The Lady of Fairhaven by Lee Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

courage has left me.”
    “ I would suggest otherwise,” he replied. “Are you injured?”
    “ Only scrapes and bruises,” she lied. “I am unable to grasp a hand hold to get myself off this hillside.”
    “ Can you stand?”
    “ Of course,” she replied. Painfully, Gillian rose to her feet and leaned against the rock face. She held a moan in check, not allowing it to give away her pain. She looked up at her rescuer through wide hazel eyes. Her head spun, and she pressed her back against the ledge lest she fall. She wavered but fought for control.
    Watching her sway caused Luke to lunge forward to help. To his relief, she clung to the hillside. He would have little or no chance preventing a fall if she were to collapse. After removing his chain mail and gauntlets, Luke lay on a rock ledge above and reached over the side to the woman below. The vast golden brown eyes blended with emerald green flecks held the knight’s attention.
    Placing the weight on only one foot, the imposter raised to her toes allowing the knight to grasp both wrists securely. Luke pulled her body upward as her feet found purchase in the rock crevices along the face. Gillian inched her way to the ledge. Strong arms and hands never let go until her trembling form molded itself against his body. She swayed against him, nuzzling against the safe hard surfaces of Luke’s chest.
    Within the half-hour, the three had safely descended from the hillside. Dog pranced triumphantly ahead, turning every now and again to check the progress of his mistress. At the bottom, Gillian collapsed on top of a rock to rest. Her body trembled with the effort.
    One look at her pale face told Luke all he needed to know. “What’s wrong?” he bellowed out of frustration. “How have you hurt yourself?”
    “ It is nothing of consequence,” Anne replied. Her temper flared back at him.
    “ Like bloody hell it isn’t,” he ground out. “Tell me now!”
    “ It is my ankle sir. I must have injured it in the fall.”
    “ What are you about? Had I known, I would have found another way down the mountain for you even if it meant carrying you. You are perhaps the most stubborn woman I have ever met.” Her independence riled him in spite of his growing esteem for her spirit. “Let me see your injury,” Luke said.
    “ I should think not, sir,” Lady Gillian gasped. “It is improper.”
    “ It is unacceptable to allow you to continue on in your present condition,” Luke insisted. “If you wish to have your maid assist you, I would see to your injury now.”
    “ Lady Anne,” he said, “I need your cooperation.
    Hearing the name, both women responded simultaneously, “Yes, My Lord.”
    Luke raised his head slightly, and then knelt beside Gillian.
    Gillian blushed at the intimacy Sir Luke was suggesting. Embarrassment froze her in place. Luke reached down and removed her slipper. Gillian first flinched at his touch then yelped in pain.
    “ I would appreciate your maid’s help,” Luke said. “What is her name?”
    Gillian looked up at Anne and hesitated. It was obvious she still couldn’t remember.
    Anne paused for a moment then shouted out, “Frances, My Lord, my name is Frances.”
    “ Please assist me before my reputation is compromised,” Gillian begged.
    Luke stepped back to allow the maid access. Gently, she removed Gillian’s hose, exposing the purple bruises at her ankle.
    “ God’s wounds, My Lady,” Luke exclaimed. His hands caressed the ankle turning it gently. “I’m astonished you made it down on your own effort. I must take it upon myself to make sure you are safely set in comfortable surroundings so that your family can be contacted. I can see that you have little or no concern for yourself.”
    Gillian sucked in a sharp intake of breath. She was caught like a rabbit in a snare. There was no escaping her immediate return to her uncle. Tears pooled in her eyes but sheer determination held them back. She lowered her head to block his view