CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Mara was thoroughly exhausted by the time she finally made it to London. After three days of hard travel, which was surely some sort of record, the very thought of a hot meal and a bath nearly made tears come to her eyes.
Such a bruising pace reminded her of when she’d left Eversleigh Hall all those years ago, but instead of her heart merely breaking, this time it seemed to be shattering completely, her chest literally aching from the pain.
She gave Cloudy a gentle pat on her neck, and whispered, as much to herself as to her mount, “We’re almost there, girl. Just hang on a bit longer.”
Mara had headed directly for Ambrel House.
Rion had mentioned that Athena was staying with her sister and brother-in-law and although she’d never met the baron or his wife, so she could only pray they were as kind as Lord and Lady Rockford.
She nearly fell off the saddle as she tied Cloudy’s reins to the post in front of the townhouse. Her vision blurred as she climbed the steps to the front door. She managed to blink away the black spots that threatened, as she reached for the brass knocker. A moment later, the door opened.
The butler took one look at her haggard appearance and frowned. “Charity cases are to use the back door…”
When he would have shut the door, she threw a hand against the wood. “Please, sir, my name is Mara Miller.” She hated how weak her voice sounded. “I am a friend of Lady Rockford. I was told by her husband that she was in residence here.”
The frown merely deepened, but he reluctantly allowed her inside. “Wait here,” he instructed firmly.
Mara wavered on her feet as he walked away. She was forced to clutch a side table to remain upright. She heard footsteps and glanced up to see the countess rushing toward her along with another woman. “Mara! Dear God, what’s happened?”
“Athena…I…” Unfortunately, that was all she managed to get out before the darkness closed in and claimed her completely.
* * *
Mara woke with a start as a cold cloth was placed on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found Athena sitting beside her where she lay on a settee, presumably in the parlor. Her expression was kind and empathetic. “Are you feeling better? I daresay you gave me quite a fright when you collapsed like that.”
Mara sighed as she slowly sat up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I fear I was just tired from traveling so long from Eversleigh Hall—”
Athena gasped. “You rode all that distance by yourself? I’m surprised that Roarke allowed such a thing.” She shook her head. “Rest assured I will also have a word with my husband. To imagine what they were thinking…!”
“They didn’t know I left.”
At Athena’s puzzled expression, she decided to explain.
She told her about Mr. Larkin and Lily, then closed her eyes and whispered, “Roarke rode away with Mr. Andrews and Lord Rockford this morning. Roarke didn’t even come to see me. I know now that he’ll never be able to forgive me or what happened.”
“I don’t believe it,” Athena shook her head. “I’m sure you’ve misread the situation. I’ve never known Roarke to be so unreasonable. Besides, he loves you. I’m sure of it. Likely they are all worried sick. I shall write to Eversleigh Hall at once—”
Mara reached out and grasped her hand. “Please…don’t. I left a note for Lyra. They know I’ve returned to London.” She took a moment to shore up her courage and forced herself to say what she’d come there for. “I…I’ve decided that if your offer of a loan still stands, I shall accept it, to make a fresh start.”
Athena offered a gentle smile. “Of course. I owe you my life and so much more. I’ve told you before that I would gladly gift you the money, but since you are so adamant about paying me back, I only ask one request.”
Mara had a feeling she already knew what the countess would ask of her.
“Wait here until Roarke returns. I should hate for two of my dearest friends to part on such awful terms. If nothing else, I think he deserves a chance to explain his actions before you do something rash that you might come to regret. Can you do that for me?”
Mara closed her eyes. It would cut her to the quick to see that look of derision in Roarke’s eyes, but what if Athena was right? What if she’d merely acted out of panic and run away like the coward she was? Could she have misread it all?
Thus, she gave a reluctant nod.
Athena squeezed her hand. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Mara bit her lip uncertainly. “Are you sure I won’t be imposing on the baron’s hospitality?”
“There’s no need to concern yourself on that score. Gregory and Cassie are remarkable people.” With a wink, she added, “Just wait until you meet the twins and Josiah. You may never want to leave.”
As if on cue, the same petite woman Mara had seen earlier entered the room. With blonde hair and a warm smile, she held a baby in her arms. “How is our patient?” she asked kindly.
