Lord Atherton's Ward by Fenella Miller

Author:Fenella Miller [Miller, Fenella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance Novella
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2009-10-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Perry knew he was in trouble. He had his stockinged feet braced hard against the cliff face, Sarah in front of him with legs dangling on either side, her arms around his neck. He was supporting her with only one arm and now she was unconscious.

Her fingers were entangled in his shirt which would hold her steady for a few moments. The only way he could get safely to the top was if he released his grip and put both arms around her waist.

The rope was under his arms; he wasn’t sure if he could hold it in place using just his elbows. He had been supporting most of his weight through this hand. If the line had to carry them both he had a horrible feeling it would slip off over his head and they would crash into the sea.

He was safe for the moment. His feet steady, both arms around the girl. He tipped his head back and shouted against the wind. ‘She’s unconscious. I’m not sure if the rope will hold us both. You have to get us up. Do it fast.’

Dickon’s head appeared briefly over the edge and he signalled his ascent. The rope tightened and Perry felt his chest constrict. Good God! What now? The double burden on the knot had caused it to tighten, it was only a matter of time before it crushed his ribs.

He gritted his teeth, using his feet to assist, glad he had removed his boots. He would not have had enough purchase with them on. Breathing shallowly, he prayed they would be safe before he passed out too.

Strong arms reached over the edge and took Sarah from him, then he was gripped and thrown bodily to the path. He didn’t have to tell Dickon what had happened, it was obvious. He was dizzy, his eyes blurred from lack of air. Then the constriction eased, he opened his eyes to see his friend crouched next to him a wicked blade in his hand.

‘I never travel without it. My boot knife, it’s saved my life many times and has now done the same for you.’

Gasping as he filled his lungs, Perry couldn’t speak, but gripped his friends hand indicating he should heave him upright. He must see how Sarah was. The rain was worse, and then the sky was lit by a jagged sheet of lightning.

The horses! If it thundered, they’d lose them all. Two of the grooms vanished before he could speak, obviously realising the danger for themselves.

Dickon was now on his knees beside Sarah. He had wrapped her in the blankets which were moderately dry, but it wasn’t enough. They needed to get her back, into a hot bath and a bed warmed by hot bricks. He shrugged into the greatcoat he had discarded earlier.

He pulled on his boots ignoring the blood that was dripping from the soles of his feet. ‘Let’s get moving, the storms worsening, and it’s a long ride back.’ Speaking hurt his throat, his voice grated.

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