“Oh, Malcolm… I do love you, but—”
“There are no buts. Not this time.”
He kissed her again, enjoying the way her mouth melded with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Anxious to finally make her his wife, he moved his hands to the long row of pearl buttons holding her dress together, eager to be rid of the garment, but just as he plucked at a button, someone knocked on the door.
She jumped off him and quickly adjusted her dress. Silently he cursed. He could kill whoever it was that had decided to interrupt their intimate moment.
Camilla hurried to the door and opened it. Colonel Burwell and one of his servants stood on the other side. Grim expressions marred their faces.
“I hope you will forgive our unannounced timing, but I have discovered some vital information and knew I had to share it with you.”
Camilla nodded and motioned for them to enter. She moved behind them as they walked closer to Malcolm.
He met Colonel Burwell’s stare. “What is it you have to tell me?”
The colonel shifted from one foot to the other, his gaze moving around the room too quickly. “The day of your accident, your wife suggested someone had been shooting at you.”
“Indeed, they had,” Malcolm snapped.
“Well, I asked my servants and the other guests, and nobody saw anything out of the ordinary that morning. However, just today, my gardener”—he motioned to the man standing next to him—“found an abandoned rifle in the same area where you fell from your horse.”
Camilla gasped and rushed to Malcolm’s side. He took her shaky hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze, trying to reassure her.
“As I searched the area,” the colonel continued, “I noticed footprints in the dirt. What captured my attention about these markings was that they were not large like a man’s, but smaller, like a young boy’s.” He sighed heavily. “I’m led to believe some lad must have been target shooting and missed.”
Anger throbbed in Malcolm’s head.Target shooting, my eye!Yet what other conclusion could Colonel Burwell come to?
“Is it not a misfortune that the lad left his rifle there? I would think he would take it with him.” Malcolm nodded. “Nonetheless, I appreciate your assistance in this matter. And thank you for letting me know what you have found.”
The colonel smiled, moving his gaze to Malcolm’s injured leg. “I have heard you are doing better.”
“That, I am, sir. In fact, your physician mentioned I may be able to leave tomorrow.”
“That is splendid. I’m happy to know you have recovered quickly. However, know that you may stay as long as you wish in order for your leg to heal.”
“Thank you, Colonel Burwell. Your hospitality has been appreciated, I assure you.”
Camilla remained standing by his side until the colonel and the gardener left and closed the door. He tugged on her arm and brought her back to his lap, where he cuddled her close.
“Oh, Malcolm.” She buried her head in his neck. “I fear for your safety.”
He kissed the side of her face, deeply breathing in her flowery scent. “Why, my love?”
She pulled away and met his stare. “Because you know as well as I that the incident was no accident at all.”
He nodded. “I know.”
“Why would Colonel Burwell think a lad was target shooting? Why would anyone do that so near the fox hunt?”
He cupped her face and smiled. “My dear, you worry overmuch. Please do not fret any longer. With you by my side, nothing will happen.”
“Promise?”
“Your love will be my shield, I assure you.” He ended with a kiss, praying in his heart that within time he would believe his own words.
Chapter Fourteen
Happiness and gaietyfilled Malcolm’s home upon their return. The children ran into their father’s arms and greeted him with kisses, and then turned and rained the same affection on Camilla. Her chest expanded with happiness.
