Page 32 of The Scarred Lyon

“You didn’t have one in Kent?”

Augusta sighed plaintively. “Southen wanted no animals in the house. After the earl stopped coming around, I thought about it, but I did not want to give him any reason to evict us. I knew we had to leave sooner or later, but I kept putting off the decision. His sudden death left me no choice.”

Duncan slipped his arm around her waist, then grimaced in pain. “You have no such concerns with me. If the puppy accepts us, she has a home.”

Augusta rested her head gently on his shoulder. “Thank you.” She held that position for several minutes, admiring his solidity and the way he radiated strength combined with forbearance. “My father would not allow me to have a dog, either. ‘Animals should not be in the house’ was his response to my girlish pleadings.”

“You have a dog now. Your perfect little lady.”

“That’s what I will call her. Lady. Now, you must sit by the fire and put your sling back on. You are still in considerable pain. I will make us fresh cups of tea with more willow bark. Then I think I will have a lie down.”

Duncan turned to face her and softly stroked her cheek. “Your courses?”

“Yes. The cramping is particularly fierce today. It comes in waves, on and off.”

He kissed her forehead. “Allow me to make the tea, and I will prepare a plate of sausages for our guest. Now, come sit.”

Sitting in her chair, she watched as Duncan went about his duties. Such a capable man. As the water boiled in the pot, he set the plate of meat and cheese near the dog. Lady’s nose quivered, but she stayed in her spot. By the time Duncan passed her the mug of tea, Lady was already eating the food. That showed a modicum of trust and boded well.

Oh, how she could get used to this. A man seeing to her needs, a beloved pet sitting nearby. Perhaps, at last, she would achieve the life she had yearned for this past decade.

It was late afternoon, and Duncan sat by the fire, lost in thought. As for Lady, she had eaten the food but still kept her distance, watching Duncan with suspicion. He could tell the animal was exhausted as her eyes grew heavy. Duncan looked at Augusta, who was lying in the tent. She had fallen asleep.

It surprised him that he had spoken about his wartime past, and he was just as grateful that she had stopped his narrative when she did, as if she instinctively understood how hard it was to relive it. Could they make a success of this cobbled-together, mutually beneficial marriage? Why not, indeed. Staring at Augusta, he had the most astonishing thought. He knew, deep in his soul, that the Allenby dukedom would endure into the next century and perhaps the one after that. A satisfying warmth curled around his heart. For the first time in years, his heart had stuttered to life. He was falling for this lovely woman.

But first, they had to see their way clear of this predicament. What outcome was possible? Duncan had every faith in Patrick’s ability, but this deep snow would be difficult to traverse. If the sun came out tomorrow and the temperature dropped back to early November climes, enough snow could melt to make travel possible. Better yet, a heavy rain would also do the trick.

“My, you are deep in thought,” Augusta said.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, concerned.

She sat across from him. “A little better. Lady is asleep.”

“Only just. She kept her wary gaze firmly fixed on me.” Duncan passed her the plate. “Here, some cheese and a scone. I retrieved them a short while ago.”

Augusta took the plate and tore off a corner of the scone. “What were you thinking about, if you do not mind me asking?”

“How we are to get out of here. I believe horses and a carriage are not logical.”

Augusta stopped chewing, then swallowed. “Then how are we to escape?”

“Patrick will find a way. The only conclusion I can come up with is a sleigh.”

“In such deep snow?”

Duncan nodded. “It will be slow going, but it can be done. It may take a few days to arrange the travel, and hopefully, sun and warmer weather will melt some of the snow in the meantime. I’ve been doing the calculations in my head. With deep snow, a sleigh could travel three miles per hour. I gave Patrick enough money to buy or rent sleighs and horses to pull them. He’ll be here in a few days. I’d bet my life on it.”

Augusta exhaled shakily. “That makes me feel much better.”

“After seeing to Dawn, I brought in enough firewood to do us for the next two days, and there is still more outside. We will keep the fire going constantly. We have heat, food, and—”

“We have each other?” Augusta interjected softly.

The adoring look she gave him caused his heart to tumble. “Most especially that.”

Their gazes locked. “I wish I had met you sooner. I wish we had more time together.” God above! Had he said that aloud?

“Whatever time we do have, we will make the most of it,” Augusta replied gently. “I know we will.”