Page 109 of A Misguided Devotion

Though her demise seemed certain, she did not regret her choices—except one. Kitty wished she’d told William how much she loved him and sealed that love with a kiss.

As she mourned the life she would not have, something darkened the entrance to the cave. Her eyes narrowed. Was that a boat? All her senses were on alert as she stayed back, away from the light. Was this a rescue party, or had someone returned to ensure she didn’t survive the night? Until she was certain, she wouldn’t move.

“Are you there, Catherine?”

Hugh. Was this why she’d been kept alive? So he could try again to persuade her to marry him?

“Catherine, don’t hide from me. I have Lord Droxford here, and he’s been hurt.”

William was here—or was it only a ruse? A small voice inside told her to remain where she was.

“If you agree to be my wife, I can save you both.”

Kitty didn’t believe that for a moment. If William knew as much as she did, Hugh could not afford for him to go free, but if she said nothing, she might seal his fate. “How can I be sure Lord Droxford is with you?”

“Ah, Catherine. Can you not bring yourself to trust me?”

No, she could not. He was a liar and a traitor. “Let him speak.”

“I’m here, Kitty.” It was William’s beloved voice—a voice she never thought she’d hear again.

“See, I am a man of my word. Marry me, and I can save you both.”

Before she could answer, there was the sound of a struggle coming from the boat. “Don’t do it, Kitty!” William cried. “I’d rather die than have you wed this traitor.”

He had taken the words right out of her mouth. “I won’t. Because I would prefer death to marrying him.”

“A pity,” Hugh said, his voice devoid of emotion. “Goodbye, Catherine.”

There was a loud splash. What had Hugh done? Had he thrown William into the water? Was he tied up? Weighted?

Whilst the boat sailed away, she clambered over the rocks toward the cavern entrance, careful not to slip.

“William!” The sound bounced off the walls, echoing all around her. She held her breath as her eyes darted back and forth, searching for some sign of life. After what seemed like minutes but was only seconds, his head broke the surface of the water.

Kitty could breathe again. He was alive. Kneeling at the edge of the cave floor, she called out, “Over here.”

He swam toward her through the billowing waves, and as he reached her position, she recognised William’s beloved face. Arms outstretched, she helped him to clamber out of the sea. With a last heave, he pulled himself onto the floor of the cave and rolled over onto his back, coughing and spluttering as he recovered.

Kitty sat close, holding his hand, whilst he caught his breath. After another bout of coughing, William hauled himself into a sitting position beside her. “Sorry.”

“For what? Scaring me out of my wits, thinking you were going to drown? It was hardly your fault. Hugh said you were hurt. I feared you were bound or too injured to swim. That you wouldn’t make it…”

“He lied. I have a few bruises, but nothing that the rocks couldn’t have caused. I am not tied up for the same reason. It needs to look like an accident.”

His words sank in. Hugh meant for them both to die here.

“I’m sorry I left you behind.”

“I’m sorry I let you.”

“It was my fault. I thought I was being wise telling you why I couldn’t declare myself, but I realise now I was just sowing doubts in your mind. About whether I would still choose you. I made you mistrust my intentions. Question the depth of my love.”

He reached out his hand and cupped her cheek, gently bringing her face around so they could see into each other’s eyes.

“My darling Kitty, I want you to understand how much I adore you. I don’t know when I fell in love with you, but I knew I was in over my head when I realised you were more important to me than my painting. That’s how Mother told me I’d be sure. Since that moment, I’ve never stopped loving you. I would be honoured if you would consent to be my wife, so that I may love and cherish you for the rest of my life.”

Though the cave was still as cold, and water lapped around their feet, warmth flooded Kitty’s being. His words stole her breath away. She was that dear to him? Why had she ever doubted the strength of his affection?