Authors: Kristin Vayden
Tags: #Romance, #Regency, #England, #Historical Romance
To Refuse a Rake (20 page)
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.
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