Page 60 of Memories Made At Midnight

Cassius glanced over his shoulder, concern pleating his handsome face.

It was his nature to care about others.

Too bad that Italian woman had wounded him so badly. He’d have made someone—not Beatrice, of course—a wonderful husband. With his patience and compassion, he would have been an exceptional father too.

“You needn’t fret. I’m feeling much improved, Cassius.” She offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. It also didn’t escape her how little she stuttered when she spoke to him. “I’m certain I don’t have the same illness afflicting Millborn.”

Or perhaps, being in excellent health otherwise, unlike Millborn, Beatrice’s body had fought the sickness.

Giving a brief nod, Cassius tightened the firm line of his mouth. “Nevertheless, you probably should lie down and rest. You’ve been up for a couple of hours now. It will be dark soon, and the journey to my father’s estate shall test your fortitude, even in a coach.”

So Beatrice had guessed right about the time.

“You should rest too, Cassius. I know you are completely done in.”

The truth was, she would welcome his company nearby. Something small rustled around beneath the floorboards, and she swore she’d seen tiny beady eyes peeking at her from a gap between the wall planks.

Though she put on a brave front, sleeping in the pitch dark without a fire to dispel the darkness unsettled her—never mind the spiders, creepy crawlers, and rodents. Several times during her childhood, Uncle Cedric had locked her in her bedchamber with no light as punishment for some imagined infraction.

Nonetheless, Beatrice would bite off her tongue before breathing a word of her fear of the dark to Cassius.

He needed no more burdens. She’d saddled him with too many already.

Besides, he’d said his brother and others should be there by late evening. She could bear a few hours in the dark with Nala and Teddy close at hand. Especially if Cassius was there too.

“When do you think Captain Westbrook and the others will arrive?” Beatrice tried to sound casual as she set aside the empty, dented tin cup missing its handle.

Tilting his head upward, Cassius appeared to be studying the sky, although what he could see through the dense overgrowth, she wasn’t certain.

At last, he shrugged. “I’m not certain. If there are no complications, before midnight, I should think.”

Four or five hours?

That wasn’t so long.

He approached her. “Do you need privacy outside before we settle in?”

Beatrice did, and she very much doubted either of them would sleep a wink.

“Please.” She nodded and gave him a grateful smile as he helped her stand.

Her legs no longer felt like rubber, though the muscles still protested any movement.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Cassius steadied her and led her behind the hunting lodge. She rather liked his muscular arm supporting her, but she refused to lean into his strength. It wouldn’t do to become too accustomed to his support or protection.

In a few days, they’d part ways, and she’d probably never see him again.

A powerful wave of sadness swept over her.

Naturally, Nala and Teddy followed them outdoors. Assured that Beatrice was safe, the dogs began nosing around to take care of their business too.

“I’ll be nearby if you need me. Just call.” Cassius released her and disappeared.

This business of relieving herself outdoors was a whole new experience for Beatrice and one she was grateful was for a limited duration. She made a mental note to ensure that during her travels, accommodations for personal needs would always be available. This rustic lifestyle might appeal to some women, but she was not among them.

For the first time in her life, she realized she might just be a bit snobbish after all.

After finishing, she took a deep breath and stretched.