Maxey’s hands moistened. Her first reaction was to bluntly tell Nora that it was long past the time of getting a second chance. Maxey didn’t want to allow her mother back into her life. Not now. Not ever. But now was not the time to argue. They needed to hide themselves from Matthew’s men.
“Fine,” Maxey said. “I will put my trust in you right now because I have no other choice.”
Nora’s smile made her blue eyes twinkle. “I know the perfect place to take you.”
“Where is that?” Maxey asked.
“To my home.” Nora glanced behind her again then motioned for them to follow. “Come quickly.”
Nash grasped Maxey’s hand as they hurried along. “Mrs. Littleton, I will be truly in your debt if you can get us out of here alive.”
Not another word was spoken as Nash held Maxey’s hand and they ran through the woods, dodging the trees and bushes and jumping over fallen branches. Maxey’s mind spun in a whirlwind of confusion. Was her mother truly helping them, not leading them into a trap? After their time with Raúl, Maxey was leery of trusting anyone. Nash had taught her thatnobodycould be trusted.
Many years ago, Maxey had believed her mother would always be there, and she would be the kind of mother all the other girls in town had. Maxey had trusted Nora to return and reclaim her family one day. At the time, the family had needed Nora so desperately.
But Maxey didn’t want Nora back in her life now. The anger and pain she had experienced for years was still so real. She didn’t want to relive the heartache. But as hard as it was to trust Nora now, Maxey had to believe her mother was not working with Matthew.
Another thing that baffled Maxey was hearing her mother say she lived in Devonshire. Why would Nora live in the place where she had given birth to both of the children she eventually gave up? Was this all a coincidence, or had fate lent a helping hand?
Nash squeezed her fingers, and she glanced into his soft eyes. His smile warmed her and spread comfort throughout her body. Here was one man she could always trust. A man she would love forever.
They took a path up a knoll, and Maxey tried to keep pace beside Nash, even while wearing men’s boots. Tonight, her muscles would scream from exertion, but she would worry about that when it happened. Now, she had to show Nash that she could keep up, since he still thought of her as a woman with tender sensibilities. Inwardly, she chuckled. She was determined to make him proud.
They climbed up and over the knoll, only to find a cliff, which, thankfully, wasn’t very high, but it was someplace to hide nonetheless.
Nash stopped. “We shall hide down there.” He jumped over the bush and into the small ravine. Maxey stopped suddenly and glanced at him for reassurance.
“It is not far. I will catch you,” he said, holding out his hands.
She nodded then hopped over the bush and into his arms. He put her down and helped her mother into the gully.
Nash pressed himself against the earth’s wall as he drew his pistol and cocked it. Maxey and Nora stood beside him, waiting and listening.
Maxey shivered. Immediately, Nash wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders and pulled her next to his hard body. She rested her face against his chest.
The wait seemed forever. Of course, trying to keep quiet made the time creep by, but soon came the heavy hooves from the horses. Maxey held her breath and squeezed her eyes closed, praying the riders would look past them.
Nash’s arm tightened around her. Standing beside Maxey, Nora clasped Maxey’s shoulder. Maxey look at her mother, and wide, frightened eyes met her gaze. Empathy tugged at Maxey. It must be the caregiver inside her that wanted to soothe her mother’s fears, so she offered a tentative smile and clutched Nora’s hand.
Within minutes, the thunder of galloping horses riding away eased Maxey’s fears. Soon, the men were gone, and she quickly released Nora’s hand as if it had turned to fire.
Nash exhaled a heavy breath. Releasing his hold on her, he placed his pistol back in the waistband of his trousers. He looked down at her then switched his focus to her mother.
“I think we are safe. For now.”
Maxey nodded. “At least for now.”
“Yes,” Nora agreed. “But let us not stay here any longer. I think you two will be safe at my house.”
“Where is that?” Nash asked.
Nora smiled. “Not too far from here. If we hurry, we will be there by the lunch hour, and my cook is the best around.”
Maxey scrunched her forehead. Confusion worked its way into her heart again. Her mother had her own servant? After a slow inspection of Nora, Maxey’s confusion grew deeper. Why did she not look wealthy now, as she had on the ship?
Giving a nod, Maxey allowed Nora to lead the way. The truth would soon be uncovered, and frankly, Maxey thought it was past due. After all these years, she was ready to know.
Chapter Seventeen
