La Flamme (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

the stairs, knowing there must be more of the duke's men about.
    Suddenly sounds of fighting and struggle reached her. The castle was in turmoil—servants were scattering frantically, being chased by sword-wielding soldiers who were dressed in the duke of Balmarough's blue and white livery. Knowing where her duty lay, the old nurse hurried up the stairs, often peering behind her to make certain that no one was in pursuit.
    She reached the top step and was running along the hall, when she heard the clamor of the intruders as they reached the grand staircase. They would soon be searching every room, and they must not find Sabine and Richard.
    With breath trapped in her throat and eyes wild with fear, Thea burst into Sabine's room.
    Sabine was just getting into bed. "What's amiss? You look like something—"
    "There is no time. Make haste—make haste, there is danger!"
    "What are you saying?" Sabine demanded.
    "No time to talk." Thea moved quickly into the next room and lifted a sleeping Richard and thrust him into Sabine's arms, grateful that the young lord did not awaken.
    "We must hurry if we are to escape!"
    Sabine stared at her in disbelief. "I will not go one step until you tell me what is happening."
    Without ceremony, Thea shoved Sabine toward the door. "You can flee now and ask questions later. To delay may mean the death of you and your brother."
    "Father would never allow that," Sabine protested.
    "It was his lordship who sent me to save you and Lord Richard. Do you talk until those men are upon us, or do you come with me?"
    There was something frantic about her, and Sabine was suddenly terrified. "Tell me what to do."
    "Follow me. I don't believe the duke's men will know about the secret passage in your father's room."
    "What duke, what men?" Sabine asked.
    "Shh! Just hurry."
    Sabine wore only her nightgown, so Thea grabbed up the red velvet cape and slipped it around her charge's shoulders.
    Then, Thea cautiously opened the door and glanced into the hallway, first one way, then the other. When she was satisfied that it was safe, she motioned for Sabine to follow her.
    "They're already on the second floor. I hear them searching the rooms—hurry—it won't be long until they will be upon us!"
    Sabine clutched Richard to her and followed the nurse down the dimly lit corridor. Thea extinguished the wall sconces as they passed, thus casting darkness behind them.
    When they reached the master bedchamber, Thea closed the door and turned to Sabine. "I know there is a secret panel in this room and you know how to open it—do so with all haste."
    "Where is my father? Why isn't he coming with us?"
    "I told you that he ordered me to take you to safety," Thea said, knowing this was not the time to tell Sabine that her father was probably dead.
    With her mind in a quandary, Sabine moved to the fireplace and pulled down the lion's paw on the ornate facade. Slowly a panel slid open to reveal a dark cavity. Thea pushed Sabine inside and followed, then pulled the latch that closed the panel, throwing them into total darkness.
    Leaning against the dank, cold walls, Sabine tried to catch her breath. Richard's added weight, slight though it was, made it more difficult for her to stand. "Now, Thea, you must tell me what is happening."
    "He sent his men to destroy this family." There was a catch in the nurse's voice as if she could not go on. "I don't know why he has done this."
    "Done what? Who are you talking about?"
    "The duke—your husband."
    "Surely you are mistaken," Sabine said in disbelief. "Why would Garreth—" She had a horrible thought. "Where is my father?"
    Thea's hand came down on her arm. "His lordship . . . was mortally wounded. I'm grieved to tell you that he ... will be dead by now."
    A moan escaped Sabine's lips, and she fought frantically to reach the latch to open the panel. "I must go to him at once! He needs me."
    Thea placed her body between Sabine and the lever, hoping she could make her understand the danger