Free The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers Page A

regarding the Dornacher family.” He took a deep breath and sighed it out before continuing. “In short, I could not find any family by that name, or any information about a person with that name.”
    Kate’s head was starting to ache as her mind tried to reason out what he was saying. “What if Dornacher is not my real name , or what if I’m not really from Loganville?”
    “Those are both possibilities that have occurred to me.”
    Kate eyed him suspiciously. “What is it you’re not telling me?”
    “Whatever do you mean?”
    “You’re keeping something from me. Please, just tell me.”
    Nicholas took another deep breath before proceeding. “I stopped by the livery and spoke to a stable boy. I asked him if anything strange had happened in the last month. The boy got wide-eyed then leaned in close in order to whisper. He told me that a finely dressed man and woman had arrived late one night. They paid him a large sum of money for a new pair of horses which he quickly hitched to their carriage. He also provided them with some food and water while they waited. The man told the stable boy they were on their way to a wedding, but the weather had slowed their progress, and he worried they would not make it in time. However, a day later, the man had been found by a local hunter. He was lying near the carriage which had been damaged and turned on its side. When the hunter checked the man for life, he realized the man was dead.”
    Kate’s complexion paled as she slowly sank into a chair. Her voice was barely audible. “What of the woman?”
    “When I asked the stable boy to describe the woman, he said it had been dark, that the cloak she wore covered her features.” Nicholas knew what it was she wanted to know. He could tell that she also suspected she was the woman in the tale. “If the woman he spoke of was indeed you, it could explain why Loganville stuck out in your mind. Perhaps it is the last place you stopped before your accident.”
    Kate could only nod her head in response. She felt lightheaded and a little sick to her stomach. She was aware of Nicholas moving, but not of his exact actions, until he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. He could see fear and sadness as she began to tear up.              
    “We will figure this out. You have my word on it. But I must ask, do you remember any of this? Does any part of this story ring true to you? Was the man your betrothed?”
    Kate’s voice trembled as she answered. “No. I don’t remember, I...” She broke down, unable to stifle her cries any longer. Nicholas pulled her to him and held her close. He whispered soothing words as she cried on his shoulder.
    Kate took the offered handkerchief that was in front of her. She dabbed at her eyes and nose, sniffling as she went. She sat back slightly putting a little distance between herself and Nicholas. She stared into his eyes and for a brief moment, he looked as though he would kiss her before quickly diverting his eyes and turning his head.
    Nicholas cleared his throat before he spoke hoping that it would help remove the lump that had been there ever since Kate began to cry. “I would ask that you remain close to the manor at all times until we know for certain that you are not in danger. I am sure that given the circumstances, Mrs. Dickson will understand your vacancy.”
    Kate nodded in response. “What of the gardens? Am I allowed to walk outside?”
    Nicholas’ eyebrows rose at her use of the term allowed but understood her tone. “If you are accompanied by me or one of the men I have hired, then yes, you are free to visit the garden. Now then, if you would excuse me, I have some business I need to attend to.”
    “Of course.” Kate replied dryly. Her mind was having enough trouble trying to process the story that Nicholas had told along with his behavior. One minute he’s soothing her, the next minute he seemed cold and detached. The sooner she could remember what happened, the