Chapter 6

Carina barely slept from the anxiety of the night before. It wasn't on account of what Clarkston had attempted, but because Knight and Bolton were behaving in a most foolish manner. She had to stop that duel and feared that she'd sleep through it.

She wouldn't have even known where it was to take place if she had not accidentally overheard Knight and Bolton discussing where they were to meet. After having her horse saddled and begging the stableboy to say nothing, she rode out.

It was her foolishness in stepping from the ball last evening that had led to the morning appointment, and even though it was equally foolish to be riding away from Lydell's estate before the sun rose, she had to stop them before someone was injured, or worse, killed.

Once she reached Beechen Cliff, she slowed her horse and turned onto the walking trail and slowly made her way up the incline while she listened for men's voices. Carina had walked here often and enjoyed the views of Bath from the top, but she didn't have time for that today and tried to think of where they might be. There were some flat areas that would be suitable for their morning activity, but the area was so large, she feared it may be over before she found them.

Her heart pounded in fear of what she may discover and the odd sensation of being alone in the woods, even though she walked a well-worn path, was unsettling. A sensible miss would be asleep in her bed, but it seemed that Carina lost all sense when it came to Knight and Bolton.

Had she really tried to flirt to gain answers last night? They must have thought her a fool. Further, both remained unmoved by her efforts. When they finally gave in, it was likely to keep her from further embarrassing herself.

Hopefully, neither would ever mention it to her again, though they would likely have words for her if Carina managed to bring a halt to their morning folly.

Carina stopped the horse but for a moment and listened intently. Yes, a horse neighed and then the low voices drifted to her. She had found them. Or at least she hoped it was Knight and Bolton and not strange men that didn't have any more business being out here at dawn than she did.

As she rounded the corner, Carina noted five men on one of the flat areas, morning mist dulling the brightness of the grass and drifting around their boots. This was one of the few places where light filtered in from the rising sun, though the perimeter remained shadowed by trees and long limbs reaching from the darkness, straining into the light.

Carina shook away the chill and slowly approached. Her eyes grew wide as Knight and Godfrey stepped away and Bolton put his back to Clarkston before they paced away.

She had to stop them!

Hopping from her horse, she rushed to the field, and just as the two men turned and aimed, a dog rushed from the bushes, barking, and knocked against Clarkston, upsetting his balance as the two pistols fired. It all happened so quickly and she watched in horror as Clarkston dropped to his knees as a hand covered his arm. Quickly she looked to Bolton, who thankfully remained standing.

They were both alive.

Carina placed a hand against her racing heart. Nobody was dead so now this foolishness was over.

"You are a poor shot Clarkston," Knight called.

Carina was just about to chastise him for insulting the man for fear Clarkston would issue his own challenge when she noted the horror on Clarkston's face and turned to Knight, who stumbled, his hand pressed to his upper chest, blood streaming through his fingers and down his hand.

"Felix!" Carina cried out and rushed forward to grasp onto him before he collapsed. Not that she was of much assistance, as she could barely hold his weight as his legs gave out but she did manage to keep him from further harming himself.

"Why are you here?" Felix demanded as he winced in pain.

"To stop this…idiocy."

"You were worried about Bolton. He has that effect on women."

"Only because he is an heir and his father would be quite displeased if something happened to him." Carina placed a hand against his brow and brushed the hair away from his eyes. How often had she told him that he should trim his blond hair? "I was worried about both of you," she whispered as he closed his eyes.

"Do not die, Felix Knight for if you do, I will be quite cross with you."

The corner of his mouth tipped. "I, as well."

"Doctor!" Bolton called. "Knight needs you."

"I am tending Lord Clarkston's arm," an unfamiliar voice called.

"He will live. Knight took a ball to the chest and has collapsed."

"Go to Knight," Clarkston said.

Felix opened his eyes and stared into hers. "Kiss me," he whispered.

Even lying on the ground and bleeding profusely, Felix was a rake. "It is not proper," she whispered.

"If I am to die, I want it to be with the memory of your lips on mine."

"You are a foolish man. I will not allow you to die."

"And you are a stubborn woman, but do not have such control."

"Oh, but I wish I did." He was losing color and her heart pounded with panic.

"Kiss me, for I might never be given the chance again."

This was highly improper, but what if he did die? Carina would have to live with not granting what could be his last wish for the rest of her life.

"Please." His voice was so weak that Carina could not deny him further and leaned forward and placed her lips against his.

Felix returned it with more strength than she thought he possessed, and his good arm came up to cradle the back of her head as their mouths melded further. When the tip of his tongue touched her lips, she opened without thinking and then he delved. Carina grew dizzy and feared that she might be the one collapsing on him when he dropped his hand and she was able to lift away from him.

Goodness! Now her heart was pounding and blood racing for an entirely different reason.

She had no idea that kissing could be, well, so enjoyable. Nor had she been aware that it could also warm a body.

"Thank you for granting a dying man his last wish," Felix whispered.

"I forbid you to die!" Carina informed him. "Doctor, you are needed now. That scoundrel can wait. This man is in dire need of your services."

Death must be waiting on him. Why else would he send an angel in the very image of Carina to comfort him in these last moments of his life?

He would now take the sweetest kiss in memory with him to the grave. Oh, but only if they could have had more. If only they could have married. If only she would have returned his love.

His shoulder and chest burned and Felix waited for the pain to cease once death claimed him, but that was not what was happening. Instead, he was being lifted and jostled, then carried. With each step the man holding his upper body took, a hot poker stabbed at his shoulder.

"Let me die in peace."

"You are not going to die," Carina's voice came from a distance.

He knew that it couldn't be her, but an angel come to comfort him disguised as her.

"You will live," Bolton grumbled.

"I am not so certain."