Dawn in My Heart by Ruth Axtell Morren

folly of her jump, she said, “I’m sorry for the suddenness of leaving the curricle, but the man was whipping this poor dog, and he—she’d—run into the street. In another second she would have been run over by that closed carriage.” Her voice broke at the thought of what might have happened. She sniffed into the large handkerchief, appalled at her reaction.
    â€œSpare me from emotional women,” Lord Skylar muttered.
    â€œAt least I’m not being heartless!”
    â€œExcuse me. Next time I’ll jump out alongside you with no thought for anyone else on the road.”
    She ignored his sarcasm. “This dog needs medical attention. Look at that wound.” She bent over, noticing the gash from the whip. “Can’t you take her home with you and have your stableman look at her?”
    It was his turn to look at her in outrage. “ Home with me? That flea-ridden creature? For all we know, it’s rabid.”
    She looked down at her knotted handkerchief. “I can’t—that is, Mother wouldn’t allow it into our house, not even into the stables. I—I’ve taken in some stray cats and keep them there, but Mama doesn’t even know about them. I don’t think I could keep a dog hidden for very long.”
    Lord Skylar remained silent, but after a moment she heardhim give another pained sigh. When she dared look around, she saw with relief that he’d turned around and was leaving the park. She said nothing but dabbed at her nose, being careful not to sniff audibly.
    â€œMy father’s mastiffs will probably eat her for breakfast.”
    She glanced at him in alarm. “You mustn’t let them! Can’t you keep her apart from them?”
    He said no more until he stopped in front of her house. She bent over one last time and petted the dog until Lord Skylar came around to her side of the carriage. She did not look at him as he helped her down.
    â€œYou’re sure you’re not hurt?” he asked curtly.
    She nodded.
    â€œYou’d best change your dress before your mother sees you.”
    She glanced down at her light-colored muslin. Dust and dog prints stained it.
    â€œShe might have second thoughts of allowing you to go on another outing with me if she sees your dirty and disheveled condition from a simple turn in the park.”
    As he spoke, he took her arm and propelled her toward the front entrance. A footman opened the door before they reached it. Lord Skylar released her and stepped back. “Good afternoon, my lady.”
    She looked back at him and bit her lip. “You won’t let the other dogs hurt it?”
    â€œWe’ll muzzle them until they get used to this mongrel.”
    â€œYou’ll let me know how she gets on?”
    â€œYou’ll hear from me.” With a final tip of his hat, he turned and made his way back to the curricle.
    Her attention went to the dog, whose chestnut headpeered out the side. She gave it an encouraging smile and wave. “I’ll see you soon,” she said, not at all sure she would be able to keep her promise.

Chapter Three
    T ertius lay on the narrow ledge. He dared not move or he’d fall over the edge. He couldn’t see over it but felt instinctively the drop into the darkness had no end. Like the terror that gripped him, it was black and bottomless.
    The tension in his muscles from keeping against the wall was dissipating his energy at a rapid rate.
    A sudden spasm jerked him over the side. His heart in his throat, his body free-falled. He opened his mouth to scream but no sound came forth.
    He awoke with a jerk into the dark room. Immobilized by fear that overwhelmed his reason, his every faculty, it took a moment to realize he was safe. It had been nothing but a dream.
    Relief came in a slow wave that loosened his muscles, which were tight like twisted rope. As the reality of pillowand covers intruded on his consciousness, he relived the dream