The Artist's Healer - Regina Scott Page 0,64

drowsed in his mother’s arms as if he was the only one content with the world. “In the meantime, if you brought food or drink, it would be good if you could share it with others.”

Mrs. Greer, seated nearby, hugged the bag she’d brought tighter. Lean and angular, the wife of the Spa Corporation president generally liked announcing his position to all and sundry, even those who had voted him into office multiple years now. Abigail generally did not engage with her, but if the woman had food to share, Abigail would make sure the others knew it.

A door slammed somewhere, and everyone tensed. She hurried out to find that Linus had arrived, bringing Lark, the magistrate, Eva, Mrs. Tully, Dr. Owens, Jesslyn, and her Regulars with him. Abigail ran to him, and he caught her close. Breath came easily for the first time since she’d seen the French sloop on the waters.

“How are we faring?” Mr. Howland asked as she disengaged. Linus kept one arm about her waist as if he could not let her go. She couldn’t mind.

“The Lodge is filled to the rafters,” Abigail reported. “I’m beginning to wonder if there’s enough food even for dinner tonight. And the French?”

“Gone,” Linus assured her, giving her a squeeze. If the others noticed, they were wise enough not to mention it.

“Gone, at least for now,” the magistrate amended. Then he raised his head and his voice.

“Citizens of Grace-by-the Sea and esteemed guests.” The words echoed against the wood paneling of the entry hall, filled the house, which went silent as if listening as well. “Give thanks! We have been delivered this day. The French sailed on without landing. It is safe to return to your lodgings.”

Huzzahs and praise rang from beyond them, around them, until she thought the very roof would lift from the house.

Her mother and Ethan peered around the corner from the dining room, then came to meet Abigail and Linus.

“What about the ships?” Ethan asked. “The races.”

“Our gallant crews are even now sweeping the coast,” Mr. Howland told the house as other people began trickling out of the various rooms and down the stairs. “Once they return this evening and assure us our enemies continued to run home to France, we will resume the Regatta.”

More huzzahs sounded.

Mrs. Greer approached, bag clutched in her grip. She blinked brown eyes at the magistrate. “Is that wise? Should we not evacuate inland just to be safe?”

Jesslyn met her gaze. “I refuse to let fear rule me.”

“Nor me,” Abigail said with a nod to her friend.

Ethan slipped his hand into hers. “Me either.”

Linus stared at his son in obvious wonder before taking his other hand. “I stand with Grace-by-the-Sea.”

“So do I,” Eva declared.

“And me!”

“I stand!”

“Never surrender!”

The calls rang from the house, until Abigail couldn’t tell where one started and another ended.

“Well done,” Mrs. Tully said. “The fairies will be very pleased to hear it.”

“In the meantime,” Mr. Howland put in smoothly, “you are all free to go. But if you’re a militiaman, meet me on the drive in front of the Lodge. I have assignments for you.”

Abigail shepherded Linus, Ethan, and her mother off to the side of the entry hall as people began to stream out.

“I’ll stay to help Mrs. Kirby make sure the house is secure,” she told them. “You can go back to the village.”

Ethan glanced up at his father. “Can we stay? I want to help too.”

“Certainly,” Linus said.

“We’ll all help,” her mother agreed.

In the end, Jesslyn and her Regulars stayed too, and teams took each floor and each wing to ensure nothing and no one had been left behind, no damage had been done to Lord Peverell’s home, and the holland covers had been replaced over the furnishings. Abigail worked with Linus while her mother and Ethan partnered on the other side of the corridor.

As soon as they were alone in the bedchamber, Linus pulled her close and held her gently. His chest rose in a deep breath, as if he would inhale her. If only she could stay in his embrace, but she knew her duty.

“Why, Doctor Bennett,” she made herself tease. “How have I earned such attentions?”

He leaned back enough to meet her gaze. The grey in his eyes flickered with silver. “By being the most amazing woman of my acquaintance. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your leadership today.”

Abigail cocked her head. “You could try.”

He laughed, releasing her. “It would take hours, and I would like us all to