Cecily looked over her shoulder at him, abruptly thinking that what would hurt more than anything was something she did not wish to contemplate. For being alone, away from theton, was not something she feared, but perhaps being alone, away fromStephen, would be her greatest tragedy. “I will be fine, Stephen. I would be grateful for your assistance.” She shrugged, not wanting to seem too needy. “But if it isyou,rather,who does not wish to become involved in something as tawdry as divorce proceedings, then I will not hold you to your promise.”
She realized she was holding her breath.
“Very well, then,” Stephen said, after a barely audible sigh. “I will come to your chamber in one hour’s time. Don’t feel you must wait up for me. I will make sure the door to Flavion’s room is open.” Without another word, he turned on his heel abruptly and disappeared in the direction of the study.
Feeling the weight of the evening, Cecily slowly ascended the stairs to her chambers with Chadwick impatiently making multiple trips up and down the steps in front of her. She couldn’t help but smile half-heartedly at the animal; he was so very pleased to see her again.
“At least I have you,” she told him quietly as they arrived at the landing, and she headed toward her suite. Upon entering, she found Sally awaiting her with some hot tea and biscuits. Not in the mood for inane conversation, Cecily had the maid let down her hair and help her undress before sending her away for the night.
Taking a brush, she sat in front of the hearth and began the task of braiding it herself. “Come over here, Chadwick. I’ve set up a bed for you.” She beckoned her new friend, but he would not be enticed.
For something had caught his attention. Something about her bed.
Standing up, Cecily wondered if perhaps someone were hiding beneath it. Feeling a chill run through her, she reached above the fireplace mantle and removed the large saber that hung over it for decorative purposes. She hoped it would be as effective as it looked, if there was, in fact, a thief or worse, hiding under her bed.
Holding the saber defensively, she walked back toward the bed.
Except, Chadwick was not interested in something beneath the bed. He was emitting a low and menacing growl but was fixated on somethingunder the counterpane.
Reaching forward, she grasped the heavy material and flung it back.
Nothing.
Except something was moving beneath the sheets.
She grasped the material under one of the pillows and pulled with all her might until it gave way and flew onto the floor.
It was the last thing in the world that she’d expect to see.
In her chamber, let alone in her bed!
A very large snake slithered about on the mattress and was suddenly quite interested in the growling dog threatening to pounce. And then, as Chadwick drew near the snake, it suddenly coiled up and lurched at her brave but naive pet.
Without taking any time to think, Cecily, still grasping the antique saber, slashed at the snake and flung it away from Chadwick. Brushing aside the stinging sensation in her left wrist, she dashed around to the other side of the bed. There, the bullying reptile slithered menacingly across the floor toward the barking dog.
Not giving the snake another chance at Chadwick, Cecily took the saber and slammed it down so hard that it went right through to the floor. Even with the white and black zigzagged striping, the shadows in the room made it difficult to keep track of where the snake had gone, if he’d gone anywhere at all. But she still saw movement. Good lord, there were two of them now!
And so, Cecily slammed the saber down again.
And again.
And again.
She pummeled the floor so many times, her hair tangled about her face, that she did not realize anyone else had entered the room until she felt strong arms around her.
“Relax, Cecily!” Stephen said from over her shoulder for the second time that day. Had it really only just been earlier that morning that she’d walloped mud at Miss Daphne Cunnington? And now, here she was, bludgeoning a snake to death in her bedchambers.
Stephen must think her a complete harridan. She dropped the saber, threw her arms around his neck, and made a mad effort to climb him. For she was barefoot, and there were most likely snake parts slithering about in the shadows created by the hearth and the candles.
“He took a strike at Chadwick,” she said, her bare feet standing atop his shoes, her arms locked now around his nape. “I don’t know where he went. I don’t know if I killed it!”
Stephen set her aside behind him. Grasping a candle with his other hand, he then walked toward the bed.
“Oh… my God,” he said.
She had cutthesnake up into several varying lengths.
“Is it an adder?” she asked meekly from across the room.
