Free The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers Page B

sooner she could return to her real life and leave him to his indifference.
     
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    Nicholas took a deep breath and slowly let it out after Katherine had left the library. He almost forgot himself and kissed her – again. Despite her tear stained face, she had looked so lovely.  If he wasn’t careful, the situation could quickly get out of hand. He hated to admit it, but he was starting to fall for her. After Emily died he closed his heart off; making a silent vow to never let it guide his actions lest he get hurt again. The pain of losing her had made it easy for him to brush off any attempts by the women who saw him as prime husband material.
    But now there is Katherine. A woman he knows so little about, a woman who doesn’t expect him to support her, a woman who doesn’t see his wealth and believes he should share it with her.  Perhaps he felt this way because she was so different from those women, or perhaps she reminded him a little bit of Emily. Whatever the case, until they knew what had happened, until he knew she was free to return his sentiments, he would keep his feelings to himself. A task that will surely prove hard to do, but he must try.
    He ate his dinner in the library using work as his excuse to avoid dining with Katherine. It seemed the harder he tried to not think about her, the more thoughts of her invaded his mind. He groaned and dropped his fork onto the plate.
    Mr. Baxter raised his eyebrow. “Is the food not to your liking, sir?”
    “What’s that? Oh, uh, the food is fine as always Thomas, I just have a lot on my mind.” Like the way she bites her lip when she is nervous or unsure. The way…              
    “Sir, might I suggest a bit of brandy to help ease your mind?”
    Nicholas took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Actually Thomas, I would prefer something stronger. I am in desperate need of sleep and would prefer to not be disturbed once I retire to my room.”             
    “Very well sir, I will have it all arranged and awaiting you.” With that, Mr. Baxter gave a slight nod and headed out of the room.
                 
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    “James, this plan is preposterous, we’ll never make it in time!”
    “I have to try, don’t you understand she is everything to me ! I can’t stand by and let her marry him knowing that he’s only using her. I should have made my feelings clear, I should’ve…”
    Kate pulled him into an embrace and patted his back. “Hush now dear brother. I’ll help you in any way I can. What do you need me to do?”
    “Be packed and ready to leave in one hour, we’ve no time to lose.” He stopped and turned to face her. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
    Kate shooed him out of the room and got right to work.
     
    Tears were streaming down her face and onto her pillow. She gasped for air as the memories came flooding back. She gripped the sheets in sorrow as her heart broke for the loss of her brother. Her sobs rose in volume and Margaret was soon by her side trying to calm her.
    “Ms. Katherine, is there anything I can do for you?”
    Kate was barely aware of the maid’s presence as she curled herself up into a ball.
    Margaret hated to do it, but she saw no other option but to wake Mrs. Thompson. Seeing how much pain Kate was in made the housekeeper pity her. She gave some instructions to Margaret then sat down on the bed next to Kate. She lightly rubbed Kate’s back and caressed her head as a mother might do.
    Kate could feel arms slipping under her, lifting her up some, then a cup being pressed against her lips.
    “Drink this. It will help you rest.”
    Kate dutifully obeyed and laid back down. She turned her back to the women, pulled the sheets up over her ears and let the medicinal tea do its job. Mercifully, it had been a potent dose forcing her to quickly fall asleep.
    A light flickered in the