Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back, turning her around, cradling her against a heart that yet beat and a warm, solid chest—a chest she pounded with her fists until sobs consumed her.
Surrendering, she gave in to tears, hot and fast and stinging. And through all her hideous cries and gulping for air, Graham held her close. Rubbing little circles on her back. Letting her grieve. Keeping her safe, just as he’d promised Colin. Spent, she sagged against him, grateful for the solid beam this man had become to her in so many ways.
When her breathing evened, he crooked his finger beneath her chin, lifting her face to his. “Let me take you home now.”
She shook her head, hardly able to comprehend his words for the sorrow that muddled every thought. “He’s gone. Oh, he’s gone!”
“I know, dear one.” He pressed a kiss to her brow, his lips warm against her skin as he whispered, “I know.”
In one swift movement, he slung her up into his arms and turned from the cliff. Rogue ends of his loose hair brushed against her cheek as he strode into the woods, his broad shoulders and protective embrace sheltering her from branches all the way to the carriage.
“Balfour House, at once,” Graham directed the driver while he hoisted her into the coach.
The moment he sat, she collapsed against him, numb to everything. Time. Space. The beat of her own heart. How could she ever close her eyes again without seeing her brother—her beloved, mad brother—charging over the cliff, thinking he was saving her? The sight would haunt her in nightmares to come, for it was seared into her mind. Looking out the window, she stared, unblinking, into the dark. Seeing nothing but the gentle giant she loved with her whole heart vanish into the gorge.
“Amelia?”
She jerked upright, suddenly aware a warm body no longer shored her up.
Night air curled in the open carriage door. Graham’s worried gaze peered in at her, his strong hand stretched up for her to grasp. How had they arrived home so quickly?
As soon as her feet hit the pavement, Graham spoke in low tones to the driver, but their conversation was lost on her. She stared at the house, growing colder by the minute. It would be empty here without her brother. Void. Desolate. She shivered.
“Here.” Graham wrapped his coat around her shoulders. “Let’s get you inside.”
As they walked to the door, she dipped her head aside. Graham’s musky scent was woven into the fabric of his coat, caressing her. A tangible assurance, that. Desperately, she tried to recall how Colin had smelled. But she couldn’t. And she’d never have another chance to breathe in his presence, to remember, to know.
“Betsey!” Graham bellowed as soon as he ushered her inside, then he turned to her. “Your maid will see you up to your room. You need rest. Promise me you will rest.”
A rush of panic weakened her knees, and she clutched his coat tight against her collarbones. Closing her eyes was the last thing she wanted to do. “I don’t want to be alone. Stay with me. Please. Stay.”
“Amelia.” He spoke her name so tenderly, a fresh well of tears threatened to overflow. His palms cupped her face. “I will return soon. I promise. The authorities must be told. Your brother and Peckwood, well…their bodies must be recovered before it’s too late to find them.”
Voiced aloud, the words added pain upon pain, yet he was right.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Of course.”
Something like a wince tightened his lips, yet so much love and concern burned in his gaze, it made her want to hide from the raw purity of it.
“I realize now is not the time, but I can no longer contain it. Not after seeing you fall, thinking Peckwood had choked the life from you, that he’d…” His throat bobbed. “What I mean to say is that I love—”
“You called, sir?” Betsey’s voice shattered the moment into a thousand pieces.
Graham’s eyes slid closed for the briefest moment, then he faced the maid. “Yes. See your mistress to her room, please. There’s a bottle on Mr. Balfour’s nightstand. Administer a spoonful to her, then sit with her until I return. Is that quite clear?”
“Aye, sir.”
Graham turned to Amelia. “You’ll be all right. I know you will.”
It was a good thing he knew, because right now, she doubted very much things would ever be right with her again. Still, she had to pull herself together. Be strong. Stop this show of weakness and carry on as she always had. Releasing her grip on Graham’s coat, she began peeling it off.
His fingers pressed into her arm, staying her. “Keep it for now, if it makes you feel safe.”
Her breath caught. How did he know?
With a small smile, he dipped his head at her then vanished out the door. She stood immobile, listening to the lonely sound of the latch catching.
“Come now, miss.” Betsey’s heels skritched against the tiles. “Doctor’s orders.”
