Newgate Prison Copper Mines and the Irish Lass Colonial America Romance

Chapter Five

Christina's eyes flew open with shock. She turned and stared at William. "You are leaving? When?"

His voice was tight. "Now."

She glanced to the side. Indeed, his strong black steed was loaded with his belongings. He could, at this very moment, mount and ride away, away, never to return.

Her gaze filled with the tears which had refused to come earlier. "You are leaving?"

He reached toward her hand, but drew himself back. "I must. I swore a promise to Doctor Sullivan in Windsor. It was my word."

Panic coursed through her. "Was it what my father said, about God giving Christians the right to these lands? He didn't mean that –"

William's gaze was steady on hers. "I understand your father, and he understands me. We have no quarrel amongst us. Be easy on that account."

"But you are leaving me still?"

His eyes caressed her face. "I must."

"But you could stay just a few more days ... just a week ..."

He was shaking his head before she finished. "The longer I stay, the more difficult it becomes to stay true to my word."

Emotions tumbled through Christina, and with them, a desperate flicker of hope. Was he saying that it was becoming harder to leave her side? The words burst out of her. "But surely you're coming back to me?"

His voice was a half-cry. "Oh, Christina." He drew in a long breath. "It could be that by the time I am finished, you may no longer be interested in –"

The insanity of what he was saying, the absolute ridiculousness of the idea of her coming across another man better suited for her, overcame her, and she wrapped her arms around her chest, tears bubbling up out of her.

Her father was at her side in an instant, drawing her into his arms. "Christina! My love! It is all right. I'm here."

Mr. Richardson strode over, his face set. He snapped, "What has this man been saying, to upset you? I swear, if he has insulted you in any way –"

"No!" she burst out, her panic cutting through her pain. "Mr. Crawford has been a perfect gentleman. It is only the stress of the funeral which has overwhelmed me."

Mr. Richardson's jaw set. "We should get you home. To the comfort of your kitchen."

Christina remembered that there was the second half of the soap to mold. William was to have helped her with that. And now he was leaving ... he was leaving ...

A fresh round of tears poured from her, and her father's arms were strong around her; stronger than they had felt in quite a while.

She drew her gaze up to William. "You will ... you will take care, on your travels to Windsor?"

He nodded to her, his gaze on her, rich with concern. "I will be your obedient servant in all things."

Mr. Richardson's gray eyes lit with delight. "You're leaving? You're resuming your travels?"

William nodded. "I am."

Mr. Richardson's grin widened. "Then you best be on your way, before another storm hits. I'll be sure to get Miss O'Donovan home safely. She will be my charge now."

William's face grew still.

She turned to him. Her voice was soft. "Send me word, when you are safely to your destination. I will watch for it. I will wait."

His gaze eased, and he put his hand to his heart.

He gave a bow.

He turned and walked to his horse. He mounted, gave her one last look, and then rode off down the road.