Moyer tugged on his cuffs. “I like the idea of taming a wildcat. A few months abroad and her puppy-dog infatuation with you will be a distant memory.”
“I’ll do what I have to do,” she said simply.
What was that supposed to mean? Where was her fighting spirit and quick temper? Maybe they’d threatened her with imprisonment if she didn’t comply. But that shouldn’t matter. Let her play along with the engagement announcement tonight. Tomorrow or the next evening, she should be able to slip away. That part of the escape plan should still be secure. He searched her gaze.
She trembled. “I’m sorry about Christmas Eve. I’ve thoughtof a half-dozen things I could have done differently, and maybe you wouldn’t be here?—”
“It’s not your fault.” He squeezed her hands with all of his might. “I don’t know what happened at the plantation the night of the attack, but you did not fail me. I love you.”I will escape and come for you or die trying. This could not be the end. “If we do not meet again on this earth, we will meet in heaven.” But dear God, let it be on this earth.
She dipped her head and kissed his dirty fingers. “The Lord be with you.”
“Enough.” Moyer grabbed her arm. “This man is going to die because he cared more for another woman than his own life.” He pulled on her. “And you, Reynolds, how selfish of you. You’d ask her to be a poor, lonely spinster if you can’t have her?”
“No. I only ask her to seek the Lord’s guidance. And to know I’ll always love her.”Find the house,he mouthed again.
One hand fell away, but she held tight to the bar with the other. Couldn’t she mouth something back? Devon strained forward. The metal cuff cut into his shin. If only he could get close enough for a kiss.
Moyer yanked her clear. She didn’t resist further, other than to turn and glance over her shoulder for one more lingering look.
Her lips moved soundlessly. “Don’t give up.” Then Moyer had her out the door.
“Why do they have to chain him up like an animal?” Her voice retreated.
“Can’t have the traitor escaping. I don’t even have the key.” The jailer whistled as the door clanked shut.
Don’t give up. Were those really her words or a desperate imagining on his part?
CHAPTER 34
Morning Fawn gazed out the window as the carriage rumbled over the drawbridge, above the moat. Candlelight and lamplight bathed the limestone castle which towered three stories. It was a setting suited forRobinhoodorIvanhoe, not Texas. A billowing Confederate flag hung below the rooftop garden. Music drifted out of the windows. A sight to behold, but the only sight she cared about was three miles away in a two-story jail surrounded by a locked fence, and chained to an iron stake with no key on the grounds.
Nick said something.
She leaned forward, pressing her nose to the pane, ignoring him. He didn’t matter. None of it mattered. Devon would be on the road to San Antonio tomorrow. Dear God, what was she going to do?
“I feel sick.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “I need to go to the privy.”
He arched an eyebrow. “There’ll be time enough for that inside. Robson actually has running water in the castle.”
She stared at him. “Running water?”
“Robson pumps water from the Colorado River to the roofand pipes it throughout the house.” He tugged on his gloves. “You can go to the privy all you want. One of my men or I will be at the door waiting for you every second.”
A glimmer caught her eye as they rode through the gate—his flask lying on his seat half covered by his coattail. She glanced away, chin set. She wasn’t going home tonight, one way or the other.
As they disembarked, he stepped out first, spoke to the footman, and turned to offer his hand. A few seconds, but it was enough. She swiped the flask beneath her cloak. The privy would provide the perfect opportunity to access the laudanum and add a little flavoring to the man’s drink for the ride home.
She stepped down.
“What are you doing?” Nick grabbed her arm.
“What do you mean?”
Without letting go, he poked his head into the carriage, then patted his coat pocket with his free hand. “What are you up to?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
His eyes narrowed. “Back in the carriage.”
