*
Trevor walked outof the house, down the steps to the lawn. Louisa’s high-pitched voice made him pause. When he noticed her atop his horse—the very animal Trevor had instructed to besaddled and ready for him—annoyance grew inside his chest. But then he noticed where Louisa was heading. Mrs. Jacobs’s cry of alarm pulled his attention to her as she lifted her skirt to her ankles and dashed down the hill toward…
He hitched a breath.Adam and Amanda!
Cursing, he broke into a run, calling out to the stable boy who stood with his mouth agape. “Bring me another horse. Immediately.”
By the time Trevor made it to the stables, the lad had pulled out another horse. Not caring if he rode bareback, Trevor jumped on the horse. Clutching the animal’s mane, he urged him toward the stream, his gaze fixed on the children.
Just before Louisa reached the twins, Amanda fell into the stream. Panic washed over him. The little girl couldn’t swim. Flaying her arms, she screamed. Adam cried as he backed away from the turbulent water. Trevor pushed his horse faster, praying he’d reach her in time.
Louisa flew off the horse like a long-winged bird, swooped into the water and grasped Amanda by the waist. The sobbing little girl clung to Louisa as she pulled her out of the stream onto the grassy bank, safely.
Trevor yanked the horse to a stop, but jumped off even before the animal had stilled. Trevor rushed to the shivering girl who still held tightly to Louisa’s neck.
“What in the blazes happened here?” His voice rose due to the irritation—and panic—flowing through him right now.
“Trevor, give me your coat.” Louisa’s voice came out sweetly even though worry lines still etched in her face.
Nodding, he shrugged out of his garment and handed it to her. Carefully, she wrapped little Amanda in the coat.
“There now, Amanda,” Louisa said in a reassuring tone. “You are safe.”
Louisa’s lovely green eyes silently pleaded with Trevor as she held Amanda toward him. Understanding her plea, he took the little girl in his arms. Within seconds, she cuddled against his chest, still crying.
Ever since realizing his wife had deceived him, Trevor had not wanted to give his heart to the twins. But as he listened to Amanda’s little cries, the wall of ice he’d built around his heart slowly thawed. This little darling needed his comfort—his protection—like never before. And heaven help him, hewantedto give it to her. To both of the children.
Louisa moved to Adam and lifted him in her arms. She stroked his head and cooed softly that everything would be all right. The boy snuggled against her bosom as his sobs subsided. Louisa’s gaze met Trevor’s and she smiled.
A lump formed in his throat and he could hardly swallow. He motioned her closer. She followed his instruction until he slipped his arm around her and the boy.
“All is well now,” Trevor whispered, still meeting Louisa’s tender gaze.
“Oh, good heavens.” Mrs. Jacobs ran up to them, huffing and out of breath, with Mrs. Fitzwilliam trailing not far behind. “I honestly don’t know what happened, Your Grace,” the nursemaid said.
“I do.” Louisa’s expression turned firm as she aimed a harsh look at the obtuse woman. “You were not watching the twins as you should have and they wandered away.” She took a deep breath. “I shudder to think what might have happened if I had not seen Adam and Amanda so near the stream.”
Stubbornly, the heavy-set woman lifted her chin. “You are incorrect. I was watching them.”
“Apparently, not closely enough,” Trevor snapped before Louisa could rebut the nurse’s explanation. “Mrs. Jacobs, this is not the first time you have slacked in your duties—but it will bethe last, I assure you. Pack your things and leave my household immediately. You are no longer in my employ.”
“Oh no, Your Grace. I assure you, Miss Louisa is mistaken—”
“Leave now, Mrs. Jacobs. I have made my decision and there is no swaying me.”
The older woman gave him a curt nod, turned and marched up the hill toward the manor. Mrs. Fitzwilliam stood, wringing her hands against her middle.
“Is there anything I can do?” she asked.
He nodded toward Mrs. Jacobs. “I would like it very much if you could help her pack so she could leave today.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.” She turned sharply and hurried after the other woman.
For the first time in a long while, Trevor was quite satisfied with his hasty decision.
“We should get the twins back to the house,” Louisa said.
He glanced at the woman still by his side and smiled. Her eyes gleamed, and he couldn’t keep his heart from melting. “Indeed we shall.”
