Page 79 of A Lady's Past
It was an effort not to fall asleep. Diana opened her eyes again. Jacques still hovered over her, his face just inches from hers. She needed to touch him but moving hurt too much. “How long?”
“You were injured five days ago. You lost consciousness almost immediately, then took a fever. It broke last night. We’ve been very worried. Do you think you might take a few spoons of broth?”
Had his eyes not been filled with pain and worry, she would have said no to any food. “I will try.”
“I’m going to lift you to sitting. Do you think you can wrap your left arm around my neck?”
The scent of him filled her as he leaned in and wrapped his arms around her lower back. As if her arm weighed twenty pounds, she heaved it over his shoulder and gripped his neck.
Jacques whispered, “Are you ready?”
“Can’t we just stay like this?”
Honoria cleared her throat.
“I would not mind, my love, but the room is less than private.” He chuckled near her ear.
She gripped him tight as he hauled her to a sitting position. Pain forced a cry from her lips.
Jacques held her close until the agony declined to a throb. “Is it better?”
“Yes. You can let go, if you must.” Brazen words flew from her mouth. Perhaps she was delirious from lack of food or some draught she’d been given.
For an instant, he tightened his hug before releasing her. Despite him looking done in, he gave her a smile before backing away.
Cecilia stepped forward with a steaming bowl in her hands. She put a napkin under Diana’s chin and sat at the edge of the bed. “I’m so happy you’re awake, miss.”
“Thank you.” Diana took a spoon of soup, and while she didn’t much like being fed like a baby, she could not have lifted the bowl and managed the spoon. Her right arm was strapped to her side with her hand free but unable to move beyond an inch off her middle.
Honoria stepped to the bed and sat on the chair. “It has been a difficult few days.” She turned to Jacques. “Take yourself to bed, Mr. Laurent. If you fall ill, we’ll all be lost.”
Worry pressed his brows together. He met Diana’s gaze. “I will be back in a few hours. If you need me, send for me.”
“I will. Go and rest.” She drank another spoon of soup. It was bland but warm as it slid down to her stomach.
Once Jacques was gone, Honoria said, “He has barely left your side through all of this. I don’t think he’s had three hours sleep in five days. The rest of them have had little sleep, what with that man in the dungeon, but Jacques refused to leave you.”
Lids heavy, Diana tried to process everything Honoria said. “I couldn’t let him be killed.”
“Of course, you couldn’t. He’s rather angry at you about it, though. Still, he watched you like a hawk and insisted on caring for you. He even held you while that Dr. Page removed the ball from your shoulder.” Honoria cringed at the memory.
Jacques’s whispered words of love echoed inside Diana. She tried to pull the memory forward, but only hazy sounds of his voice remained. Managing another spoonful, she forced it down. “I think I’ve had enough for now, Cecilia. I’m very tired.”
Putting the bowl aside, Cecilia smiled. “You can drink some more when you wake. I’m happy you took a little nourishment.” She poured a spoon of something and held it out for Diana to drink. “Dr. Page said you’d need the laudanum for a few days more.”
Diana took the medicine and winced at the sweetness covering the bitter drug. “That is terrible.”
“It will keep the pain manageable so you can rest.” Honoria sat back, smiling.
Cecilia helped Diana lay back, then covered her to her chin.
Honoria said, “Cecilia, you can take the bowl down. I’ll stay with Miss MacLeod.”
With a nod, Cecilia gathered the napkin and bowl on a tray and left.
“My lady, I have many questions, but I’m afraid I cannot remain awake to ask them.” Diana’s lids closed despite her efforts to remain lucid.
“That’s all right, my dear. You may ask them later when you wake up. I will be here or close by. Sleep now.”
