Chapter Thirty-Four
The day passed. That was all that could be said for it: it passed. The hours followed one another, and at last it was evening and Nell could retreat from the world.
She undressed mechanically, bade Bessie goodnight, and climbed into bed. Her limbs were stiff, her heart aching, her eyes dry. She had never felt less like sleeping. She stared blankly at the ceiling.
Her door opened quietly, closed quietly. Mordecai Black came to stand beside the bed. He didn’t say anything, just climbed under the covers and took her in his arms—and it was such a relief. Such a profound relief.
Nell rested her head against his chest and finally—finally—was able to relax. And to weep. And to sleep.
