Page 131 of Courting the Country Miss

“Oh, Tristan,” she cried out.

Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close. “It’s over. You’re safe.”

She nestled against him, gasping. He held her, murmuring reassuring words, and kissing her brow. If only he’d followed his gut and gone with her to the kitchen door to see about Molly. Instead, he’d hung back, not wanting to intrude.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner,” he said.

She broke down and wept. He held her as helplessness and rage and tenderness warred, shredding his insides.

Her fingers curled around his lapels. “You came,” she breathed. “You came.”

“When I heard you scream, I rushed out, but he’d already carted you off.”

She moved her hand to his cheek. In an unsteady voice, she said, “You found me. I knew you would.”

“You left us a trail to follow. That was very resourceful.”

She let out a huff, then sniffled. His heart ached to see her so shaken.

“I wasn’t sure it was enough,” she said. “Anyone might have taken them before you saw them.”

“I wasn’t far behind, but I was on foot. When I passed Richard on the street, I commandeered his coach, so we were never far behind. Each time we lost the cart in the traffic, we found another clue you left.” He glanced at his brother. “I can’t believe you came along when you did.”

Richard met his gaze. “It appears providence was on our side.”

Tristan sent him a look of gratitude. A half smile touched Richard’s mouth and he nodded. A moan caught Tristan’s gaze. The thug who’d attacked Leticia lay on his belly, trussed up like the pig that he was. Tristan wanted to roast him.

Leticia let out a shaky breath. Tristan fished a handkerchief from a pocket and handed it to her. She wiped her face and blew her nose.

“We need to get you home,” Tristan said. “Can you stand?”

“I think so.” Her voice came out stronger, more like the Leticia he knew.

Eyeing her with caution, he helped her up. She glanced at him and nodded, her gaze steadier. Still trussed up, the arsonist let off a string of curses at women in general and men who supported their madcap schemes.

Richard cuffed him. “Be silent.” He dragged him to the carriage.

Tristan put an arm around Leticia. “He won’t bother anyone, ever again.”

Her eyes brightened with tears. She shook her head. “So senseless. One man’s fear and resistance to change caused so much destruction and sorrow.”

Tristan had a few other choice words he might have used but remained silent.

After delivering the criminal to the care of the authorities, Tristan took Leticia home. When they arrived in front of her aunt’s house, no one got out of the carriage.

Leticia thanked them both like a proper lady, then burst into tears again and threw her arms around Tristan.

He held her, aching all over for what she’d suffered. What else had the monster done to her? “Did he hurt you?” he whispered in her ear.

He hoped she knew that he was asking if she’d suffered more than was apparent. “No. He struck me twice that I remember and threatened me with a knife, but nothing beyond that.” She stiffened, pulled away, and eyed him. “I vow my virtue is intact. Does this change anything for us?”

“No, of course not. How can you think that?”

She bit her lip and glanced anxiously at Richard who should have looked uncomfortable witnessing such an intimate conversation.

Instead, he met Leticia’s gaze with steady eyes. Richard spoke in firm, almost scolding tones. “No one of any conscience would blame you or question your purity. You don’t know us very well if you think we’re so shallow—and you don’t know Tristan at all if you think this changes his feelings for you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe a stroll home is just the thing.” He put on his hat and stepped out of the carriage.

Leticia glanced back at Tristan, a question still lingering in her eye.