Page 65 of Memories Made At Midnight

A couple of minutes later, they’d moved the less-than-sturdy table outdoors and braced it against the cottage.

“Here goes.” Cassius lifted Beatrice onto the table, holding her steady as the ancient piece of furniture wobbled. She’d already rucked up her skirts, the brave darling.

She planted a hand against the shack’s side and gave a valiant nod.

After climbing into the saddle, Cassius directed the horse to the table.

The animal shifted, adjusting its stance under his weight. Holding the reins in one palm, Cassius offered his other hand to Beatrice.

Teddy craned his neck, eager to see what went on.

Nala, on the other hand, appeared anxious and uncertain.

Gracing him with a grateful smile, Beatrice clasped his hand with unexpected strength and with surprising agility, clambered onto the gelding’s back. She quickly wrapped her arms around Cassius’s waist, and he doubted a debutante’s tightened corset could squeeze his ribs any harder.

He didn’t examine why his heart tripped over itself or why, despite the severity of their situation, his pulse quickened in joy and excitement. That either made him a libertine or a man on the verge of falling in love.

Neither made him happy.

Nala cocked her head, one ear lifted.

They must be quite a sight.

Looking over his shoulder, Cassius gave Beatrice an encouraging smile. “No talking. Voices carry in the woods.”

She nodded and then snapped her fingers.

Nala immediately came to her side.

With a soft click of his tongue, Cassius murmured, “Walk on.”

God only knew what the next few hours would bring.