The Pursuit by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online

asking him about the Bible.
    Edward could feel his head starting to pound. If he gave too much thought to this, he would become distracted and be of no use to anyone.
    Reaching for his Bible, he settled in to read for a time. He knew he could take it to the other room, but reading next to Denley’s bed might not prove very effective. For now he needed quiet to study and pray, and ask God for more wisdom than he’d ever called for in his life.

    “What kind of a night did Denley have?” Edward asked from across the table a few hours later.
    “Not bad,” Niki answered briefly. “Awake some.”
    The breakfast tray had been delivered, and the two were seated at the room’s small table. Throughout the meal Edward took surreptitious glances at Niki, but she didn’t seem to notice. He thought she looked tired.
    “I was wondering whether you want me to move in here so you could take my room.”
    Niki stopped eating. She looked up from her plate and studied Edward.
    “Why?”
    Edward shrugged a little, still working on his food. “You didn’t share a cabin on the ship, so I assumed this was unusual.”
    Niki told herself to calm down. It was a reasonable request. Returning her concentration to her food, she answered him.
    “My privacy is not an issue with Denley being so ill, and once he’s feeling better, we’ll be on our way.”
    Edward gave a nod and kept eating. He would have liked to ask what on our way meant but knew better.
    The meal continued in silence. Edward didn’t try to engage her in any type of conversation but forced his mind to relax. He’d set his Bible on the window ledge when he’d come in and glancing at it helped to calm him. He might feel out of control, but Someone else certainly wasn’t.
    A knock at the door sounded just as Edward put his napkin down. Niki rose to answer it, and Edward watched as the door opened for one of the young men who worked around the inn.
    “The broth you asked for, Mr Osborne.”
    “Thank you,” Niki said softly, slipping the lad a coin and shutting the door.
    Not wasting any time, Niki went to the bed. She put the tray with its bowl and spoon on the side table and tried to rouse Denley.
    “Come along, Denley,” Edward heard her say. “You need to drink a bit.”
    “Are we leaving?” Denley mumbled as his eyes opened slightly.
    Edward watched Niki try to raise him up and went to help. When Denley’s eyes fully opened, Edward spoke to him.
    “I’m going to roll this pillow under your head, Denley. We’ll go easy.”
    “All right.”
    “There’s some broth you need to drink.”
    “I need…” Denley began and then stopped, his eyes pleading with Edward.
    Niki rose swiftly and moved toward the door.
    Without even glancing at her, Edward said, “Your coat.”
    Niki changed directions long enough to grab this garment and fled. The moment she was gone, Edward took over.
    He’d never assisted someone with such a personal need before, but the compassion he felt for this helpless, dignified man compelled him to action and little thought. He settled Denley back against the pillow as soon as he could and then began to spoon small sips of broth into his mouth.
    Tears came to the prone man’s eyes, but Edward didn’t comment or appear to notice. Weakness was an awful thing for someone capable and usually strong. Edward knew that anything he might say would only sound hollow to the sick man.
    The door opened slowly a short time later, and Niki peeked her face in. She came to Denley’s other side, sitting close, her face showing every bit of concern she felt. It had been embarrassing earlier, and not for the first time was she thankful that her face never blushed. Seeing Denley make an effort to drink and keep his head up, Niki put her own feelings aside and stayed close.
    Without warning Denley’s eyes closed, and he went limp. Niki paled with fright until Edward spoke.
    “He’s just worn out and has taken all he can.”
    Niki nodded, unable to