Nic winked at her. “So am I.”
Tabitha grew weak in his arms. Obviously, she was dazed worse than he was. “Tristan, we need to lie her down somewhere. She’s been drugged.”
Between him and Tristan, they helped her into the other room to lie down on the couch. As soon as her head hit the cushion, she closed her eyes and her head rolled to the side.
“Poor girl.” Trey shook his head. “I’ve never seen anyone in such a state before.”
Huffing with exertion, Frederick entered the house again and stopped next to Nic. “Can you please explain what happened here? I was only gone for one day, and I return to—” he swept his hand through the air, “this mayhem!”
Nic scowled. “Exactly! You were gone for one day and you didn’t tell me where you were going or when you’d return.Youcould have been the one to handle all of this, not me.Youare the clergyman, after all.”
Frederick nodded and pushed his fingers through his hair. “Yes, and I’m deeply sorry for not being here.” He heaved a breath. “But I’m glad it’s over and our thief was discovered.”
Irritation flowed through Nic and he rolled his eyes. “Youare glad? Pray, what were you doing all this time? You were supposed to spy on people, and yet I was the one who discovered everything.” He glanced at the Worthington brothers who all stood with their arms crossed, glaring at Frederick as if they waited for his answer.
Frederick frowned. “Yes, I’m aware of that, and I apologize again. I had really been spying, but perhaps not as much as I could have been doing. You see,” he released another loud sigh, “I’ve met someone, and I felt compelled to get to know this person a little better.”
Nic arched an eyebrow. “Why? Did you suspect them of being the thief?”
“No.” Frederick scratched his chin. “But I met her when I’d followed the Griffin’s houseguest home the other night. She lives in the same township. I feel like a different man when I’m around her, and well…” he shrugged, “after all these years I’ve actually considered courting again.”
Nic gaped at his cousin. He wasn’t sure whether to become upset at the man for doing that instead of what Frederick had said he’d do…or become happy for Frederick because he was finally going to find a wife.
“Well, I suppose I should congratulate you instead of trying to wring your neck.” Nic nodded.
Frederick chuckled. “Yes, I’d greatly appreciate that, my good man. I’m rather fond of where my head attaches to my body.”
He clapped his hand on Nic’s shoulder, which threw him off balance again. He stumbled, but then grasped on to his cousin’s arm. Dizziness flowed through Nic. Groaning, he rubbed his forehead. “Good grief! I wish I knew what was in that tea that Miss Talbot fixed for me, because it has made me very lightheaded.”
Trevor chuckled. “Perhaps, Hawthorne, you are lightheaded for a different reason?” He gestured his head toward Tabitha asleep on the couch.
A grin stretched across Nic’s face. He just couldn’t help it. He was very much in love and wanted everyone to know it. “I’ll admit, Your Grace, that I do love her with all my heart and I can’t live without her.”
Trevor groaned loudly. “This is just great. All these years Hawthorne has acted like part of the family, and now he’s actually going to marry our sister just to become one of us.” He shook his head and grinned.
Laughter filled the room quickly. Love spread through Nic’s heart, easing all his fears. Once again, everything was right with the world.
Chapter Twenty-Five
In quiet solitude,Tabitha sat on the couch with her legs tucked under her as she stared at the low burning fire. Her aunt and Mrs. Stiles had left her alone to her thoughts this morning, which was what she truly wanted. Yesterday had been a very long day, most of which was spent wondering whether she’d live or die. Now she was content to think back on the horrors she’d experienced, realizing that she was a stronger woman than she first imagined—not only physically, but mentally.
Lord Elliot had tried to instill vulnerability in her mind by telling her that weak women should always be controlled with an iron fist. Now she knew differently, and the realization was like a new world opening her eyes to everything and everyone around her, and especially, to her own feelings.
Of course, her new world had a lot to do with Nic. If not for him, she would have never known love and acceptance. He had known she was a maid but still allowed his heart to soften for her. Now there was just one last test Nic had to pass. Deep in her heart, she prayed he would still love her when he discovered her true parentage. She wondered if her meddlesome brothers had said anything to Nic about it, but he acted as if he didn’t know.
Although…why did her brothers choose to come to North Devon for a visit? Was it to see her or Nic? She had yet to hear their explanation for that.
Smiling, she rolled her head on the back of the couch. Never had she been this happy before. Everyone should be able to experience such joy. According to what her aunt had said this morning, Sally and Mr. Jacobs were hitting it off splendidly. Tabitha was certain she’d hear a wedding announcement in the near future.
A knock came upon the front door, and moments later, she heard Mrs. Stiles’ cheerful voice. Soon footsteps thudded on the hallway floor, coming closer to the sitting room. Tabitha dropped her feet to the Persian rug and quickly slipped into her shoes before the visitors arrived. Just as she straightened, Mrs. Stiles and Miss Johnson entered.
“Tabitha, my dear, you have a visitor.” She motioned her head toward the younger woman. “I knew you wouldn’t mind if she came to see you.”
Smiling big, Tabitha rose from the couch and held out her hands for the younger woman to grasp. “Not at all. I will always welcome your company, Miss Johnson.”
After slipping her hands in Tabitha’s, the other woman shook her head. “I thought I told you to call me Dawn.”
“Indeed, you did. Please forgive me.”
