“What is it, sweetheart?” Adrian asked.
“Pick those. They will help my tummy.”
Hugh scowled and looked at the plant. He shook his head. “Flower? You think flowers are going to help you?”
“They’ll help us all,” she said breathless. “That plant will give us strength and keep us awake for our long journey tonight.”
Lloyd stretched his arms above his head, yawning. “Yah, I think that might be a good idea. I’m feelin’ tired, m’self.”
“Then go pick some,” Hugh griped and returned to the can of beans.
Within the next half hour, Nicolette showed the men how to chop up the Chamomile into tiny pieces. She then sprinkled them in the beans. It didn’t take long before they were all eating. Hugh purposely gave him and his men more than he gave to her and Adrian. She silently communicated with Adrian not to eat the beans. Thankfully, he read her mind and only appeared to eat them, just as she was doing.
After the men ate their portions, she leaned against Adrian. He wrapped an arm around her to hold her up.
“Do you feel better?”
“Yes.” She smiled up at him.
He winked. “Then I do, too.”
The three men sat together and talked. Their voices were low as if they didn’t want her and Adrian hearing. That was all right with her. She needed to keep them sitting down close to the fire in order for the herb’s effect to kick in. Soon, the threesome would be snoring and in a deep sleep.
“What’s that plant going to do?” Adrian whispered in her ear as he nuzzled his face against her neck.
Tingles of delight ran through her, making her sigh. “Soon, they will all drift off to dreamland.”
Adrian’s body shook with silent laughs. “I can’t get over how incredibly smart you are.”
She pulled back enough to gaze into his eyes. “I’ve learned a lot over the years. The books I’ve read to prepare me to become a Veterinarian are priceless.”
“I feel worthless next to you. I should be the one rescuing you, but so far, you’ve thought up everything to cause problems in their plan.”
She shook her head. “No, it was you who gave me the ideas. God works through those around us, don’t you know?”
He cupped her chin, stroking the pad of his thumb over her skin. “The more I get to know you, the better I like you.”
She smiled. “And the more you like me, the more I...” She stopped herself. Was she really just about to confess what her heart had been telling her all day today?
“What?” he whispered. “The more you... love me?”
Her heartbeat quickened and raced with excitement. It seemed they had been reading each other’s thoughts all day today. “Yes. The more I love you.”
His grin stretched wider. “Good, because I’m falling in love with you, too.”
She touched his head, moving her fingers through his hair. “Do you know how badly I want to kiss you right now?”
He nodded once. “Probably just as much as I want you to.”
“We really need to help them fall asleep, so that we can have a private moment together,” she whispered.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Would you sing a song with me?”
He arched an eyebrow. “A lullaby?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s do it.”
She started singing first, and he joined right in. She scooted closer to him and faced the fire as his arms wrapped around her waist. As a young girl, she couldn’t remember ever hearing him sing, but as he repeated the words to the well-known song, she wanted to sigh with happiness. His voice was amazing. She could listen to him sing all the time.
Hugh and his thugs turned and watched them. Pretty soon, one of them started singing along. The man’s off-key tone would have the wolves howling soon, she just knew it, but she mustn’t stop him. Already she could see the Chamomile working as the men’s eyelids began to droop and they were yawning quite often.
She and Adrian kept singing until all three men dropped to the ground in a deep sleep. As the song ended, they both waited and watched. She felt that the men were already entering dreamland.
“Can I kiss you now?” Adrian asked.
Giggling softly, she turned in his arms and leaned into him. “Yes, but make it quick. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”
“Anything you wish, my love.”
TEN
Adrian rode the horse back toward Woodstock as fast as he could, but with Nicolette sitting in front of him, holding onto the reins of the other two horses, they couldn’t go very fast. He wasn’t about to leave the horses for the men to use. On foot, the threesome would be much slower, and maybe the sheriff could catch them.
It still irked him that Eugene hadn’t been man enough to tell the sheriff of Nicolette’s kidnapping. Apparently, the man’s injured pride was more important. Adrian was just grateful that God answered his prayers by giving Nicolette the idea of the Chamomile plant.
The closer they got to town, the better he could breathe. But until those men were locked in jail, Adrian would always be looking over his shoulder. He’d planned on contacting his superior in the military to let him know of the three fools who were trying to find a buried treasure. If the military hid a treasure, Adrian’s superior would know.
The full moon helped to light their journey back home – another thing to thank God for. Up ahead, there looked to be four riders coming toward Adrian. He slowed his horse, which slowed the other two horses as well. When the four riders neared, they slowed down, too.
Thanks to the full moon, Adrian recognized Sheriff Green. He also recognized his father, his brother, Jacob, and LeRoy who worked at the store. Adrian sighed with relief. It’s about time!
“Adrian?” His father’s voice rang through the night.
“Yes, it’s me, and Nicolette.”
They reached each other and all halted their horses. The sheriff removed his hat and pushed his fingers through his thinning hair. “What happened? I’ve been out of town all day, and I was just told that you and Miss McFarland had been kidnapped.”
