Selia leaned back, pressing into him, her eyes closed and a dreamy contentment wafting over her.
He chuckled. "You do delight in--"
A shriek battered the window glass from outside, followed by cursing and the frantic cries of a horse. The pair's attention riveted to a horrifying scene on the street below. A female body lay inches from the stomping hooves of a carriage horse. The carriage driver struggled to control his powerful beast.
Selia's attention stuck to the limp form of the woman, and froze as she recognized the accident victim. "Blythe!"
She began grabbing clothes, throwing her dress over her head. Through ruffled petticoats and silk skirts she could hear William ask, "Do you know that person down there, Selia?"
"Help me with the buttons, William! And hurry please! That's one of our girls. I need to go down to her."
William's puzzled expression barely registered as Selia's thoughts swirled. Instinct propelled her down the stairs and out to the street. She didn't know why, but she felt compelled to be by Blythe's side.
A crowd had gathered around her friend, and Selia pushed her way to the front. Kneeling next to Blythe, she cradled the girl in her arms. She looked up. "Is there a doctor here? Can someone get a doctor, please!" Her words ended in a sob as she watched a thin stream of blood trickle from the corner of Blythe's mouth.
"She came out of nowhere." Selia heard a gruff voice behind her. Probably the carriage driver. "I--didn't see her until it was too late. Just couldn't stop old Pete in time."
Selia ignored him, realizing that her friend was trying to form words. "Hush now, Blythe. We'll get a doctor to take a look. You'll be just fine--"
"No!" Blythe grabbed at Selia's arm, looking up at her with glazed eyes. Suddenly, they focused. "Selia?"
"Yes, dear. I'm right here."
"... have to listen ... important..."
"Save your strength, now. Don't try to talk."
"No. Must ... tell you..."
"What, Blythe? What is it?"
"... baby ... girl ... have to do right..."
"I don't understand, honey. What baby?"
Blythe clawed at her sleeve, a frantic look in her eyes. "My room ... box under bed..." She drew a shaky breath, a flash of pain crossing her pale face. " ... nanny's address ... I was going ... danger..." She shuddered. "The baby ... get her away from there ... keep her safe. Promise..."
"I promise, Blythe."
The woman dropped away from Selia's grasp.
She was dead.
)
