Page 50 of Foolish Bride
Sweat beaded on his brow, and his skin was like parchment. Vital moments earlier, he now looked near death, panting for breath. “I am afraid I am not quite healed. Would you see if you can find Thomas? I believe I shall need some help getting home.”
“I will go at once.” Before she could take a step, he grabbed her hand.
A few labored breaths later, he said, “Elinor.”
Their eyes met, and she touched his cheek. In that moment, in that gaze, they shared their feelings. This kind of love could survive anything, even a London scandal.
Chapter 12
Elinor rushed from the Orangery in search of Thomas Wheel. She hoped she wouldn’t have to go into the ballroom. Certain she looked thoroughly ravished, she shouldn’t be seen by too many guests.
Luck was on her side. Not a hundred yards from where she left Michael, she found Sophia and Daniel strolling in the garden.
Elinor rushed to intercept them, then grabbed Daniel’s jacket. “Daniel, it’s Michael.”
“What about him?” Frowning, Daniel kept his voice steady.
“He has collapsed in the orangery.” Without waiting for reaction, she ran toward the greenhouse.
Daniel and Sophia followed close behind.
Michael perched on the edge of a chair, with his head in both hands.
“Mike, what is it?”
“I need to get home, Dan.” The low tone and grating in his voice broke her heart.
She had done this to him. Somehow, their passion had caused him injury.
Nodding, Daniel helped him to his feet. “We’ll go out the garden gate and take my carriage. Lady Marlton will see that your driver returns home. Lady Elinor, will you see that my wife gets home safely? I would like to remain with his grace until he is well.”
“Of course,” Elinor said. She longed to go with the men and take care of Michael, but it was neither appropriate nor possible.
Sophia and Elinor followed them to the garden gate.
As he turned, Michael’s hair shone in the moonlight, out of sorts with his sickly pallor. “I am fine, Elinor. I just need to rest.”
“Come, Elinor.” Sophia tugged her elbow. “We cannot remain here.” She led her toward the garden.
Elinor stopped, straightened her gown, and brushed out her skirts. “Do I look all right?”
Sophia put Elinor’s curls back in place and fixed the lace at her collar. “Your color is high, but the heat of the ball can be used as an excuse.”
“Then I suppose we had better return.” She took a deep breath and swallowed a lump of emotion building in her chest.
“Is there anything you’d like to talk about before we return?” Sophia cocked her head.
“Perhaps at another time, Sophia. Right now my head is spinning with too many things.”
With a nod, Sophia took her arm and they walked back to the house.
The moment they entered the ballroom, Tabitha Rollins appeared before them. “Lady Elinor, what a pleasure to see you again.” Michael’s mother smiled warmly.
Elinor dipped into a curtsy. “The pleasure is mine, my lady.”
Behind her, a quadrille played and dancers clomped around the dance floor.
“Countess Marlton, you are looking as lovely as ever. Is your husband nearby? I hoped he might know where my son is.”