So, apparently, Eugene had been a man and reported it.
“Yes,” Adrian said. “The men that shot me last week were the ones who kidnapped us this morning.”
“As you can see,” Nicolette said, holding up the reins of the other two horses. “We got away.”
Adrian’s father chuckled. “That’s my girl.”
A decade long pain clenched Adrian’s chest. He had always thought his father loved Nicolette more than his own son. Even though she had tried to convince him that it wasn’t true, Adrian couldn’t help feeling dejected.
“Actually, Uncle Teddy,” she said, “Adrian was the one who made it possible to escape.”
“Lottie,” Adrian muttered, referring back to her nickname. Old habits die hard, especially when his father was involved with the memory. “Don’t be shy. You were the one –”
“And you,” she quickly interrupted, “were the one who prayed and had faith that God would help. And He did.” She smiled.
He rubbed her arm in silent thanks.
“Where are these men now?” the sheriff asked.
“On the road heading toward Saratoga Springs. They were asleep when we left them.” Adrian motioned behind him.
“I expect they’ll sleep until daylight.”
Sheriff Green turned to the other three men. “Should we ride or wait until the crack of dawn?”
“Sheriff?” Adrian said. “You’re about three hours away from them. It might be best to catch them now while they are still drugged with the Chamomile plant.”
His father laughed. “Chamomile? Oh, this story ought to be interesting.”
“Why don’t you two head back home,” the sheriff said. “You’re probably plum tuckered out from today’s adventure.”
“I could come with you and show you the way,” Adrian said, even though he really only wanted some sleep.
> “No.” The sheriff shook his head. “The four of us can handle them.”
His father guided his horse closer to Adrian and then stopped. The old man reached over and patted Adrian’s shoulder. “I’m glad you are back safe. You take Nicolette home and rest. You’ve done all you can, and I’m proud of you for getting both of you back safe, now let us finish this catching those men.”
“All right. Thanks, Pop.”
As the four men rode away, Adrian urged the horse toward home. Silence stretched between him and Nicolette, but he wasn’t quite ready to talk. His mind was still on his father, and wondering if he truly made his old man happy. Pop hadn’t been very thrilled with Adrian’s decision to join the military, and he knew the old man resented him for it.
However, Pop seemed to be very happy when he came back. Dare he hope that the old man had forgiven him?
Nicolette’s sigh brought him out of his thoughts. He slid an arm around her middle and pulled her back against him. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Calling you Lottie earlier. I know you don’t like it.”
“I never liked it because you said it with such loathing in your voice.”
“I promise that will never happen again. I’ll call you whatever you want me to.”
She rubbed his arm. “You can call me Lottie, as long as I can feel your love.”
“Oh, Lottie, I do love you.” He snuggled his face against hers. “And I’ll tell the family first thing tomorrow morning.”
“What will you tell them if they ask how we fell in love?”
He chuckled. “I’ll have to explain to them that it happened when you were playing doctor.”
“Playing?” She tipped her head and glanced sideways at him.
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Don’t you want me to tell them?”
“I do, but... I don’t know how to explain to them exactly how I was playing doctor.”
“Sweetheart,” he whispered, kissing her on the cheek. “You really shouldn’t be afraid of telling them. I’ll support you.”
“I know, but...” She sighed heavily. “Let me think about it tonight.”
“All right.”
When they reached the house, they were greeted by Betty and a few servants with hugs and relieved sighs. Adrian was surprised that the woman didn’t comment on her niece’s attire. Perhaps the old woman would do that tomorrow morning.
As Nicolette walked with her aunt back to the house, Adrian stabled all three horses before going back to the house. He wanted to give Nicolette a goodnight kiss, but decided against it. He figured Betty would be with her niece, anyway.
He walked into the kitchen to get himself something to eat. He found some fruits, nuts, and bread, which would be good enough for now. Sitting at the table, he munched on his food and pulled the newspaper lying on top of the table, closer to him.
The paper looked different from what he was used to seeing. He glanced at the top. St. Louis Gazette. He scrunched his forehead. Why would they get a newspaper from Missouri?
He took another bite of an apple and skimmed through it until he found a whole page devoted to people writing to someone named The Lovelorn, and then the journalist’s responses. As he skimmed over each letter, one of the letters struck him as odd, only because it hit so close to home.
Dear Lovelorn,
I have just received some unsettling news, and I’m not sure how to handle it. I’ve lived with my aunt since I was nine years old, and although my aunt and her husband have treated me well and raised me to be a lady, those first few years with her family were not pleasant. My aunt’s stepson was a thorn in my side since before he joined the military several years ago. Now he’s coming back, and he’ll stay at his father’s house until he can start a new life. I have been enjoying life and the rituals of courtship, but I still haven’t found anyone to love, so I must continue to live with my aunt. Please, Lovelorn, tell me how I can handle my aunt’s womanizing stepson who has no morals. I fear he’ll return to his childhood tactics that made my life intolerable, and I might not have the patience to put up with him. What if I strangle him... or shoot him? I’m anxiously awaiting your advice.
