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CHAPTER SIX

Harrison had paced his chamber most of the night. He knew he wouldn’t sleep, so he didn’t attempt to do so. He should have gone to her right away. Hell, he shouldn’t have allowed her to depart his chamber.

He was terrified. Terrified to allow himself to feel something for someone and then to lose them. But after pacing all night, he decided that was what would happen, regardless. He didn’t care how insane it might sound, but he had felt something quite strong and he couldn’t let her leave.

Harrison wasn’t quite ready to put a name to it, but it was there nonetheless. And whether he kept her close and he lost her to illness or injury, how would that be any different from letting her walk out of his life to never see her again?

After hours of agonizing and building the courage to go to her. He’d wait until daylight, then beg her to allow him to…what, he wasn’t certain. Court her? Marry her? He still hadn’t worked it out in his head yet, but whatever it was, he needed her.

He had been tempted to go to her as soon as the sky had turned even an inkling brighter but forced himself to wait. Harrison washed his face and dressed in a fresh pair of clothing, not bothering to seek his valet for assistance.

The sky had turned to day but was still grey as if it might rain. He glanced at his pocket watch and decided he’d waited long enough. He’d just have to hope she was awake and that her maid wouldn’t be too scandalized by him appearing at Rebecca’s chamber if he found she wasn’t alone.

Harrison departed his chamber and rapped his fingers on the door. The door wasn’t quite closed all the way and opened. He pushed it open further and stepped inside to find the chamber empty. There was no sign of anyone staying there at all.

His breath quickened, and he hurried down the stairs. He couldn’t let her leave without speaking to her.

Racing to the front where the innkeeper was, he caught the man’s attention. “Did Lady Rebecca depart?” He practically yelled the question at the man.

“My lord,” the man started, his eyes wide. “She departed about a quarter hour ago, maybe a little longer.”

“Hell and damnation.” Harrison raked his fingers through his hair. Surely she hadn’t gotten all that far in a carriage. He could easily catch up on horseback. “Tell my valet to remain here. I shall send word on what I require.”

Harrison hurried to the stables. He scared the poor groom when he made his demand to have his horse readied with haste. When the groom returned with the reins, Harrison jerked them from his hand and flung himself into the saddle faster than he ever had before.

He started his horse and raced towards the path to Derbyshire, which he assumed was Rebecca’s route.

Drops of rain landed on his face and he realized he hadn’t even bothered to don a hat. The rain picked up, but he cared not. If he could catch up to the carriage, he’d ride with Rebecca, and they might discuss what was between them.

Thunder sounded, followed by a crash of lightning. He contemplated if he should turn back, but something nagged at him to keep going. He urged his horse to continue faster, hoping to reach her soon.

Ahead, far down on the flat dirt road, an overturned carriage came into view. His chest filled with panic and he sent up silent pleas that it wasn’t her carriage. He raced as fast as he could, focused on the carriage.

The closer he was, he noticed a woman crouched in the road by what appeared to be someone else.

His heart caught in his throat and his blood ran cold.

As soon as he was almost to the figure, he slowed his horse and leapt to the ground, then raced to the scene.

As he approached, he recognized the maid and knew who lay on the road.

“Rebecca,” he shouted, dropping to his knees beside her.