He should rejoin his brothers and return home. But something held him here. Callum found himself riding along the coast again, searching for any sign of the ship, though it was useless.
There was none. They had already gone, taking her with them.
The grief and anger struck him so hard, he let Goliath ride at his fastest pace, letting the raw emotion out. With each mile, he raged against the injustice of being helpless to take Marguerite with him. He would miss her soft smile, and the way she looked at him as if he were the only man who mattered.
There would never be another for him. Not like her.
He lowered his face against Goliath’s mane, resting for a moment before he pulled on the reins to turn back. His brothers would be waiting for him.
But then, he glimpsed something white upon the ground. He eased Goliath closer and when he saw it, his heart began pounding.
It was Marguerite’s barbette and the golden net she’d worn in her hair. How had it come to be here?
His hunting instincts heightened, and he began tracking the bent grasses, leading his horse while he traced the path. It led away from the sea, the motion shifting one direction and then the next.
He followed the bent grasses, unsure of what he would find. Trepidation coursed through him while he scrutinized every footprint, every hint that led him closer.
And when he reached an open clearing, he spied the fallen body of a woman lying motionless upon the ground.
Callum broke into a run, offering up a thousand prayers while his mind grew frozen with fear. When he reached the woman’s side, he turned her over.
It was Marguerite.
Her skin was like ice, and she didn’t respond to his touch at all. Callum rested his hand over her heart and could barely detect it beating. God above, how had she come to be here?
She was only wearing a thin cote with no shoes and no head covering. He didn’t know how long she’d been lying there, exposed to the elements.
Terror coursed through him with the thought that she might die. She’d tried to come back to him, and her clothing was soaked from the sea. It was a miracle she’d made it this far, since she had only just learned to swim.
“Marguerite,” he said, touching her cool face. “Look at me, Marguerite.”
She didn’t respond, and he had no way of knowing how to help her. He went to his horse and retrieved a woolen blanket, gathering it around her shoulders. When he lifted her into his arms, she seemed unaware of him.
Don’t die, he prayed.
He mounted his horse, cradling her as he rode back to the place where he’d left his brothers. Not once did she open her eyes, but he tried to warm her along the way.
The ride was endless, with all of his concentration focused upon her. The risk she’d taken was too great, and he wasn’t at all certain she would awaken. Her face was so pale, her breathing barely moving her chest.
Ahead, he spied the fire where his brothers were camped. When he reached them, he dismounted, bringing Marguerite with him. Bram and Alex stood up, while Dougal was still sleeping.
“I found her,” Callum told them. “She tried . . . leave . . .” The words stumbled inside him, unable to form a clear thought. All he could do was hold her as if his very touch could keep her with him.
Dougal had awakened and was staring at Marguerite. “Is she alive? She doesn’t look it.”
“She is,” Bram said. “Thus far.”
Words eluded Callum at this moment, the torment clawing into his consciousness at the thought of Marguerite dying. He couldn’t let it happen. Not after everything she’d endured in her attempt to escape.
Dougal wisely retreated. “I’ll look after your horse.”
“How long was she outside?” Alex asked.
He had no way of knowing and could only shake his head. His brother exchanged a look at Bram. “You’ll have to warm her.” He ordered Bram to set up the tent again and line the ground with blankets. “Take the wet clothing off her and warm her skin to skin.”
Callum sent Alex a warning look. “Don’t . . . look.”
“Easy, Callum.” Alex’s face held amusement. “Both of us are wedded men. Don’t you think Laren and Nairna would have our heads if we dared to look at another naked woman?”
