She paid no heed to conservative voices from the past clamoring to make her stop, to question herself, to doubt.

If Lysander Worthington could claw his way out of a collapsed tunnel choked with heavy mud, then surely she could outlast those faded remonstrations and criticisms?

He had survived everything that had happened to him, and he had come to her dale. Had he ever asked for help? Had he seen her as his remedy, clung to her, sapped her dry with his need?

He had not.

Gemma stroked Topknot's feathery ears and gazed down into the dog's sad brown eyes.

So much healing had followed Lysander Worthington into her dale. So much help had sprung from his tireless hands.

He'd given them all gifts, like a somber Father Christmas, taking the burden of hard labor from Mr. Bing, lifting her own desperate loneliness, adding his strength by her side in her moment of need, even shattering the barrier of his choking silence, offering up his own private sins to convince her that the guilt of losing Jennie was not her burden to carry.

Bad Pony neighed from the stable, calling to his lost friend Icarus.

Lysander Worthington, fallen angel, soldier, mercy killer. And rescuer, healer of creatures, helper of men and women alike. Hadn't Theo's death been a type of rescue as well?

She closed her eyes, remembering Lysander's hands on her. Without the use of his words, touch had been his principal form of communication. Remembering the reverential tenderness of his touch made Gemma realize the true depth of his feelings for her.

I love you, Gemma Oakes.

The unbelievable had happened. A knight in shining armor had ridden right up to her on a fine horse.

Her eyes opened wide. And I sent him packing.

Well, not for long!

Gemma grabbed Topknot's fluffy head and bent to kiss her right on her wispy topknot. Grinning madly, the future Dr. Gemma Oakes stood up and shook out her skirts.

"Mr. Bing! Harness Bad Pony at once, if you please!"

POLL SAT WITH ATTIE facing forward in the carriage while Lysander rode opposite them in the back-facing seat. Poll had induced Lysander to ride with them by implying that Icarus's newly healed leg would fare better without a rider on the journey back. Poll wanted Lysander in sight at all times, and Daedalus would thank him later for granting his prized horse an easy trot home tied behind the carriage.

There was much Poll wanted to know and he could feel a similar tension emanating from Attie. She was bursting with questions as well.

How had Gemma Oakes cured his brother? She was certainly impressive and Poll would never forget the way she had brought that tiny baby into the world. Yet Poll found her cool and rather haughty, despite her physical beauty. He liked strong women, but when they had taken their leave this morning, Mrs. Oakes had seemed resolute and grim, almost hard.