The Wounded Nobleman (The Regimental Heroes) Read Online Free PDF Page B

easier if I talk them through. I have to be with people I trust to speak of what we saw. Both of you understand the memories which haunt my dreams and the invisible blood that stains my hands.”
    Ellis nodded and noticed Clarke did too.
    Spencer continued. “I feel we all have strong women in our lives. They will love us no matter what our mental condition, but they deserve for us to be whole.”
    “We are a mess,” Clarke added and let out a snort.
    “I have more faith in them right now than I do in myself.” Spenser drummed fingers on the carved wood arm of the chair. “Let’s meet once a week.”
    “For how long?” Ellis asked.
    “Until we feel we no longer need to.” He held out his hand to the other men. Musketeer style they took the pact.
    Then the three of them began to talk about the war.

Chapter 6
     
    A week passed and Ellis came to Callie’s bedchamber every night leaving her after a soft caress and a kiss. When he departed, she found the need to have him lie with her stronger than ever.
    At the beginning of their second week of marriage Ellis announced, “I have a surprise for you.”
    They just finished breakfast in the sunroom after his father joined them. She smeared a little more orange marmalade on her toast and eyed the two men. By the mischievous smile on both their faces, his father seemed to be in on Ellis’s plan.
    “What is it?” she asked.
    “If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Ellis grinned. It made his dark eyes sparkle. He looked so much like his father - they were like a mirror image of the other. “Meet me out front in say…” Ellis tapped his finger to his chin, “fifteen minutes.” He jumped up and ran from the room , not giving her a chance to ask additional questions.
    Most of the women of the house staff giggled and whispered behind their hand s.
    “Does everyone know what is going on but me?” Callie asked Lord Garrison.
    He just grinned and slurped up the last of his fruit compote.
    As the clock over the mantle struck a quarter past the hour, Ellis met her at the front door. Dressed in an open-necked white shirt, knee boots and waistcoat he looked so incredibly handsome… and out of breath. Good gracious, what in the world had he been doing? At the nape of his neck, his dark hair was pulled back and his breathing was audible. Sweat glistened on his forehead.
    “Are we going for a ride?” Callie asked and raised an eyebrow.
    “I think I just did that . No more questions.” He stepped behind her and placed his hands over her eyes. “Trust me. It’s only a few steps outside.”
    She let him lead her until they stopped before lifting his hands from her eyes.
    In front of them was one of Garrison’s finest carriages. It was glossy, jet-black and had the family crest emblazoned in gold on the door.
    One of the four horses of the team was Liber. He stomped a foot as if he recognized her and whinnied.
    “I rode him over myself .” Ellis moved closer to rub Liber’s flank. The horse flicked its ears. “He will be one of our finest carriage horses,” he said with an air of pride. “He’s ready.”
    Ellis offered his hand to her and smiled. One of the men opened the door to the carriage, and Ellis helped her step in.
    When he sat beside her, she asked, “Where are we going?”
    “To finish the picnic we never had.”
    When the carriage came to a stop, Ellis pulled a large wicker basket from the back and after a look toward the blue skies informed the drivers they needn’t to wait. They would walk back. The horses galloped away with the empty carriage bouncing behind.
    “To see Liber with the team was an amazing surprise,” she exclaimed.
    “And to see him behave.” Ellis chuckled as he flipped the wool blanket onto a large patch of grass. I think he likes his new friends, and wants to fit in. I would never have been able to show him the patience you have.”
    “I do not believe that for a second. You have shown me this last week that you are