by Dawn Brower
The distance between him and the castle fell away and it rose in the horizon. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Even he had to admit that. It was a fantasy come to life from the pages of a story book. If he was a whimsical person it would have warmed his heart. Instead it filled him with anger the likes he’d never experienced before.
“Damn you Nate,” he roared. “Why did you have to go and die on me?”
It hurt him more in that moment than it had ever before. His death hadn’t seemed real until that moment. Seeing his home had sucker punched him into reality. It was time to face his family and repair it however he could. He whistled and pushed his knee into the horse to indicate he wanted him to go faster. The horse took off and sped toward the castle at a breakneck speed. The wind felt good on his face and filled him with an exhilaration he hadn’t felt in a long time. His blinding need had distracted him and he didn’t see the carriage until it was too late. The horse whipped by it and the driver lost control. The carriage tipped over on its side and crashed down one of the rolling hills. The fastening on the horses had ripped away and they ran wild.
“Damn it,” Garrick yelled. This was all his fault. When would he ever learn?
He slowed his horse and ran to the carriage. The driver had fallen from the carriage and rolled to safety. The woman inside though, was knocked unconscious. She was a tangle of brown hair and muslin. He pulled her out of the carriage and sucked in a deep breath.
“Hannah,” he whispered.
God please let her be alive… He breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her chest rise and fall.
“We need to get her to the castle,” the man said. “And call for a doctor.”
Garrick nodded. “I’ll take her on my horse. It’ll be faster. Once I’m up on its back hand her up to me.”
The driver nodded. Garrick hopped back up on his horse and reached for Hannah. He could have killed her. If she’d died—he’d never have forgiven himself. She was the only bright thing in his life and he’d rather die than ever hurt her. He slid her comfortably into his embrace and then gestured for the horse to trot. At least they were close to the castle. When he came to a stop in front the door swung open immediately. The butler came out and bowed.
“My lord,” he said. “It’s good to see you again.”
“I don’t have time, Bentley. Help me with her she’s been injured.”
The butler reacted immediately and helped Garrick with Hannah. They took her upstairs to a room and laid her on a bed. She was so white…
“Summon a doctor immediately,” he said.
“Yes, my lord,” Bentley said and left the room.
His mother stormed into the room. “What have you done now?”
Garrick flinched at the tone in her voice. “Not now mother. I don’t have time for a lecture.”
Hannah was more important that anything his mother had to say to him. She had to live and he would make sure of it. Even if it was the last thing he did. If not for her he might not have survived the war.
She glanced at the bed and gasped. “Oh dear, it’s Hannah. What was she doing here?”
“You were not expecting her?”
She shook her head and frowned. “I’m not surprised though. Both her parents are gone now and the cousin who inherited the title is a wastrel.” She sighed. “Her mother has been gone for years and her father passed away last year. It was only a matter of time before she came here. I should’ve sent for her but with Nate’s death…”
Poor Hannah. Everyone that she cared about in the world was gone and those that she usually depended on had abandoned her. He should have come home sooner—sold his commission and come home. Maybe if he had he could have done something for her. He’d help her now. It was the least he could do for almost killing her with his recklessness.
“I sent for a doctor,” Garrick said. “Can you sit with her until he arrives. It’s not right I’m in the room.”
“Of course.” His mother nodded. “You just arrived, go rest. I’ll let you know when the doctor is done.”
Garrick spun on his heels and left the room. He had a lot of questions but they could wait. He wanted to know why Hannah was fleeing her cousin and once he had all the answers he’d pay the man a call. If he was a proper relation he’d have taken better care of her. Garrick wanted blood and wasn’t above seeking justice.
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