Read Online Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick - Free Book Online

confided
    in Roddy that she'd seen a certain vulnerability in
    Tanner, one that touched her heart and caused her to put aside
    her reservations. It was as though she understood him, when
    in fact, she should have been insulted that the man wanted
    Stacy for a mistress and not a wife. Roddy knew that she
    struggled with how closely he resembled Aubrey, but she had
    also admitted that although Aubrey was a rake, Tanner had
    shown no such signs.
    Roddy .knew her heart was softening, and he was rather
    fascinated by her handling of the whole affair. However, he
    also knew Lucinda would never settle for less than a proposal
    of marriage.
    62
    63
    Roddy's musings were cut off suddenly when a stray dog
    rushed from the bushes and snapped at the heels of Stacy's
    mount. Roddy called for her to watch herself, but Stacy was
    obviously too preoccupied.
    Taken unawares, her horse pranced suddenly. Stacy lost
    the reins. She was groping frantically for control when the dog
    dashed forward again and the horse reared.
    Roddy watched in horror as Stacy was thrown. She landed
    hard on the grassy turf and lay still even as Roddy jumped
    from the back of his mount and rushed to her side. He heard
    the pounding of hooves, the rush of feet, and the sound of
    someone coming to subdue the dog and catch Stacy's horse,
    but Roddy's eyes never left her white face.
    "Stacy," he called urgently and placed a hand on her pale
    cheek. Roddy's heart pounded in fear when she did not respond
    The same heart leaped in relief when someone's hands
    joined his own. He watched as they probed gently about her
    head and neck.
    "We'll take her to Lady Brent's."
    Upon hearing that stern voice, Roddy's eyes snapped up.
    He shouldn't have been surprised. The Duke of Cambridge
    managed to appear wherever Stacy went. There was no thought
    of arguing with the younger man; all thoughts were for Stacy's
    welfare. And if Tanner's concerned face was any indication-- it looked carved from stone--she would receive the best of
    care.
    The next minutes passed in a flurry of activity as Tanner
    ordered a gawking youth to Featherstone to warn Andrea of
    their arrival. Roddy remounted and captured the reins of
    Stacy's horse while Tanner lifted Stacy in his arms and swung
    abroad his own horse. Featherstone was just moments away,
    but it felt like forever to Roddy.
    Stacy was unconscious through the transport and the summoning
    of the doctor and Aunt Lucinda. In fact nearly 30
    minutes passed before she opened painful eyes to find Tanner
    bending over her, Roddy hovering in the background
    I
    Lady Andrea was also in attendance, but Stacy did not notice
    her.
    "What's happened?" she whispered, her eyes on Tanner's
    face.
    "You were thrown from your horse. How do you feel?"
    She felt horrible but didn't answer. Her head was pounding
    and it hurt to blink, but Tanner was there and for the
    moment the pain didn't matter. He looked tired to her. Without
    thought of place or circumstances Stacy reached and
    tenderly brushed the dark hair from his brow.
    Tanner caught her hand and held it as though he were
    drowning. Roddy's gentle clearing of his throat reminded him
    they were not alone. After returning Stacy's hand to the coverlet,
    he stood and moved from her side. All of this was accomplished
    just before Lucinda swept into the room.
    Tanner had little choice in the next minutes but to stand
    back and watch as Lucinda talked with Roddy, Andrea, and
    then the doctor when he arrived. Stacy lay silent during the
    proceedings, and when the doctor said she could be moved,
    Tanner held his place as Roddy saw her to Lucinda's waiting
    coach. Lucinda was on her way out when she stopped and
    turned back to the room. Andrea was by the sofa Stacy had just
    vacated, and Tanner was by the mantel, his look guarded
    "Thank you for seeing to Stacy," she began to Tanner, but
    had to stop and clear her throat. "She means more to me than I
    can say, and I am grateful for your assistance.
    "I am concerned,