When they reached the shore, he dropped to his knees and laid her on the sand. Her eyes closed and once again, panic whipped through him like a tornado. “Tabitha? Please say something.”
Her eyes flickered open and she nodded. “I’m…fine.”
Relief poured through him, and he gathered her in his arms, pulling her close to his chest. Nuzzling his face against her ear,he felt the urgent need to kiss her—to show her how grateful he was that she was responsive. If she had drowned, he didn’t know what he would have done.
“Mr. Woodland?” The high-pitched sound of a woman’s voice rented the air. “Is Miss Paget all right?”
Realizing where he was at—and what he’d almost done—brought him out of his shocked state. He lifted his head. Immediately, he noticed the small crowd that had gathered. Mrs. Smythe and Miss Talbot were the ring-leaders out in front. From what he could see, most everyone wore an expression of worry, but not the two busy-bodies. They appeared appalled.
Groaning, inwardly, he knew he had to say something to dig himself out of this quickly before these people got the wrong idea…which of course was therightidea, he just couldn’t let them know it.
Chapter Eighteen
“Uh…” Nic glanceddown at Tabitha, who he was still practically laying on. Her eyes were now wide and the color was leaving her pretty face again. But this time, he knew it was for different reasons.Drat!He needed to say something quickly.
“Um, Miss Tabitha? Oh, thank heavens.” He slowly lifted himself off her, but rested on his knees. “You’re breathing. I thought you had—had—” He made his voice choke on purpose as he blinked back pretend tears. At least he’d hoped the onlookers thought that he was trying not to cry.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded and placed her hand to her bosom. “Yes, Mr. Woodland. I’m breathing fine now. I thank you for rescuing me.” She struggled to sit up, so he helped by taking her arm and pulling her to an upright position. She glanced at the people around them. “I’m fine now, thanks to Mr. Woodland.”
Sighs of relief passed through the crowd. Some people even stepped forward to pat Nic on the shoulder and congratulate him. Soon, they started leaving, but the two older women remained, unmoving…and gaping. Nic wanted to hand them back their noses and tell them to keep it out of his business, but he was supposed to be the kind, forgiving, clergyman, and Frederick would never say such a thing to these women.
He stood and brushed off the sand from his trousers. “Allow me to help you up.” He reached his hand for Tabitha to grab.
“I thank you, again.” She clutched his hand and stood. She released him and swiped the water off her face and hair. “I…I don’t know what happened.” She glanced at the ocean, shaking her head.
“I was wading through the water, and the next thing I knew a wave had hit me and pulled me under.”
“It was the most frightening thing I’d ever seen,” Mrs. Smythe said, breathless.
“Indeed, it was.” Nic nodded. “I saw her go under, and I didn’t know if I would be able to reach her soon enough.”
“But Mr. Woodland,” Miss Talbot spoke softly, “I thought you told us you couldn’t swim. Yet,” she pointed toward the water, “I watched you swim out to Miss Paget.”
Growling under his breath, he glanced at Tabitha. Her eyes were large and frightened. He was going to ruin the disguise, he just knew it. Yet, it had been worth it to save Tabitha.
“Oh, my,” Tabitha gasped. “Mr. Woodland, you don’t suppose…”
Confused, he shook his head, wishing he could read her thoughts right now. “What?”
“Do you suppose the Lord had wanted you to save me, so He helped you to swim because you don’t know how?”
He wanted to hug her for her quick thinking. He’d do it later when they were in a private setting.
Sucking in a quick breath, he laid on the dramatics, mainly for the two older women. He glanced up into the sky and steepled his fingers against his lips. “Miss Tabitha, I believe we have all witnessed a miracle just now.” He swallowed hard. “Thank you, Lord, for strengthening our faith.”
When he finally tore his gaze away from the heavens and looked at Miss Talbot and her sister, he was relieved to see they wore different expressions. Apparently, they had believed the ruse and figured they had just been witness to a miracle. Butin truth, this had been a miracle. Godhadhelped Nic to find Tabitha and save her.
“Miss Tabitha?” he asked, turning his attention back to her. “I think I should get you home before you catch a chill.”
Nodding, she wrapped her arms around her chest, hugging herself. “Yes, I believe that’s wise.”
He bowed to the two older women. “If you will excuse us.”
“Of course, Mr. Woodland. Take care, Miss Paget.”
He found the clergyman coat and draped it over Tabitha’s shoulders. Before leaving, he scooped up his cravat and folded it.
Both he and Tabitha’s steps were hurried as they headed toward Mrs. Burls. When he knew they were far enough away from curious ears, he said softly, “I’m so very grateful I was able to get to you in time.” He glanced at her.
