“No,” he said softly. “I’m not.”
Chapter Twenty
Princess Solace cradled her dying husband in her arms, her salty tears bathing his face. And as she wept over him, the dawn broke, the golden rays of the sun flooding the earth. Iron Heart opened his eyes and, looking into the face of his wife, uttered the first words he’d spoken in seven long years....
—from Iron Heart
“He needs a doctor,” Rebecca said as she helped Emeline push Samuel into the carriage.
Emeline didn’t voice the thought out loud, but she had to concur with Rebecca. Samuel looked white under his naturally swarthy skin, and a cut over his eye was bleeding, painting the side of his face with blood.
“No doctor,” Samuel mumbled, which didn’t exactly help his case.
Emeline met his sister’s eyes over his head and saw she was in agreement. Definitely, a doctor.
The slow pace of the carriage made the drive back through the streets of London nightmarish. By the time they arrived home, Samuel had been silent for half an hour, his eyes closed.
“Has he fainted?” Emeline whispered anxiously to Rebecca.
“I think only fallen asleep,” the girl replied.
It required two sturdy footmen to get Samuel up the steps of the town house and into his own bed. Then Emeline sent for the doctor.
An hour later, Rebecca entered the library to give the doctor’s report.
“He says it’s merely exhaustion,” Rebecca said on finding Emeline sitting by the fire half-asleep.
“Thank goodness.” Emeline let her head slump against the back of her chair.
“You look exhausted yourself,” Rebecca said critically.
Emeline started to shake her head. She didn’t want to leave Samuel. But then she found herself dizzy, so she stilled the movement.
Rebecca must’ve seen. “Go home and rest. Samuel’s asleep, anyway.”
Emeline humphed. “You’re a dear child, but a trifle bossy.”
The younger woman smiled. “I’ve learned from the best.” Rebecca held out a hand to help her up, but then a commotion started in the hall.
Emeline looked to the library door in time to see Jasper blow in.
“Emmie! Are you all right?” he asked. “I went to your house, but you weren’t there.”
Emeline frowned. She was constantly amazed at how little Jasper knew her. “Shhh! I’m fine, but you’ll wake up Samuel with that bellowing.”
Jasper glanced at the ceiling as if he could see through plaster and wood. “I suppose he’s had a bit of a day, too, what?”
“Jasper—” Emeline began, about to give him a set down, but Rebecca interrupted.
“Do you mind if I leave you? I need to...to”—she knitted her brow, obviously trying to think of an excuse—“make sure O’Hare is all right.”
Emeline stared. “Who is O’Hare?”
“My footman,” Rebecca said, and sailed from the room.
Emeline was still frowning after the girl when Jasper interrupted her thoughts.
“Emmie.”