Sincerely, Vexed in Vermont
He laughed softly. There was no doubt who wrote the letter. In fact, Nicolette had mentioned she had dropped off a letter to the Post Office before she was bucked off her horse.
He read further to see what The Lovelorn’s response was.
Dear Vexed in Vermont,
I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a traumatic childhood. However, that was in the past. The future is now something you need to make for yourself. Don’t let this man ruin your life, and for heaven’s sake, don’t shoot or strangle him. You never know, you might realize he’s a changed man, and you may feel differently about him. But if he hasn’t, at least show him how you have changed. Best of luck in your new life!
Yours Truly: The Lovelorn
Adrian hadn’t realized he was grinning so wide until his cheeks started hurting. He laughed. He’d never heard of The Lovelorn, but he rather liked the journalist’s responses to each letter, especially to Nicolette’s letter.
He couldn’t wait to read this to her tomorrow and see the look on her face. Thankfully, the woman he’d fallen head-over-heels in love with had already worked out her own problems without The Lovelorn’s advice. Of course, Nicolette was an intelligent woman, and he’d never let her forget that.
ELEVEN
It didn’t matter if Nicolette slept like the dead, she awoke with the sun, ready to start her day. She’d had a hot bath before going to bed, which was probably what helped her fall asleep faster, but Adrian was in her dreams and she knew he would have to be the first face she saw this morning. Even if she had to wake him up herself.
She dressed as pretty as she could today, knowing she needed to make a good impression on her aunt and uncle since they had seen her wearing men’s trousers last night. Surprisingly, Aunt Betty never said anything about it during the hour the older woman spent with Nicolette before they retired to their separate rooms for the night.
Today, she wore her favorite lavender blouse with frilly sleeves, and her shimmering gray skirt. She didn’t wear her fancy heeled boots that often, but they looked so nice with her outfit, she couldn’t resist putting them on. She couldn’t wait to see Adrian’s eyes when he saw her this morning. She really wanted to prove to him that she was a lady. He already knew her other side, and thankfully, liked it.
Her thoughts drifted back to the newspaper article that The Lovelorn had sent her. Smiling, she sighed happily. Strange how things had worked out between her and Adrian that she didn’t have to shoot or strangle him after all. She would definitely send another letter to The Lovelorn and explain how fate had made everything possible.
She pulled the top part of her hair back and fastened the bulk with diamond studded combs. Her locks curled slightly as they hung over her shoulders and down her back. She added diamond-drop earrings to her lobes before she was satisfied with her appearance.
Enthusiasm helped move her feet toward the door. As she opened it, Adrian was there, raising his hand like he was going to knock. At first, he wore a worried expression, but when his gaze moved over her, his face changed. His approval was evident in his bright eyes and wide smile.
He lifted his gaze to her eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Instead, he shook his head and stepped into the room, kicking it closed with his foot as he gathered her in his arms. He didn’t say a word, but his kiss spoke volumes. The way his mouth tenderly captured hers, nearly had her legs weakening. If not for his arms around her, she would have been on the floor.
Their kiss was one she’d hoped to have last night, and she showed him how much she’d missed doing this with him before going to bed. His head tilted as he deepened the kiss. The pounding rhythm in her chest shook all the way through her, making her breathless. How had she m
issed out on such passion? Her other beaus were simpletons compared to Adrian.
He slowed the kiss and gradually pulled back, sighing happily. She caressed his hair, peering deeply into his hazel eyes.
“I love you, Lottie.”
“I love you, Adrian.”
“You look breathtaking today.” He smiled.
She sighed and leaned against him. “Now you know how I feel every time I look at you.”
He stroked her cheek tenderly. “If only we could stay in each other’s arms today, I’d be the happiest man in the world.”
“Me, too.” She paused before asking, “Is that why you came to my room? For some private time?”
His eyes widened in panic and he jumped back, grasping her hand. “No. I came to get you. Something is wrong with Bandit. He’s acting very sluggish.”
She gasped, opened the door, and dashed down the hallway, pulling Adrian with her. “Where is Bandit?”
“Outside on the back porch.”
Worry filled Nicolette as she hurried down the stairs and toward the back of the house. Memories resurfaced of when her childhood dog died, bringing back the pain in her heart that she’d experienced. She’d become a Veterinarian because of that dog, and now... could she save Bandit?
She wanted so much to prove to her family – and the town – that she would make a good Veterinarian, but she’d always been afraid to show them exactly how much she’d learned. Now was her chance. She must do this. She must save Bandit.
Saying a prayer in her heart that God would direct her to know how to care for the sick animal, she hurried outside. Aunt Betty and Jacob sat on the porch near Bandit. Her aunt looked as if she’d just been woken up. Sleep was very evident on the woman’s face. Nicolette could see the pain in the dog’s eyes, and her heart wrenched.
She dropped in front of the dog and gently lifted his head to look at him better. He whined. “Do you know what happened to him?”
“No, dear.” Aunt Betty frowned. “Jacob noticed Bandit was not his usually playful self.”
Vexed in Vermont (Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Book 12) Page 7