urged her to lie down . “You need to rest a bit, sweetheart . I want you feeling your best if we do get a chance to go to Salisbury today.”
Libby nodded her consent . She realized she felt a bit tired . She slid between the blankets as Micah held the top one up for her . He lay down beside her . He gently p laced her head on his shoulder as he pulled her against him . His arms around her, t hey faced one another, smiling, touching and exchanging soft , sweet kisses . His hand gently massaged her arm, her back, her shoulder . He drew her closer , despite his awakening desire .
Libby nestled her head beneath his chin . Her hands rested against his chest . She fell asleep listening to the sound of Micah’s deep, even breathing.
Micah was sleepy now . The rain continued . He thought he might take a short nap . With his free hand he removed his spectacles and set them on the table . Unable to sleep, h e liste ned to the rain and for any sounds of movement outside the cottage . He r easoned in daylight, Libby’s kidnappers might be searching for them despite the weather . He tried to stay awake . He feared he’d sleep too long and miss the opportunity to get Libby to Salisbury if it did stop raining . But lying with the lovely Libby in his arms, snuggled against her warm, soft body, feeling relaxed and happy, he did f a ll asleep.
He opened his eyes and s aw weak sunlight filtering in through the shabby, thin curtains hanging over the window . He hear d no rain . He eased his arm and shoulder from beneath the sleeping Libby . He put on his spectacles and rose from the bed . He slipped his watch from his waistcoat . It was two o’clock . If it didn’t appear more rain was coming, he would have time to get Libby to Salisbury before nightfall !
He pulled on his b oots and went outside . He regarded the clearing sky toward Salisbury . The rain must have recently stopped, and the storm passed to the east, for it still appeared dark with rain heavy clouds in the direction they traveled from last night . All the more reason to leave now ! If the Brown Coats were still waiting for the rain to pass and were behind them, it would be safer for him and Libby to leave for Salisbury now . He decided they needed to make a break for Salisbury immediately .
He quickly donned his waistcoat and coat . He returned his pistol to the pocket inside his coat .
“Libby, sweetheart ?” He shook her shoulder gently.
“Um m ? Yes ?”
Libby stretched . She o pened her eyes and immediately s miled when she gazed upon him . Micah could have melted . She w as so beautiful . And her smile ! Her smile was like heaven to him . He smiled back at her and stroked her hair . “Sweetheart, the rain has stopped . I think we can make it to Salisbury . Let me help you sit up . Unless you feel absolutely too ill to sit up on the horse, I want us to try and make it . You won’t feel better until we can get you some food.”
She nodded . Libby f elt a little disoriented as he helped her up, but not nauseated , t hough she still felt weak.
“Take a sip.” Micah brought the cup to her lips .
“I must get dressed, I suppose.”
“Yes . Let me put the cape around you . I’ll take you outside to do the necessary first .”
He carried h er to the side of the house and w aited at arm ’ s length for her to finish . He c arried her back inside .
He quickly dressed her , and she allowed it . S he braided her hair while he went to the lean to and saddled the horse.
“Do you feel well enough to travel, Libby ?” Micah asked her with concern . It was obvious to him she was not feel ing any better, for she remained pale a nd seemed far too weak .
“Yes .” She nodded . “We need to go while we can , Micah .”
He placed his folded cape in her hands , placed his shirt she wore and his comb back in his bag. Wiped his knife off and slid it back in his boot.
Before Micah closed the door , Libby glanced back inside the cottage . She wanted to
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