A tragic expression of horror came over his face. “I almost let you get killed — again. Why didn’t you listen to me? I told you this trip was dangerous. Why didn’t you stay with Anne?” He closed his eyes and his face was pale. “I failed you. I cannot protect you, Margaretha. You shouldn’t have come with me.”
“No, you did not fail me.” Margaretha touched his face, turning it toward her, and his eyes met hers. “You came back when you could have gone on and left me. You saved me.” She felt the tears welling up in her eyes again and blinked them back. “And if you hadn’t said that I was Duke Wilhelm’s daughter, they would have taken my dress. But after you said that, their leader forced them to leave me alone. You saved me, Colin, from being humiliated, losing my dress, and possibly much worse.”
The woebegone look in his eyes faded. She must have convinced him that he had indeed saved her. He placed his hand over hers, and her heart tripped at the warmth and gentleness of his touch.
O God, what would I have done if those robbers had killed him?
“You must be so worried about your family,” he said. “We should start walking. We have to get to Marienberg.” He started trying to sit up.
“Are you sure you are able to get up?” She helped him by taking hold of his shoulder and arm and pulling him. Once he was sitting, he closed his eyes again.
“Should you lie back down? Are you in pain? You look so pale. Are you sure you won’t faint?” He swayed a bit and she steadied him. “I’m sorry. When I get nervous I talk too much and ask too many questions and don’t give the other person enough time to answer. You surely remember that. It’s my worst fault. I always say that, but the truth is, I hope that is my worst fault, but people often don’t realize what their worst fault is, so maybe it isn’t — And I’m doing it again. Forgive me.”
“I like hearing you talk.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “It’s soothing.”
Who was this man? No one liked her talking. It was annoying, not soothing.
Colin’s head injury had loosened his tongue. First he seemed to know that she wouldn’t marry him and why, which she had never discussed with him, then he was saying he had kissed her, which he hadn’t, and now he was saying he liked hearing her talk. He had also said last night that her talking sounded cheerful, now that she thought about it. Could he truly think that?
This strange conversation was making her heart leap madly. She had to stop thinking these wonderful but confusing things about Colin. She must focus on the task at hand — making sure he was well enough to travel.
“How are you feeling? Are you dizzy?”
“My head is spinning like a drunken man with a wooden leg.”
Yes, re-injuring his head had done something to his inhibitions.
“But it is better.” He blinked. “I think I can walk now. There’s a stream nearby, yes?”
“Yes.” He was trying to get up, so she grabbed his arm and helped him to his feet. He closed his eyes and swayed. She wrapped her arm about his waist, pulling his arm around her shoulders to allow him to lean on her.
“Thank you. I’m not sure why I seem to be having trouble standing.”
“Could it be the kicks to the head?”
“Possibly.”
Margaretha helped him slowly cross the road. He seemed to get stronger as they drew near the stream. She sat him down on the bank, where he lay on his stomach at the edge and drank from his hand. Then he rolled over onto his back and lay still, his eyes closed.
His chest moved up and down and he seemed to be breathing hard.
“Can I do anything for you? Are you all right?”
“I am well. I’m sorry for slowing you down and for letting the horses get stolen. I know you want to get to Marienberg and send help to your family as fast as you can. I will be able to walk after I rest a moment.”
“Don’t worry. I am tired too. We rose very early this morning. After we rest for a little while, we can be on our way again.” Without horses, without food, without money. Margaretha felt the panic rising inside her.
No, she would not think about that. Besides, she was extremely tired, and things always seemed worse when she was tired. She would lie down near Colin, who was already asleep, she could tell by his steady breathing, and take a nap. Then they would both be better able to travel.
Margaretha stretched out on the thick grass and pillowed her head on her arm, tears pricking her eyes at the thought of the blankets that were now gone, tears of exhaustion and the remaining emotions after the attack by the robbers. At least they were alive. She could be grateful for that.
The soft grass actually felt good, and she felt herself drifting to sleep.
Margaretha awoke and sat up. Where was she?
When she saw Colin nearby, the morning’s events came back to her. She and Colin were taking a short sleep before continuing their journey — on foot, unfortunately.
“Colin?”
He didn’t move.