Rusty Brings Readers Up 2 Date On the Anticipated Romantic Fiction Drama: The Perils of Autumn …

• Posted on 20th January 2018
• in Fiction Romance Novels, Romance Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood, The Perils of Autumn
• by admin

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RUSTY BRINGS READERS UP 2 DATE ON THE ANTICIPATED ROMANTIC FICTION DRAMA: THE PERILS OF AUTUMN …

ROMANTIC FICTION DRAMA …

Hello readers!

I am so pleased to bring you this update along with the latest thrilling chapter in the upcoming and most anticipated romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn.

This new and exciting novel centers around a young nurse, the exhilarating world of thoroughbred racing in Kentucky, and a celebrated jockey who has a secret he will go to any length to protect.

Follow feisty, LPN Autumn Leeves, as she embarks on her first unique nursing assignment, that of caring for the terminally ill wife of English equestrian master and Triple Crown winner, Cyril Landon, prideful owner of Landon Lawns Stables located just outside Lexington Kentucky in the posh area known as The Meadows.

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I am enjoying the creation of this novel immensely. The more the story grows the more in depth it becomes. The characters are raw, bold, and pretentious, yet each carries a certain uniqueness that pulls you in and makes you want to know them more. I now offer you the latest chapter in its entirety.

 

Chapter 23

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When Secret Want Becomes Frenzied Need

 

 

It was nearing mid afternoon when Cyril arrived in the stable to tack up Dapper Dan and take him out for a ride. The air was crisp, but the wind of the morning had died down making the air less sharp. Autumn’s words still echoed in his ears; she was thinking of leaving, leaving him, leaving what they had together. She may have said their relationship would not change yet how could it not? She would no longer be present with him each morning to enjoy the English breakfast Agnes had become known for. She would no longer be present in the stables. And she would no longer be at his side as they rode together, discussing world events, challenging each other about them, and simply being together. He felt tortured, alone, just like he had that terrible day when he walked into his bedroom to find his wife had expired before he could get there. He hadn’t the chance to say good bye when she could have heard it, when it could have counted. How many times had he said it since? He prayed that she heard him, understood, and forgave him. Yet he would never know for sure, at least for now.

Cyril did not take his closeness with Autumn lightly. He found her consuming his every thought throughout the day. Had he fallen in love? What else could it be, and why had he simply not told her? He pondered on these thoughts as Without You played on the stable’s radio system that was used for entertaining not only the hands, but the horses. The lyrics of this song cut Cyril’s heart like a hot knife through butter, ripping him to his very core. Knowing he had to clear his head, he led his dappled stallion to the paddock gate. Taking a deep breath, relishing the freshness of it, he mounted his horse, took the reins, and set off toward the hills.

He planned on rounding his acreage to have a look at the fencing while he rode. There would be plenty to do once the ground was free of winter’s grip. It was the same every year. Cyril couldn’t say that he hated winter, after all it was beautiful in its own right, but the older he got the more the season’s weather bothered him. He was not overly old in years, yet he felt as if he had lived an entire lifetime, working hard, doing whatever was necessary to build a future, a life – a legacy. Yet he had no-one to leave it to, no wife, no children, and no heir of any kind. He had coped with this fact when Alice was still at his side, they helped each other deal with it, but now he coped alone. He was certain that Autumn was aware of the emptiness he felt as well as the loss. He also knew she could understand, but if she left he would have no-one except Agnes, yet as close as she was to him, he could not confide in her in the same manner he could with someone who intimately held his heart. He must find a way to entice Autumn to stay, but how?

He rode on, letting Dan have his way, go where he wished, and kick up his heels if he chose. The snow in the fields had almost diminished completely, yet the odd shallow drift was still visible where the ground was sheltered. The absence of snow was good for it allowed Cyril an unhindered view of his land. It had been quite some time since he had ridden his property, and he was enjoying this ride immensely. He suddenly felt exhilarated, as did Dapper Dan, his nostrils emitting bursts of moisture into the air as he exhaled. Cyril was doing the same.

“Look at us, boy,” Cyril chided with excitement as the tall stallion opened his stride, “You feel the same as I, now go, Danny Boy, ride the wind, and do what you will!”

