To Refuse a Rake (20 page)

Read To Refuse a Rake Online

Authors: Kristin Vayden

Tags: #Romance, #Regency, #England, #Historical Romance

As I began to warm, I reached up and pulled out my braid, loosening the locks so that they would dry. A twig was twisted in my hair and I removed it, tossing into the fire. It hissed as it sizzled then caught fire. On the floor below me, my wet hair left a small puddle. The usually golden locks hung dark against the woolen blanket, and I sniffed as my nose began to run.

Though I had warmed a bit, I was unable to stop shivering. My knees were unsteady so I knelt before the fire, careful not to let the blanket burn. My mind was foggy but I fought against it. As the moments passed, my head became heavier and I fought to keep my eyes open.

“Elle?” a woman called as she knocked on my door. I tried to rise and answer it, but was too weak. I slumped back to the floor and watched the door open. An elderly woman with long, silver hair in a braid gave me a concerned gasp just before the world faded into grey.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

About the Author

Surviving Scotland

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