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.“He’s in the morning room with the mistress.”Brittany quickly moved off the bed, fearing the doctor had grave news about Thorn’s father.She rushed downstairs and into the morning room, where she found Dr.Cross and Wilhelmina waiting for her.Wilhelmina came across the room to her, smiling all the while.“You will never believe it,” the woman gushed.“I told you the doctor could help you.”Brittany looked puzzled for a moment.“This is not about Thorn’s father?”Dr.Cross come forward.“I fear your father-in-law’s condition has not changed.My reason for asking to see you is about another matter entirely.I have found your Achmed!”Brittany could hardly believe it.To see her friend again would be wonderful.Suddenly her eyes darkened.“Is he well? Has he suffered?”“I believe that he is now in perfect health.When he went into town for you, I am told he became ill.A kindly woman and her husband took him in to nurse him back to health.He did not know how to contact you since you had left Stonehouse.”“When can I see him?”The doctor glanced at Wilhelmina.“Well, the weather is bad today.It’s too muddy to take a carriage.”“I can ride,” Brittany said excitedly.“I have to see Achmed for myself and know that he is well.”“Well,” he said, pretending doubtfulness.“I have my man at the stables and he knows the way.” He shook his head.“No, it is unthinkable in this weather.”Wilhelmina shook her head.“It is much too foul a day to be about.But if you do not go today, perhaps the roads will flood and you will be unable to go for days.That happens sometimes when the rain is heavy like it is now.”“I am going to see Achmed today,” Brittany said with conviction.“I would appreciate it if your man would show me the way, but if he does not, Cappy will be here later in the day and he will accompany me.”Wilhelmina’s face drained of color at the mention of the first mate.“I forgot about him,” she said, knowing that Cappy could ruin her plans.She looked at George Cross with a pretense of pleading.“Can you please convince your man to take Brittany into Charleston?”George pretended to capitulate.“I suppose it will do no harm.Yes, I will have him lead you.”Already Brittany was racing out of the room.“It will take but a moment for me to change into my riding habit.”Wilhelmina’s face was etched with a satisfied smile.“Run, little bird,” she said maliciously so only George Cross could hear.“Run to meet your death!”Brittany glanced at the doctor when he introduced her to Mr.Deavers, who would be leading her to Achmed.She then turned her attention to Wilhelmina.“If Cappy should come, tell him I will return as quickly as possible.If I find that Achmed is too ill to be moved, I may remain in Charleston.”“Are you sure you want to go in this weather?” George Cross asked.“It will probably rain again.”Brittany adjusted her hat at an angle so the rain would not settle on the brim.“Yes, I am going.”Wilhelmina stood beneath the protection of the porch, a half-smile on her lips.“Deavers, take care of your charge.See that she comes to no harm.”A secret look passed between Deavers and the mistress of Stoddard Hill.“I will see to her,” he said with assurance.“You can depend on me.”When Brittany would have ridden away, Deavers reached out and grabbed her reins, forestalling her.“Know this from the beginning—you will do exactly what I say at all times, is that understood? Or else I won’t go with you.”She was startled by his forwardness.“I will do as you say, if it is in Achmed’s best interest,” she concurred, not liking the man’s high-handed attitude.“Can we go now?”“Just so you remember that I am in charge.”Brittany jerked her reins free and moved ahead of the man.She did not like him in the least, but she could endure him because he was taking her to Achmed.As they rode away from Stoddard Hill, the storm clouds seemed to darken, and it began to rain once more.Brittany, unmindful of the discomfort, set her chin.It might be raining, but it was a glorious day.Achmed had been found!They had been riding but a short time when the rain grew heavier, and still Brittany rode on, her great horse splashing through the puddles of water that stood in the roadway.She knew Mr.Deavers was beside her, but she refused to look in his direction.It was late afternoon when Mr
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