still seek my destruction.”
She swallowed. “I’ve witnessed some of their sacrifices in the past. I was not a willing participant but made to watch. Tied up and gagged and set in a corner to view their sadistic rituals. They’ve used live animals in the past. Now they need human sacrifices, but death is not all they would do to that individual.”
“Wolton would have married you and killed you?” asked Marcus.
“He had three previous wives, and all mysteriously died. No one ever questioned how or why. None had family to defend them. My own mother may have been a victim.”
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