He pointed to the flat object on the table. “I gathered up as much as I could and took it to her. It is not a large portion, but it should be sufficient for you to pass through.”
“Ella too?” Leah pulled back enough to gesture toward her friend, who stood beside a silent, staring Muriel.
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Avery nodded in greeting. “That should be manageable.”
Relief sapped her, and she nearly fell backward, grabbing Avery’s muscled arm in just enough time to prevent it. “Oh, thank goodness. You’re coming too, right?”
Hope and bitter disappointment crossed his expression right after one another. He looked downward, avoiding her gaze. “I cannot.”
Her fingers curled into his shirt. She wanted to yell, to throw a fucking fit. It was either that or cry, and she was so tired of being soggy. “Why not?”
“Muriel, come in here with me, okay?” Ella’s voice barely registered in Leah’s mind, as did the soft click of a closing door behind them.
Avery tossed a glance toward a pointedly staring Graves. “Is there not somewhere we can be more private?”
Leah took his hand and led him up the stairs, ignoring the huff of disapproval from Graves. Damn it, if this was the last time she saw her Avery, she was going to make the most of it.
She led him into her bedroom and closed the door. In the soft, comfortable room, he appeared even rougher, wilder, more masculine. His clothes were rumpled, his cheeks had stubble, and his eyes were dark and wild. He was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she patted the space next to her. “Sit with me. Tell me the whole story— what happened when you left me, how the mirror broke, and why you can’t go with me.”
His smile was dark, but he sat beside her. He took her hand and spoke softly.
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you, and I let myself believe that you would choose his
rank and wealth over anything you felt for me.”
“It’s okay,” she said, laying her head against his bicep. “I’ve done stupid shit too, and I can’t blame you for getting the wrong idea. What made you change your mind?”
His fingers burned a trail along her throat. “I could not allow anyone to harm you without retribution.”
Avery sighed and lifted her chin. “I must tell you that I am responsible for your abduction.”
She gasped. “What?”
“A man named Thomas Prachett. Many years ago, I accepted a loan from him. I needed the money to secure a place to live for Aunt Millie. In return, he demanded that I cheat in the mills.” Avery looked away, as if the words were distasteful to him. “When he decided he had need of me again, he used you to ensure my cooperation.”
Everything clicked into place in Leah’s head. “I thought I heard Mackenzie, the stable master, while I was being held in the cabin. Was he one of Prachett’s goons?”
Avery nodded.
She paused, enjoying the small circles Avery drew along her collarbone. “If I ever meet Mr. Prachett, I’m going to kick his nuts into his throat.”
Avery’s fingers paused. “You will not meet him. He is dead.”
Leah drew back in horror. “You didn’t kill him? Oh God, tell me you didn’t. He might have been a bastard, but I don’t want his blood on your hands.”
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pistol. I ducked and the shot hit the bureau’s mirror. His Grace came to my aid, and his shot killed the man.”
Somewhat relieved, Leah settled her head against him again. “Good. It was defense then, not murder.” She laid a hand across his broad, muscled thigh. “But if you and Mrs. Comstock fixed part of the mirror, why can’t you come with me? I’m sure they’ll be looking for someone to blame for Prachett’s death, so it’d be best if you got out of here, right?”
He gathered her close to his chest, whispering into her hair. “It is not my choice to remain here, love. But the mirror is not large enough for me to pass through.”
Leah’s heart dropped through the floor. “You’re kidding.”
He held her tighter as she fought the tears. “I am sorry, Leah, more sorry than you know. But it is for the best. My aunt is worsening, and I cannot allow her to languish without care. You belong there, and I…” His voice dropped out. He cleared his throat as her tears soaked the cotton of his shirt. “I must remain here.”
She wanted to scream, to curse the fates for being so damned cruel. She’d been through so much to find him, and now he was being ripped from her forever?
“I’ll stay with you.” She rose on her knees, cupping his face with both hands. “I’ll stay here with you and we’ll be together.”