A Fateful Wind Read Online Free Page A

below.
    “No, Emmeline. It will soon be dark. Let me take her on my horse.” He turned to look at Jenna, whose tired arms hung loose around the stranger’s strong shoulder. “Are you strong enough to hold on to me?”
    Jenna nodded. She had never seen this stranger before. She could only surmise it to be Sir Jack Bartholomew. Whoever he was, she felt grateful to him and to Lady Emmeline for taking her home to the safety of her bedroom. She wanted to be well away from Penrose Manor and well away from the manacles of Lord Edwin.
    The stranger lifted her atop his horse.
    “Miners cottages, Jack, and please do hurry back. It will soon be dark.”
    Jack rode expertly across the moors. Jenna could feel the horse’s hooves pounding over the moss laden pathway shaking her whole body. It took all her might to hold onto the reigns. She feared at any moment she might loosen her grip and fall from the stallion. Instinctively, as though knowing her fears, Sir Jack held her frail body closer to his, his masculine scent and soft encouraging words making her feel safe. Relief swept over Jenna as he slowed his stallion down and she could see the low stone terrace cottages at the foot of Sharptor. Weakly, Jenna pointed to the middle one and saw her father answer the door.
    “Jack Bartholomew.” He introduced himself as he carried Jenna into the warmth of the tiny cottage.
    Her father lifted his hat.
    “Your daughter seems to have eaten something that has not agreed with her. Lady Penrose wished her to be taken home. She seems to be doing better, more color to her cheeks and she was able to hold on whilst I galloped here.” Sir Jack’s voice spoke quickly as he tried to catch his breath from the exhilarating ride.
    * * * *
    Jenna’s father led the way to her tiny bedroom and Jack placed her down upon the small wooden bed. He scarcely noticed her face before, being more concerned with her apparent faintness, but under the glow of candlelight his breath caught in his throat. Even under her current condition she looked to be the most beautiful creature he ever laid eyes upon. Her silky raven hair splayed out across the pillow, pale skin intercepted only by the full ruby softness of her lips and the slight rosy color returning to her cheeks. Her nose held an aquiline quality as though she were more aristocratic than just a common country girl and her cheekbones pushed prominently through the youthful skin. As she opened her eyelids he was met with a startling turquoise blue that shook the very core of him.
    “Thank you,” she whispered wrapping her small hand around his. “I am sorry to have caused you such inconvenience.”
    Sir Jack shook his head, unable to speak. He hovered over her, basking in the beauty of the strange girl. Suddenly, noting his impropriety and the nature of his thoughts, he rose shyly and, shaking her father’s hand, took the silver flask from his pocket and laid it on the mantelpiece. “This brandy may help.” He nodded as he left.
    * * * *
    Edwin enjoyed the feast Cook had put on for his cousin, even more so he enjoyed the whiskey Jack had smuggled back from America. “Far tastier than rum!” he exclaimed, pouring himself another glass, whilst reaching for his fifth pasty of the night.
    After dinner they settled in the drawing room where a large platter of regional cheeses was placed before them.
    “Can I offer you some crackers and cheese Jack? You barely ate anything at dinner?”
    “Thank you, but no, it seems my appetite has vanished. I think I may retire early, if you don’t mind?”
    “But Jack!” Lady Emmeline sounded disappointed. “I thought we were going to play cards?”
    “I’m sorry, Emmeline. I am afraid the whole transatlantic voyage has finally caught up with me. Do you mind if we play another night?”
    “Yes, my dear,” Lord Edwin intercepted. “The poor man looks absolutely fatigued. You must let him rest.”
    For once, he felt pleased to be alone with Emmeline. A night away