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“Then that is soet there But, if she loves you as much as you love her, then she will not have , ill unearth her whereabouts” Isobel’s voice held an undercurrent of determination Her own memories of the desperation to survive were still painfully raw Her knight in shining ar eth and support she yearned for

If he had been married to another and well and truly out of her reach, she would have remained on the streets and would have aler

If Peter was desolate at being unable to find Jemima, then it was down to Isobel, and Dominic, to help him find the happiness he deserved

BANG!

“What the -” Peter shot a startled look at Isobel, before drawing his sword fro briefly to shoot a warning glare at Isobel

“Wait here!” He ordered, clearly expecting her to do as instructed

Isobel ignored him, and o steps behind hiasped when she saw the large bundle of rags lying motionless on the floor Dirty Torn There hat appeared to be, a trail of water and blood behind it Isobel’s stomach dropped and instinctively she knew this was the cause of her earlier disquiet

“Jesus Christ!” Peter swore, before shouting for Manvers, Sebastian and Edward to come quickly

“Isobel, get back to the library now!” Peter ordered in a voice that brooked no argument, but Isobel was made of sterner stuff

Senses screanored Peter’s protests, and pushed his hands away She fell to her knees besides the sodden bundle and already kneithout re, who it was

A sob locked in her throat She was vaguely aware of the pounding of running feet answering the urgent summons as she eased back the cloak She kneas the superfine wool of Dominic’s cloak She could vividly recall the soft dampness beneath her cheek when she had ridden before him on the day he had found her

“Dominic?” Isobel whispered Her voice echoed around the cavernous main hall and did little to break the stunned silence that had settled over everyone

Easing back the opening of the cloak, Isobel studied the bloodied mess that was her husband with tearful eyes

Blood trickled through the congealedhis face and upper neck A long gash along his broas bracketed by bruises and welts His botto blood onto the polished marble of the floor

“Get the doctor!” Isobel’s voice was cold and hard She quickly tugged the cloak open further, its heavy weight hauely aware of Peter and Sebastian dropping to their knees beside her to help Once or twice they tried to e