Page 65 of Their Brazen Countess
The door of the carriage opened. “An excellent starting point,” Jo said as she released Matthew into the care of the footman, who helped him exit. “Then I think I should meet all of my guards so I know who they are. Arthur should come, so we can talk.”
Arthur walked into the drawing room where she and Linc waited for both him and the physician who had been delayed. Her heart skipped a beat in defiance of her head cautioning her. Arthur stopped short before rushing over to drop to his knees before both her and Linc. He grabbed each of their hands. “Thank God you both are safe!”
“We are well enough.” Linc darted a glance her way, as if to ask if she would contradict him.
“Yes, most of us came out unscathed,” Jo said sardonically. “We are glad you came, Arthur.”
“Of course I came! But who is not unscathed?” he asked as he looked around the room as though they were hiding someone from him.
“I got a tad banged up when I rolled out of the way of the carriage that tried to run Jo and Matthew over,” Linc offered with a sheepish smile.
Arthur took his face in his hands and turned it from side to side, wincing as he spotted the scrape high on his cheek. “Where else are you hurt? This cannot be your only injury.”
“My side hurts as well, though I am fairly certain I missed the horses’ hooves.” Linc’s eyes twinkled with merriment and a little pain.
“Bloody fool.” Arthur leaned in and kissed him.
“It was worth it, to ensure Jo and Matthew were safe,” Linc said, his gaze locking with Arthur’s.
For a moment Jo felt uncomfortable as the men shared a moment.
Arthur looked over at her. “I am grateful you and Matthew were not harmed.”
“As am I.” She reached out and swept her fingertips over his right brow, nudging a stray lock of hair back into place.
A knock at the door sounded, and it opened as Arthur stood up and turned around.
“The doctor, my lady. My lords,” Peters said as he allowed the physician to enter the room.
Jo rose. “Doctor, thank you for coming.”
“Of course, my lady. I apologize for the delay.” The doctor bowed over her hand and then to each of the men now standing. “And who is the patient I need to see?”
“I believe you are here to see me.” Linc eased back into his seat. “I attempted to wrestle with a team of horses today.”
“I should hope you don’t do such things regularly.” The doctor’s reply came as he bent to set his bag on the side table closest to Linc.
Arthur and Jo moved out of the way to let the doctor have unfettered access to Linc, though Arthur helped him remove his shirt so the doctor could see his torso. Linc groaned softly as the doctor poked and prodded him.
A short while later, he stood up from where he’d been stooped over his patient. “I believe you are a bit bruised up, but nothing appears broken. I suspect you shall not be feeling tip-top for the next few days. You’ll need rest, and laudanum as needed for the pain. You should see steady improvement over a couple of weeks. You can increase activity as your body permits.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Jo showed him the way out as Linc and Arthur tried to put his shirt back on. By the time she returned, Linc was covered again. “Linc, Arthur should take you home and put you to bed so you can rest, as the doctor has indicated.”
“All in good time, Wood Sprite.” Linc shifted in his seat and winced.
Jo picked up the laudanum and held it out to him. “You need to take this.”
“Not quite yet,” Linc refused stubbornly.
“Why not?” Jo wanted to slap the back of the man’s head.
“Because we need to speak to you while he has a clear head,” Arthur said and took the bottle from her before setting it down. “Now sit.” He angled her toward the seat that sat next to the settee Linc currently occupied.
“Very well.” She did as he asked, having some idea of what would come next.
She was not wrong.
“Jo, I love you. Linc loves you. Neither of us is willing to see you harmed, nor are we willing to lose you once again.” Arthur stopped and swallowed, his throat bobbing. “We were devastated the first time. We nearly lost each other in the wake of losing you and frankly, I don’t think we could survive it if we lost you again.”
