Page 39 of The Scarred Lyon

It had been two days since the roof collapsed on Duncan’s head, and as he sat by the fire, he once again blamed the outcome on the devil’s own luck. His injuries from both roof incidents could have been far worse, even fatal. He had read about people suffocating after being buried in snow. Thank Providence that Augusta reached him in time. He might have had only a few minutes left. Quite sobering. With his good arm, he reached behind and felt the lump on the back of his head. It was not as large or as sore as before.

He stretched out his legs before the fire. It was still early, and Augusta and Lady were still asleep. His devoted wife deserved the rest. She had spent the past two days tending to his needs, from giving him a sponge bath to washing his hair and preparing his meals. And seeing to Dawn. He closed his eyes. As horrible as he felt, he could not hide his arousal when she bathed him. Even just recalling the sensation of having her hands all over his body left his insides in knots. He had never anticipated anything more than the consummation of their marriage. Could such intense feelings grow between them in such a short period of time? Why not, indeed? When it came to love, anything was possible.

Love? That made him sit up straighter. Falling in love with one’s wife was not the done thing in society. But when did he ever give a hang what society thought? And the prospect of being a father to her son? He could not wait. An instant family, along with Laura. He would never be lonely again.

“Duncan! Duncan!”

The loud, piercing cries brought him to his feet. Augusta emerged from the tent, Lady at her heels. She spun around, looking frightened.

He ran to her and gently clasped her arm. “I’m here. What is it?”

Augusta stared up at him, her eyes glazed. “Oh, it was a nightmare. Only a nightmare.” She threw her arms around his waist and let out an agonized sob.

Duncan smoothed her hair with his free arm. “Tell me.”

Augusta exhaled. “I dreamt you went to use the privy in the middle of the night and had a dizzy spell and fell to the ground. I didn’t find you until the next morning, and you were dead!”

“My love, I am well. Feeling better with each passing hour,” he soothed. “How could I not with your devoted care?” He softly kissed her forehead.

Augusta met his gaze. “I was afraid I had lost you. I could not bear it.”

“I am here at your side, forever, and always.”

“I am relieved to hear it. And I am by yours.” They embraced for several moments, then Augusta stepped back. “We should eat. The food is starting to spoil. I suggest we finish the sliced meats today.”

“Yes. But first, I have a promise to keep.”

“Promise?”

“To kiss you every morning. Passionately.” With his free arm, he cupped her cheek and captured her lips. Their tongues clashed, and a soft moan escaped Augusta’s lips as he deepened the kiss.

“Oh my,” she murmured. “You kiss me, and I hear bells.”

Duncan chuckled as he laid kisses along her neck. “Bells, is it?” Duncan stopped because he heard bells as well. “Sleigh bells! Patrick!”

He headed toward the door, but Augusta grabbed his free arm. “Wait! You’re bare-chested. Here, put the quilt around your shoulders.” She looked up at him, a question in her eyes. “What if it isn’t Mr. McGloin?”

“The pistol.” Duncan pointed to the trunk, and Augusta fetched it. “Stay near the cellar, and try to keep Lady quiet, if possible.”

Duncan ventured outside and heard men’s voices. He kept the pistol hidden under the quilt and was ready to use it.

Just then, Patrick and two men rounded the corner, trudging through the knee-high snowdrifts. Patrick smiled when he locked gazes with Duncan. “Your Grace. Still alive.”

Duncan grinned. “As you see.”

“This is Jacob Grimsley and Robert Ellery. Their employer, Mr. Kenneth Tobey, owns the large farm operation outside of Stoneheath. They were kind enough to take in a weary traveler the night of the storm.”

“Gentlemen, you are all a sight for sore eyes.”

“Are the Hansens inside?” Patrick asked.

“They lit out the first night while we slept,” Duncan replied. “We haven’t seen them since. Come in and warm yourselves by the fire, such as it is.” As they stepped inside, Lady started barking. “Enough, Lady. These are friends.” The puppy immediately quieted.

After introductions, Augusta made tea and handed the steaming mugs to the men as they sat around the fire.

“How are the roads?” Duncan asked.

“Not the best,” Patrick replied. “We left a few hours before dawn because Jacob and Robert are familiar with the road. We brought two sleighs that are pulling two wagons, along with a coffin for Briggs. We are lucky Mr. Tobey has a special conveyance for transporting horses. We will use that for Dawn. As soon as we drink this tea, I’ll escort the men to the wreckage.”