Page 83 of A Lady's Past
“I do not know, but I will find out. This is not your fault, Diana.”
“Perhaps not, but I feel responsible.”
“We’re going to have to look at that wound. I fear your stitches could not survive the last few minutes.” Jacques got up and grabbed another towel from his washstand.
“You are quite good at nursing.” Despite all that had happened, a little giggle emerged. Perhaps she was becoming hysterical like one of those ladies one read about. It was possible she’d lost her mind.
His wry little smile said he appreciated a bit of levity after what had come before. “Nursing you is my honor, Diana. Do you think you can lean forward?”
Nodding, she did as he asked.
Jacques sat behind her. “I am going to pull the ribbon at the top of your gown.”
Why she should feel embarrassed when he had seen her completely naked, she didn’t know, but heat flushed her skin from head to toe. “I understand.”
She gripped the top of her nightgown while he pulled the back low. He cut the bandage away and let out a breath. “The stitches held. It is a miracle. There’s just a little bleeding.”
A cool towel soothed the ache in her shoulder.
Mrs. Fallcraft rushed in, out of breath. “How are you?”
It seemed the fact that her back was bare in the company of a man didn’t shock Mrs. Fallcraft in the least. Diana clutched her gown tighter. “Mr. Laurent says that my stitches are intact.”
She collapsed against the doorframe. “Thank God.”
“How are the others?” Diana asked.
Mrs. Fallcraft straightened and color rushed back to her face. “Sebastian has a lump on his head and is in a bad temper, but is otherwise fine. Cecilia has a few bruises. It could have been much worse. That monster who attacked you is dead. There was nothing I could do.”
Jacques covered her wound, pressed the bandages back in place and retied the bow of her nightgown before helping her ease back against the pillows, which filled her with his scent.
“Mrs. Fallcraft, Diana will need new bandages.”
“I will see to it,” Mrs. Fallcraft said.
“I suppose there will be questions,” he said.
Rushing into the room with blankets, Cecilia was followed by Alex. Cecilia covered Diana from her bare feet to her neck. “I’m so sorry, miss. I tried to stop him. I wasn’t strong enough. He was filled with the devil. I’m sure of it.”
“Are you all right, Miss MacLeod?” Alex remained near the door.
“Yes. Thank you. He did not have long enough to do much damage.” She pressed her hand to her throat, trying to dispel the memory of Victor’s hands there.
“Then we were lucky. It could have been much worse. He should never have been moved so soon. I will write to His Majesty and explain that the prisoner died due to his own actions.” Alex looked at Jacques. “I’m confident there will be no investigation.”
“If there is, I will stand by my actions.”
The two men stared at each other for a long moment. Alex nodded. “And the Horsemen will stand behind you. In the meantime, I suggest that those of us who were present keep the details to ourselves.”
Cecilia bobbed a curtsey. “I was not of clear mind to see or hear anything once the madman knocked me down.”
“I wasn’t even there,” said Mrs. Fallcraft.
“Very well.” Alex turned to leave, but stopped and came to Diana’s bedside. “Miss MacLeod, the Buckrose Horsemen owe you a great deal. You have acted in good faith and great honor. I cannot make up for our inept protection, but I offer our services to you or your family should you ever need us.” He made a low bow.
Not knowing what to say to such a vow, Diana stuttered before she regained her wits. “I have no family, sir.”
A warm smile transformed Alex’s harsh features. He looked from her to Jacques. “I’m confident that is about to change.”
