“And I plan to hunt for my meals along the way. You barely ate more than a bird yesterday. Please, take more food.” His tone left little room for argument.
Maybe one additional strip of meat. Especially if he planned to hunt. He should take all the bread and dried berries with him since he wouldn’t be able to procure more along the way.
As she packed the food, he rolled the blankets they’d slept in. Once they had everything bundled in the two bags, Levi sat to put on his shoes and the cloth stockings he’d worn with them.
She let herself sit and watch him. This was the last time she would be able to, and there was nothing more for her to pack. “Are your shoes dry enough?” Though the worst of winter was behind them, the weather was still too cold for damp footwear. And walking all day in such gear would rub blisters.
He nodded, his mouth tipping in a weak smile. “I kept them in my blankets all night so they would dry.”
A wise thought. The cold would have made them freezeinstead of drying, but the heat his body created would keep them warm.
At last, there was nothing more for them to do. No reason to delay.
He sent her a look that seemed to contain the same mix of wistful sadness that clogged her own chest. “I suppose I should leave now. I’m going to see if I can find my horse on my way out.”
She nodded, then forced herself to stand as he did. “Be careful. The searchers shouldn’t be out again yet, but take care just in case.”
“I will.” Levi hoisted both packs on his shoulders, lifting them as though they held only dried leaves. Then he fit the knife at his waist. A final glance around the place showed nothing left behind.
He ambled forward, and she fell into step behind him as they turned the corner in the cave. Dim morning light flooded through the opening before them. He paused before reaching the exit and turned to her. His eyes asked if she was certain of her decision. If he spoke the words, she might have trouble keeping firm to her plan.
Before he could voice the question, she fumbled for something to say. “I’ll wait a while here before I return to Laurent. That should give you a head start.”
He nodded. Then his throat worked, as if he was struggling for words. “Thank you. Those two words are insufficient to say how I feel about what you’ve done for me. If there’s ever anything I can do to help you...”
She nodded. She would never be able to get word to him in England, but still, the sentiment was nice.
He reached out, as though he wanted to shake hands.That wasn’t a custom Laurent’s women participated in, but maybe English women did.
She extended her hand, and he caught up her fingers, lifting them to press a kiss to their backs.
The gesture was so gentlemanly, so noble—just like the man she’d come to know. The burn in her chest rose up to the back of her throat, then crept higher into her eyes. She couldn’t let the tears fall until he left.
Maybe he realized how close to the edge she was, for he released her hand and stepped the final distance to exit the cave. After pausing to peer out at the surroundings for a long moment, he slipped outside.
She moved to the opening as unruly drops slipped down her cheeks. She’d only known this man two days. How could she feel such an attachment to him already?
He maneuvered down the path to the side of the cliff, staying low and keeping his movements quiet. The searchers wouldn’t have reached this place yet, even if they’d left Laurent at first light, but he was being careful, just like she’d asked.
In the distance, a whinny sounded. Levi paused and stared toward the right, where the sound had come from. Then he turned back to her and waved.
She returned the motion, even as a sob hiccupped from her throat. He wouldn’t be able to see her tears from this distance, so she soaked in this final glimpse of him.
Lord, be with him. Keep him safe in his travels. Give him the happy life he deserves.
The words had barely winged from her thoughts when the whiz of an arrow hummed through the cold morning air.
The missile struck Levi in the back, pitching him forward.
A scream tore from Audrey’s throat.
The blow came so unexpectedly, Levi barely kept his feet beneath him. Fortunately, whatever struck him hadn’t penetrated his thick coat. As soon as he caught his balance, he spun to find his attacker.
His gaze shot to the cave first, but Audrey still stood in the opening, shock widening her features. He followed her line of sight down the slope.
A man stepped from behind a boulder. Leonard, the guard who’d been watching Levi when Audrey had sneaked him out.
“You’re not going anywhere, Masters.” The man held another arrow drawn tight in his bow.
