Out Of The Darkness by Crawford Dianna; Druten Rachel; & Rachel Druten

Author:Crawford, Dianna; Druten, Rachel; & Rachel Druten
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2014-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

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Colin breathed a sigh of relief as he found the spot of light blinking through the trees. Almost there. He urged his horse forward, galloping farther ahead of the doctor’s small carriage. It seemed to have taken an hour, but he realized it had only been half that. Dr. Lukin had seemed interminably slow getting dressed. And if Colin hadn’t offered to hitch his carriage, they’d probably be there still.

He swung his stallion into the drive, the doctor’s buggy clattering behind. Leaping from his mount, he passed the reins to Jalamba, who had run from his quarters to secure the horses.

As he turned, the kitchen door flung open, and in the flood of light, he recognized Mary’s silhouette.

Heedless of the doctor, he rushed ahead, across the drive, and up the steps. He took both her hands in his. “Emma—” But he need not finish his question. The answer was written on her tear-streaked face. “Oh, no.” His words came out in a guttural moan.

“The baby is gone,” she sobbed.

Colin took Mary into his arms. Her head lay against his heart, and he felt his shirt dampened by her tears.

Dr. Lukin crowded past and hurried down the hall.

“And Emma, is she—” Colin was almost afraid to ask. He felt as he had when he was a small boy, waiting for news of his mother.

“Alive. But oh, sir, she is so pale. I’m afraid—” And Mary’s slender form shook with renewed sobs.

She released herself from his embrace, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “Oh, sir, I am sorry.”

Whirling around, she ran to the stove, where a kettle of water boiled. “The doctor will need it.” She grabbed an armful of towels and lifted the pot by its handle.

“Let me carry that.” Colin stepped forward and tried to take it from her.

But she shook her head and held tight. “No. I must do it,” she said, struggling to keep the heavy vessel from tilting. “I need to feel as if I’m of help.”

Colin paced the kitchen from one corner to the other and around the table. He saw Mary flying down the hall with an armful of sheets. How did she have the energy? She looked so frail and tired.

A few minutes later she returned. She leaned against the frame of the kitchen door. “The doctor has given Mrs. Emma something to make her sleep. He thinks she’ll be fine.”

Relieved beyond words, Colin exhaled, feeling his taut muscles begin to relax.

“Just fine.” A weary smile barely lifted the corners of Mary’s mouth.

She looked so small and forlorn, Colin longed to wipe away the circles of fatigue that smudged her sad brown eyes.

She tightened the sash of her dressing gown and wiggled the toe of a bare foot, giving him a depreciating glance. “I guess you’re thinking what a mess I look.”

His fingers ached to smooth the tangle of silky cinnamon curls swirling around her shoulders. “That’s not what I was thinking.”

Not quite meeting his gaze, she said, “I was thinking how blessed the Bryants are to have such a good and faithful friend as you, sir.

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