“I should have been there,” Adelina replied.
“And you will be, but let’s get you bathed first. You’ll feel better.”
“Thank you,” she murmured in reply. “You are kind.”
“Nonsense,” Marguerite retorted. “You saved my life. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I’m sorry you and Terric have suffered for what you did for me, but I’m glad you are here now with Roland. He loved you before he even set off on the rescue.”
“And I loved him,” she admitted as the maidservant helped her step into the bath. “But what’s to become of me if he dies?”
“Roland is young and strong,” Marguerite replied sternly, handing her a cake of soap. “More importantly, he has something to live for. You.”
“That’s the reason I must go to him. To reassure him I am well.”
It was tempting to linger in the soothing hot water, but Adelina was too anxious. The maidservant had barely finished helping her dress when a tap at the door heralded a maidservant.
“The comte and comtesse request Lady Adelina’s presence in their solar,” she said softly.
Adelina’s heart stopped. The sorrow etched on the maid’s pale face could mean only one thing.