Rider and horse cantered swiftly. Before long the well-muscled hunter broke into a gallop, stretching long, and lean. The drumming of his hooves upon the ground echoed in the air, the sound carrying into the woods. The grey sped quickly along, his attention centered on the path before him when he noticed a sudden movement of something scurrying from beneath a nearby tree on his right. It was a jackrabbit, darting in front of him, totally taking him by surprise. He stopped immediately, rearing upward, unseating his startled rider who in turn lost his balance and fell. He landed heavily on his back upon the frozen ground. He cried out in pain, trying his best to remain conscious. The startled dapple bolted forward, answering the instinct to run, yet something was holding him back from disappearing into the woods. A still conscious Cyril lay on his back, unable to move while pain shot through his entire body. Shock was beginning to set in but he realized he could not give in to it. If he did he was as good as dead. The temperature was beginning to drop, wind was picking up, and the frozen ground held no comfort for his injuries. He knew he had to have help. But he was alone, and at the far back of his property. Even if he yelled at the top of his lungs no one could hear him, the stables and mansion were too far away. He fought the fear now seizing his insides. Exposed to the elements, he realized he could not remain where he was for long, and he suddenly felt cold, the ground’s dampness doing its best to seep into his body as if it were a sponge. He knew it wouldn’t be long before hyperthermia would begin to set in. He lift his head to see where Dan had gotten to and was instantly relieved to see that his solid friend was not far away, standing stalwart, waiting for instruction.

“Danny … oh Dan, my good, good boy, come here … hurry,” Cyril cried, doing his best to fight the tears filling his eyes. “Come, boy, you must help me. I need you now more than I ever have.”

The powerful steed moved toward his master, coming slowly, yet determined to obey the man he trusted. He stood before his fallen friend, towering well above him, but instantly lowered his head to nuzzle Cyril’s outstretched hand.

“You have to help me now, boy, you have to … to get us home – however you can. I-I don’t think I can get up — ah! I know that I … I can’t walk. You have to go, bring help. You can do it, boy; you have never let me down. Go, Dan, now … before it gets dark. Bring William, anybody to help me, now be off with you.”

The prideful horse continued to stand vigilant, refusing to leave his fallen master. He understood what was being asked of him, but he could not leave. Cyril again begged him to go, but he refused. Horses are one of the most intelligent animals God ever created. They possess enormous understanding, the need to love, and be loved. The gentle grey dapple loved his master; he also knew he was in dire straits, so he stepped forward, positioning his body parallel to that of his fallen friend, knelt down on his front knees, and eased himself upon the ground with his back toward his friend. Cyril was amazed to see what was happening, but thankful that it was. He wondered if he could move, or would he do himself further harm if he tried. But he could not stay where he was. Dan held fast, whinnying to his master to try. Cyril fought to pull himself upward, crying out in pain as he did. The pain emitting through his body was dreadful, and he fell back cursing aloud but determined he would win this battle. If his stalwart friend was willing to lay on this frigid ground for him, he would not disappoint him by not doing his part.

“Oh, Danny,” Cyril cried openly, “I do not know if I can do this. Oh, my fine boy, if … if only I had not brought us out here. I promise if we get home alive you will have the finest supper any magnificent beast has ever enjoyed. Ah! … Oh, dear Lord, help us, please help us. Good boy, Dan … now, I shall give it another go.”

Daylight was beginning to fade. Cyril realized that he must get on his horse; he would die on this spot if he did not. Again he pulled himself upward as he cried out in immense pain, but grasp hold of Dan’s generous mane while sliding his hands through it until his arms wrapped around the powerful neck, and his right leg over his friend’s body. Finally he pulled himself upon Dan’s inert form, holding fast to the horse’s strong neck as he did. Dan’s well developed instincts told him it was time to get to his feet. With one strong lunge, while Cyril held fast to his body, he rose to his knees. One more upward lunge brought him to his feet. The horse now stood erect, his injured master draped on his back, arms and legs dangling freely, his face buried into the soft, warm mane. Dan took his time, stepping slowly but firmly as he walked toward home.

It was completely dark by the time horse and barely conscious rider arrived at the main stable. Dan whinnied loudly at the end door causing William Brown, who was busy with the evening chores, to take notice. He moved toward the door, not believing what he saw. He took but an instant to grab Dan’s dangling reins and bring him into the stable just as Cyril began sliding off his mount’s back. William moved like lightning, catching his now unconscious boss and easing him to the floor.

“Oh my God, Cyril, what in hell has happened!?” William exclaimed, instantly calling for Manfred’s help. “Hurry, man, Cyril is badly hurt! Call an ambulance and inform Nurse Leeves at the house! She needs to do what she can until the ambulance arrives.”

Autumn had just sat down in her kitchenette to a small bowl of vegetable soup. Her appetite was anywhere but with her as her mind kept repeating her earlier conversation with Cyril. She could not get his lost look out of her mind; it had infiltrated her very soul, as she thought, how can I even contemplate leaving him? Her heart pained at the very idea, but she missed practicing her profession; she had to make a choice.

Suddenly a loud knock pummeled her door, along with Agnes screaming, “Autumn! You have to go to the main stables this instant! Cyril is badly hurt!”

What! Autumn thought in disbelief, I must be hearing things! The pounding continued along with Agnes screaming for her to hurry.

“I’m coming, Agnes!” Autumn exclaimed as her mind tried to put what she had heard in perspective.

