“We’ll eat and get some sleep. We have another early start tomorrow.” They had made great time and were already further than they had hoped, but everyone knew the dire consequences if they were delayed at all.
Despite careful checks, and circuitous riding by one of the men every few miles, there was no sign of Scraggan’s men, and that worried Eliza.
“Why do you think they have stopped following us?” Eliza murmured later that evening when they had finished eating and all sat in thoughtful and weary silence around the table.
“I think that Scraggan’s waiting for news about Jemima.” Dominic ventured, interrupted by Peter’s snort. “He’s waiting for her to be hung.”
“Let’s face it, Scraggan put her there.”
“Jemima wouldn’t murder anyone, or be involved in any highway robbery.” Eliza reaffirmed, not sure if she was trying to convince herself or them. She knew her sister well, but couldn’t quite forget how worried and preoccupied Jemima had been at their last meeting. As though she knew something she wasn’t telling.
“I think that Scraggan is waiting for you to ride to the rescue and will have men littered around Derby waiting.” Edward muttered. “You simply cannot go there.” His voice was flat with the certainty of his belief and defied argument.
Eliza stared at him for several moments, contemplating the possibilities before deciding he was right.
“But he knew I was going to Padstow and was following us there.”
“He might not know about the hidden papers. He may think you were going there to find Jemima. Once he was sure you were headed in the wrong direction, he was secure in the knowledge that whatever Jemima knows is going to the gallows with her.” He winced at the harshness of his words and apologised.
“But the men were trying to kidnap me.” Eliza argued, uncomfortable with the complexity of trying to figure out how someone as warped as Scraggan would operate.
“He wants you for information.” Dominic replied calmly. “I’m sorry we have to discuss things so frankly with you.”
“It’s alright. We cannot hide from facts and have to discuss it if we have any hope of getting her free.”
“I think there is still the threat that now you are returning to Leicestershire, you are going to pose a risk to Scraggan’s plan. Especially now we have the papers that will condemn him.” Dominic added, nodding towards the saddlebag.
He didn’t add that the papers would be a bargaining chip to secure Jemima’s release – if they could get the man from the War Office to meet them in Leicestershire in time.
“I don’t know about all of you but I am exhausted. I think given how late we were up last night, we all need a good rest.” She pushed away from the table and waited until the men surged to their feet.
There was an air of nurse maid to her that reminded Sebastian of a nanny that used to look after them when they were boys. She had a do-as-you-are-told briskness about her that brooked no argument. Bidding everyone a rueful goodnight, Sebastian took note of the admiration in Edward’s gaze and with a smirk, did as he was told and headed off to bed.
Her soft cries in the silence of the night woke him with a jolt. Within seconds he was across the room and bursting through the connecting door, his now loaded pistol drawn in readiness against any attack. He paused to study the room for intruders before his gaze landed on Eliza.
She was lying in the middle of the bed, her head tossing in distress, ensnared by the nightmare that tormented her.
Quickly checking the door to the outer corridor was locked, Edward placed his pistol on the small bedside table sat down on the soft mattress.
“Eliza.” He murmured, gently shaking her shoulder. He frowned when she didn’t respond and continued to mumble and toss her head, tears coursing steadily down her face as she slept.
“Eliza, wake up darling.” He shook her harder only for her to suddenly cry aloud and sit upright with a jolt.
He immediately swept an arm around her waist, worried she would jump from her bed in fright only to freeze in shock as her bare breasts brushed the hair on his forearm.
Eliza lay gasping as images from the horrid nightmare lingered for several moments before reality intruded.
“You were having a nightmare.” Edward murmured softly, watching as she hiccupped around a sob, and wiped the dampness from her cheeks before becoming aware of her naked state.
“You’re too late.” He whispered, watching ruefully as she hurriedly tried to tug the blankets upwards to cover her nudity.
Eliza blushed and mumbled an awkward apology, frowning when he tugged the blankets back down again. She glanced up at him hesitantly, his rejection of a few days ago sharp in her mind.
Nothing but stoic acceptance and raw need stared back at her. “Edward?” She whispered softly, shivering at the intent on his face as he drew near.
Their breaths mingled softly for several moments before his lips caught and held hers.
Her heart beat heavily in her chest as the hard band of his arms swept around her, tugging her closely against the solid wall of his bare chest. The tender tips of her breasts rubbed the coarse hair with sensual anticipation.