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Loving Gabriel had created a neound And she had the suspicion he would not be able to heal it

“Inot to look at hirateful for the solid table standing between thee? And I will need my cloak”

He gave an exasperated sigh “Then I shall accompany you”

“No!” The word came out as a shriek “I’ll be fine Mrs James will be there and Mr Pearce I … I would like to rest in my quarters I would like to be alone” She felt weak and nauseous and being alone was a feeling she kne to deal with, a feeling she lived with daily

Gabriel cursed and son accompany you He can repair the basement door while you rest” His voice sounded strained, but she could not worry about that

She agreed and waited for him to leave the room She waited until the sound of his boots echoed down the hallway and then exhaled, releasing years of suppressed pain, hugged her stom

ach and let the tears fall

Chapter 16

Rebecca felt exhausted and ee did little to soothe her spirit

A hint of cedar hung in the air The smell reminded her of Gabriel’s skin, of his hair and his e felt like a dark void: cold and empty without him in it

As they ruaze to her lap, knowing that to see Gabriel’s solemn face would tear at her heart, and she could not think about that, not today

It was almost eleven o’clock when they rolled into Coventry Street, the high sun visible as the street bustled with activity Dogs chased after theirtheir pretty parasols, apaper parcels on his head, the world blissfully unaware of the sadness consu her

When they pulled up outside her house, Higson jue while he went inside to find the housekeeper

Visitors eager to experience the wonders of Egypt queued at the front door The proprietor wearing nothing but a nightgown and a damp silk cloak was not on the list of recommended attractions

Higson returned with a pale blue pelisse andparasol and waited while Rebeccaher into the house