***
Cyprian stumbled toward home, hardly able to place his steps from the grief that flowed through his blood like hard ale. The rains descended and coated him with cold as if the clouds knew his sorrows and wept for him. He hadn’t wanted to leave Camilla that morning, but this business with the powder and the money it provided was the only thing keeping her alive.
He stared at the ground as he walked, watching the drops splash into the dirt. A light chuckle bubbled. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? The inspiration for placing the blame on the Campbell girl had served his purpose with even greater reward than he could have ever imagined.
With Miss Campbell’s family, and now her lover blaming her for involvement, Cyprian could only hope it would allow him and Andrew enough time to discover the hidden munitions before next week’s scheduled rendezvous.
Once at home, he tromped in and pulled his limbs from the sopping jacket and removed his mud-covered boots. He shut th
e door with a hard breath. Thank goodness Joseph had been willing to see to Jacob’s care and recovery at his home in town. ‘Twould have been impossible to keep the truth of Jacob’s injury from Camilla with the boy at home. She didn’t need the added grief. The ruse of offering of money in her behalf had been the perfect transition, a way to bring the news of Nathaniel’s love’s deception without appearing suspicious.
He snatched the amber-colored vial from the table, rolling it in his fingers as the pain in his tired muscles clawed deeper into his spirit. With every dose, her heart continued to beat. Every dose kept her eyes open, allowed her lips to speak his name. He would not give up now. I will find that powder. I must!
Slowly, he crept upstairs, and carefully opened the door. Nearing the bed, he whispered. “Camilla, ‘tis time for your medicine.”
She didn’t stir. He quietly took his seat beside the bed and uncorked the vile. Gently he took her hand and his throat seized. She must be over tired today. He squeezed her limp fingers.
“Camilla, my love, you must wake.”
Still, she didn’t move.
He sat back, his quivering hands and lungs struggling. He touched her head, her face, her hair before he finally leaned forward and gripped the edge of the bed taking in quick, short bursts of air.
Nay. It could not be!
Tears stung his eyes. He blinked them away, shaking his head as her lifeless body whispered what he dared not allow his heart to hear.
This morning she’d spoken a few words, even smiled at him. She had lived.
But now...
His blood congealed and the room faded. His grip went limp and he dropped the bottle.
He’d promised her from the beginning he would be there when she passed. He’d promised Camilla that in her last moments he’d hold her hand and comfort her as she moved from this life to the next.
In that moment all his sorrows collected and molded into an iron rod of hatred in his stomach. If not for that patriot woman, he would have been with her.
Now more than ever, he would make the Campbell girl feel the levels of his rage. For because of her, his Camilla was gone forever.
***
Kitty burst through the front door, rivulets of water trickling down her neck and back. “Is Thomas here?”
Eliza whirled in front of the fireplace. Her eyes widened then narrowed and she rushed forward. “Whatever is the matter? You look pale.”
Thomas rushed in from the kitchen, his dark brow arched down. “Kitty?”
Struggling to calm her breath, she reached into her pocket and hurried toward Thomas. “I’ve just discovered something you need to know. I—”
“Kitty!” Nathaniel stormed in, his face a tangle of rage. Rain flooded in the open door as a gust of wind whipped at his coat. A flash of lightning illuminated the outline of his frame as he stomped forward.
Her limbs turned cold. “Nathaniel?”
He stomped forward, his stare staking her to the ground, as large drops plunked down from his tricorn. “Did you do it?”
“Did I... did I do what?” The fury in his eyes drained the blood from her face.
His jaw ticked. “Were you or were you not involved in the theft of the powder from the magazine?”