Rushing to grab her medical satchel, she then made haste down the stairs, out the door and toward the main stable. She hadn’t even taken time to don a coat, but she did not feel cold even though it was doing its best to penetrate her body. Her mind was like a steel trap, she had to separate her abilities from her feelings, it was not easy, but it was necessary.

Upon entering the stables, she ran down the main cobblestone corridor as fast as she could go without falling. William and Manfred were kneeling beside the fallen English master who lay on his left side, legs askew and his head back.

“Don’t move him!” she exclaimed loudly. “He must be examined before his body is altered in any measure. He will have to be placed into recovery position by the attendants and then skillfully placed and secured upon a spine board. When was the call put through to the ambulance dispatch?” and she instantly knelt beside her patient, keeping her mind centered on her duties even though her eyes were misting. It greatly pained her to see him this way, but at the moment he must be treated in the same way as she would treat any patient.

“How long has he been unconscious?” she inquired, studying the two men for a response.

William, his face pallid, swiftly answered, “He was semiconscious when he and Dan arrived but it was only a matter of minutes before he lost it. I’d say he’s been out for about ten minutes – possibly more and I have no way of knowing if he was unconscious earlier.”

Autumn gently moved her hands down her patient’s body and legs, trying not to jostle him in any way yet doing her best to feel for anything out of the ordinary. As she carried on her examination, Cyril moaned, showing signs of regaining consciousness, but she carried on wrapping a blood pressure cup around his left arm.

Completing this procedure, she said, “Manfred, get some horse blankets and cover him. William, gently ease a folded blanket beneath his helmet if you can but please don’t lift his head, just slide a corner under as to alleviate its weight off this unforgiving cobblestone. I wish there was a blanket beneath him, but he cannot be moved. It’s a blessing he’s wearing his woolen riding coat and lined boots.” She silently noticed he was also wearing the cashmere scarf and matching gloves she had given him for Christmas and she inwardly smiled.

“I can increase the heat if that would help.”

“Yes, it would, William, he must be kept as warm as possible. He’ll be in shock, and I don’t want that increasing, especially not knowing the extent of his injuries.” Autumn, raising her head as she fiddled with the stethoscope, looked swiftly about before placing it, and blurted, “Where is that damn ambulance! Why is it taking so long to arrive?”

“I know you are most concerned, Nurse Leeves, but please know we all are,” William advised, hoping it would somehow help.

Covering Cyril with blankets, Manfred chimed, “Time always seems to drag when you want it to speed, Miss Autumn. It really hasn’t been all that long, but I will call the dispatch to see when the ambulance left. It will help to know when to expect it.”

Autumn responded with an encouraging smile toward the two concerned men. She realized they were trying to lend encouragement of which she was most thankful. She knew what Cyril meant to them, just as they knew what he meant to her. She continued nursing procedures, checking her patient’s pulse, as well as his pupil reaction to the brightness of the penlight when shone in each eye. They were dilated, which was expected because of the state of consciousness, but she had no way of knowing the extent of his injuries until he could be examined by a doctor.

A siren was finally heard, announcing the ambulance arrival from Saint Jo’s. Manfred quickly went to meet and direct it. Before he returned with the attendants, Duff Taylor sauntered into the stables and instantly inquired what was going on. Noticing Cyril on the floor, he hastily questioned what had happened, to which William grunted a brief answer ending with the request he stay out of the way. Normally it would have signaled an immediate standoff between foreman and jockey, but Duff said not a word; instead stepped back with a concerned look on his face. More elongated minutes went by as the attendants brought the stretcher, complete with spine board, to the scene. Autumn quickly informed them of her given treatment thus far as well as Cyril’s age and overall condition of health before the accident. She then stepped to the side to make way for them to attend him. They repeated most everything she had already done, but she took no offense for it was expected. Another few agonizing minutes passed while they cautiously placed Cyril into recovery position, and then upon the spine board, securing him tightly before wheeling him to his awaiting ride.

Autumn followed behind, somewhat like a disheartened puppy chasing its beloved master. Before boarding the ambulance, she told William and Manfred, whom were now joined by Agnes, that she would contact them as soon as she had news.

“We shall keep the home fires burning, Autumn,” Agnes assured, nodding toward the concerned nurse with confidence eluding from her face.

“Take care of him, Miss Autumn,” announced William, “Tell him we shall tend to Dapper Dan and treat him like the hero he is. Go safely, and Godspeed.”

Autumn heist her body into the back of the ambulance and swiftly took up position at Cyril’s side, gently patting his right arm that lay pressed at his side. As the ambulance, in full siren mode, pulled away from the stable’s main entrance she could see the four she had just left, three standing close together, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, and one standing off to the side by himself.

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I hope you have enjoyed this insightful look into this fascinating new novel, expected for release in late spring 2018. Comments and feedback are both welcomed and encouraged.

Talk to you soon!

© 2018 by Rusty Blackwood.

All Rights Reserved by Author

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