Always by Amy Richie Page B

hopped around rubbing the offended elbow.
    I realized with a frown that I still had Marcus’s jacket on. I pushed the fabric up to my face and inhaled deeply. I could still smell him even over the dirt and filth. Would I dare to return the jacket tomorrow? Then I would be able to see him at least one more time.
    A small noise coming from the servant’s room had me scurrying for the steps. I tiptoed up, cringing when it squeaked halfway up.
    I paused on my way past my aunt and uncle’s room. Now that I wasn’t with Marcus anymore, guilt started to creep in. They must have been so worried about me when they woke up that morning and I wasn’t there.
    I shook my head silently in the darkened hall. I should not have stayed away so long. I should have insisted that Marcus brought me home immediately. I didn’t know who Ryan was, but I should have never let him chase me from my home. They must have thought the worst things; especially if they found Hunter.
    I let my shoulders droop; they suddenly felt too heavy to hold up. There was nothing I could do about it now, though; apologies would have to begin in the morning.
    With one last look at the closed door, I started again to my own room. I opened the door, but hesitated to go inside. Was there anyone lurking in the shadows? With my heart in my throat, I ducked inside the comfort of my bedroom.
    I was relieved to see that there was a fire blazing warmly in the fireplace. They must have known I would return. The only thing hidden in the shadows were the shadows themselves. I dropped to my hands and knees and searched under the bed then opened the bureau to make sure no one was there either. When I was satisfied that the room was empty, I allowed myself a small smile. I was finally home.
    I chewed nervously on my bottom lip. I needed to wash up, but I couldn’t call for Becky–she would wake the whole house up. Was it safe to go to the pump for water?
    Well, I could at least change my nightgown, I decided. I crossed the room to the vanity table and opened the drawer where I kept an extra gown. When I stood back up, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the looking glass.
    The sight was gruesome. My hair was a complete mess, plastered to my head in some places and sticking straight out in others. My mouth fell open. At least my face was mostly clean. I removed Marcus’s jacket so I could get a look at the scratches along my shoulder.
    Three long skinny welts ran down my arm and up to reach just below my neck. I grimaced at the memory of receiving those injuries. My neck and arm were splattered with mud and what may or may not have been blood. I really needed a bath.
    I threw the new nightgown and the dirty jacket on my bed and went to stand close to the fire. Maybe If I just stayed awake, I could slip out before everyone else woke up and bathe in the small stream that ran behind our barn. I couldn’t go out now, but at first light…
    I yawned wide, letting my thoughts fade away. Would I be able to stay awake so long? I turned my face towards the window in desperation. It was then that I noticed something I hadn’t seen before.
    Hidden there in the shadows of the corner was a large tin basin. Upon inspection, I found that the basin was more than halfway filled with warm water.
    Who could have done this? My mind spun with discarded possibilities. It couldn’t have been Becky or anyone else in the house. They were already all in bed. Although the basin was close to the fire, it wasn’t close enough to keep the water heated for long. It couldn’t have been Marcus–he had been with me. Then who?
    My need for a bath won over the curiosity of how it had gotten into my room. I slipped out of my ruined nightgown and threw the shredded material into the fire. I couldn’t risk Aunt Dora finding it.
    There was a fresh burst of light as the flames eagerly consumed what was left of the gown. I discarded my under clothes into the corner and stepped gratefully into the still warm