“After all we have been through together; I think it’s only right. Don’t you?”
Tabitha nodded. “Yes, of course.”
This was the first time she was able to see Dawn in the daylight, and without feeling dizzy. Although she was certain they had been introduced before, Tabitha hadn’t remembered the girl. Now she realized Dawn was a very stunning young lady. Her curly blonde hair had streaks of brown flowing through it, more noticeable in ringlets. But it wasn’t just the woman’s hair that made her lovely, it was her bright blue eyes; clear like the ocean on a cloudless day. No wonder David Griffin had been taken with her.
“Would you care to sit?” Tabitha turned to the furniture.
“Let me fetch some tea,” Mrs. Stiles said. “I’m sure that would be refreshing—”
“No!” Both Tabitha and Dawn shouted. Mrs. Stiles’ eyes grew enlarged as her hand flew to her throat. “Forgive me, Mrs. Stiles,” Tabitha quickly added. “Miss Johnson and I aren’t ready to drink tea any time soon.”
“Oh, of course not, my dear.” Red blotches appeared on the older woman’s cheeks. “Forgive me for not remembering. Then I shall just bring cookies.”
“Actually, Mrs. Stiles,” Dawn interrupted, “I won’t be here very long at all. I just wanted to see how my friend was faring.”
“Well, all right. I’ll let you two be alone then.” Mrs. Stiles turned and left the room.
Still holding onto Dawn’s hands, Tabitha pulled her to the couch to sit. “It seems as if it were several days ago instead of just yesterday that we were together in that dreadful cellar, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. It truly was a nightmare. I’m grateful you didn’t have to be there as long as I was.”
“Are you feeling better? Have you gained your strength back?”
“A little.” Dawn shrugged. “I know I should have stayed home and rested today, but I just had to come see you…and thank you for all you did.”’
“Oh, Dawn. I didn’t do anything special. Any woman would have done that. I’m sure you had tried to break down that trap door, too.”
Dawn ducked her head and frowned. “Actually, I was too frightened to leave the mattress. I’ve always been afraid of the dark, and I was literally frightened to death.” She looked up. “You really did save me.” She glanced down at Tabitha’s hands. “You were so brave pulling that nail out of the piece of wood soyou could use it to unlock the hook. It was pure brilliance on your part.”
Chuckling, Tabitha shook her head and looked at her fingers. The scabs were still visible, and her fingertips would be tender for a few days, she was certain. “When I had lost all my hair-pins, I fell into despair and sank down the wall. That’s when I felt the nail sticking out of the board as it scraped my arm. I knew it was there for a reason…to help us escape. I just feel bad that when I finally opened the door, I was so dizzy I fell inside the room. I thought for sure Miss Talbot would hear the noise and come running.”
“Oh, me, too. Those were the most terrifying moments of my life. I waited for her to bring you back down, but I was vastly relieved when help came for me. Who were those men, anyway?”
Tabitha grinned and puffed her chest. “Those were my brothers; Trevor, Tristan, and Trey Worthington.”
“I shall never forget their kindness.”
“Yes, all three of them have the kindest hearts.”
Dawn pulled away and stood. “Well, I’m starting to feel tired again, so I’d better return home. But please come visit me. I don’t have many friends, and I hope now to consider you one.”
Tabitha rose to her feet and hooked her arm through Dawn’s, turning them toward the door. “I shall be proud to call you my friend. And, as the first order of our friendship, I shall help you to the front door.”
Dawn laughed and patted Tabitha’s arm, walking beside her up the corridor. Just as she opened the door, a man stepped up to knock, his fist still raised in action.
Tabitha gasped at the incredibly handsome man. Gone was the clergyman’s disguise, and in its place was the lord who’d stirred her heart several months ago. Clean shaven and wearing clothes that fit his muscular body well, Dominic Lawrence, theMarquess of Hawthorne stood before her. Never had she seen him more breathtaking.
“Nic—um, Lord Hawthorne,” she sighed.
He quickly dropped his hand to his side, and then offered a nod. “Miss Paget. Miss Johnson. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Of course not, Lord Hawthorne.” Dawn smiled. “I was just leaving.” She started to step past him, but she stopped and met his gaze again. “I hope you don’t mind me saying that you look much better without the beard.”
Nic threw back his head and chuckled. “I don’t mind it at all.”
“Good day, my lord.” Dawn hurried toward her buggy.
Nic’s warm stare captured Tabitha’s heart once more, and stirred feelings inside her that gratefully, hadn’t disappeared. “I’ll add my vote to Miss Johnson’s comment. I think you’re much more handsome when you’re clean-shaven.”
