XI

Catherine rode up to Alysia Field's estate with Walter Attwood at her side. She feared convincing the man to come with her would be a challenge, but even with little to go off of he could see the desperation in her face and knew his help was needed. She looked at the estate with wide eyes, flames bursting from the windows and crunching the brick walls.

Catherine jumped off her horse, Attwood unmounting as well to stop Catherine before she got too close.

"Careful Catherine! The place will collapse at any moment."

"But they could be in there!" Tears were forming in her eyes. "I can't lose him!"

Catherine fell into Attwood's arms, tears streaming, until she heard voices behind her.

"Lady Catherine!" called Norman as he and Rennold appeared from behind the burning house.

Catherine thought she was going to pass out as she rushed to the men, Attwood close behind. She took Rennold in her arms and kissed him on the cheek several times before she saw the blood.

"We must take you to a doctor! Oh, I was so frightened you were both still inside. I didn't know what to do!"

"It's okay Catherine, I'm fine," said Rennold as they walked back to the road.

"Where is Alysia Field?"

"Gone."

"What do you mean gone?" asked Attwood. "What on earth has just occurred here?"

Rennold and Norman paused in a struggle to explain.

"No mind for that now!" exclaimed Catherine to change the subject and give the men time to work out an excuse. "We need to get Roger to help right away! Hurry, Lord Attwood, and get our carriage from our estate. Roger cannot ride to the city on horseback."

Attwood rushed off with a look of confusion and concern but concluded that the important thing was to get help for his friend, and he rushed off to Rennold's estate.

When he returned, Rennold and Norman had concocted an excuse that planted Alysia Field as a criminal who had been the cause of several disappearances occurring over the past few years, details changed to make it logical (most of her methods involved poisoning), and Attwood ate up the story without a question.

Rennold sat in the carriage, the pain in his arm blistering his thoughts. His head rested against Catherine's shoulder, and he tried to focus on the touch of her skin and the smell of her hair as he felt his body continuing to build up a sweat, heartrate continuing to elevate. He knew the poison was in his veins and knew he would not make it to the doctor. He placed his hand in hers and closed his eyes for the last time.