A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 134



"Not yet."

"This isall my fault!"

Crossing the room, he sat down on the edge of the bed and drew her into his arms. Ah, the wonder of holding her again. For a moment, he closed his eyes and drank in her nearness, the warmth of her, the sweet smell of her hair and skin, the sheer pleasure of holding her in his arms.

"It is not your fault," he said, stroking her hair. "Do not worry about the boy. I will not let her bring him across."

"Thank you for helping us. I wasn't sure you would." "I will always answer your call," he replied quietly."If I am able."
She drew back a little so she could see his face. "What do you mean, if you're able?" "The boy proposed to you tonight."

"How do you know that?"

"He told me." Dominic took a deep breath. "Do you care for him?" "Yes."

"Do you love him?"
"I turned him down."

"That is not what I asked. Do you love him?"
"No."

"Perhaps you should."

Tracystared at him. "Do you want me to marry him?" "I want to know you have someone to look after you when…"
"When what?"

"Nothing."Rising, he went to stand at the window again. It would be dawn soon.
"Dominic, what are talking about?"

"I am going away, and I do not want you to be alone." "Where are you going?"

"It does not matter."