The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3), Sahara Kelly [english novels for students .TXT] 📗

“Come on. Ione may have arrived with the papers by now. And I want to see my wife.” He clicked up the reins and urged his horse into a canter, eager now to return to Wolfbridge. Once his home, it had become a lovely place to visit. But he no longer wanted to live there.

It was indeed odd how things could change when one loved the right woman.

*~~*~~*

Gwyneth still admitted to a few moments of utter horror now and again. The sensation of being trapped inside a burning building was not one she would be able to put aside for a while, but the fear was diminishing little by little as the smell of smoke diminished, and Gabriel improved.

She could close her eyes and feel once again the relief at knowing they were free, the icy cold of the air outside as Giles, Harry and Royce freed them from their stifling prison.

She could still hear Gabriel’s muted cries as Harry helped him stand, then threw him over his shoulder and literally carried him over the ruined wall and into safety.

After that, all was a blur until they reached Wolfbridge to find Jeremy wounded, a dead woman wrapped outside in the snow, and Evan beside himself with terror for all of them.

Now, a couple of days later, Jeremy was approaching the irritated stage, complaining about the sling and all the things he should be doing but wasn’t. That was encouraging, since he was eager to be up and about.

Gabriel, on the other hand, was quiet. Too quiet for Gwyneth’s liking.

When she closed her eyes, she could still see his agony when the beam hit him, and he’d faced the knowledge that he would bear the scars for the rest of his life. But his foot still worked, no bones were broken, and after the burns healed, he would be almost as good as new.

But something was preying on his mind, and she mentioned it to Harry.

“I can’t get him to talk about it, I can see that there is still something bothering him. Would you like to take him in some tea and biscuits? Maybe another man will be able to loosen his tongue.”

Harry shot her a glance. “Me?”

“Why not? You’re all friends.”

“Not Royce?”

“He is with Giles.” She sighed. “I’m not asking you to embroider samplers together, Harry. Just ask him if everything’s all right.”

“For you, love.” Harry shrugged. “I will do it for you. And for him if it will help, but I have my doubts.”

She smiled, hugged him, and picked up the tray. “Here.”

He gave her a wry grin and disappeared into the parlour where Gabriel was sitting near the fire with his injured foot on an ottoman.

Gwyneth decided to give them a little time, and wandered off to find the others.

The door to Royce’s office was closed, and their voices were a murmur from behind it, so they were busy. Jeremy was probably with Evan, so she headed to the kitchens, only to hear them arguing over what to serve for dinner.

Quickly backing up the stairs, she sighed.

She was alone. An odd thing, actually, since most of the time one or another of her gentlemen was around.

The sound of a carriage making its way up the drive attracted her attention, and she moved to a window to see who was there. Mindful of Evan’s recent experiences, she now made sure of the caller’s identity before opening the front door.

However, the travel-stained coach had clearly come quite some distance, and she saw, with pleasure, that it was Ione about to alight.

“Giles,” she shouted, hoping he could hear. “Ione has arrived.”

He heard and was at her side in moments, then hurrying forward to welcome his wife.

Jeremy came up from the kitchens, and Royce emerged, joining Gwyneth in the shared pleasure of greeting a woman who had become fast friends with all of them.

Gwyneth hugged her hard. “Ione. I am so glad you’re here. It is wonderful to see you again.”

“Thank you, dear Gwyneth. I feel the same.” Her bright eyes roamed over the others and she held out her arms. “I feel so welcome here. Come. Give me hugs please?”

“Not too many,” laughed Giles as he watched his wife enjoying her greetings.

“There are too few men,” Ione laughed back.

“The others are here, never worry,” Gwyneth smiled back. “But let us get you settled and rested after your journey.” She glanced at Giles. “Er…where are you staying?”

Giles surprised her. “We will be staying here.”

“But…I thought…the rule about another woman staying the night?”

“All will be explained, my dear.” Giles patted her shoulder. “Be patient. I believe there is much to discuss after dinner.”

“In that case, I’ll alert Evan.” She nodded and turned away, her mind in a whirl. How could Giles, of all people, break the rules set down by none other than Aphrodite Wolfbridge herself?

Harry came out of the parlour. “Is that Ione? Giles said she was arriving today.”

Gwyneth nodded. “Yes, she’s here. And Harry…she’s staying here, according to Giles.”

“But I thought…”

“So did I.” Gwyneth shook her head. “But I think Giles has something up his sleeve. He said to wait until after dinner. He’ll tell us then.” She glanced at the parlour. “So is Gabriel all right?”

Harry took a breath. “He is still in a bit of shock, I think.”

“His foot must be hurting him a lot today.”

“It’s not his foot, Gwyneth, it’s his heart.”

“What?” She blinked. “There’s something wrong with his heart?”

“Not exactly.” Harry gave her a gentle look. “You risked your life for him, love. He never—in his wildest dreams—ever believed anyone could love him enough to do that. And he feels unworthy.”

Gwyneth closed her eyes. “Oh, good lord.” She thought for a moment. “I must talk to him.”

“Yes,