Page 64 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
She tried to focus, as the words were all jumbled up, waiting to be said at once. Taking a deep breath, she started. “He killed Papa,” she said, wiping the sudden tears that rolled down her face. “I was afraid I might never wake up and be able to tell you what he said he’d done. He pressed a handkerchief to my mouth… I think it was laudanum. But before I fainted, he told me that even with the glass he had placed beneath the saddle, Winterborne wouldn’t throw Papa, and that was when he fired the gun…”
“I remember a gunshot that day,” Grandmère said. “My God!”
“I do, too,” Bella said weakly. “If only we’d had some inkling of what he was planning. Winterborne recognized him… and that’s why he reacted so violently at the stables today. All this time…”
“You need to get your strength back,” William said, lifting her hand to his lips.
If Bella hadn’t already felt faint, she would have likely swooned right there as William placed a soft kiss on her fingers. “Where are Uncle Stephen and Grandmama?” she asked.
“Stephen is in his room with Grandmama and the doctor,” Grandmère said. “A bullet passed through his shoulder—and the doctor was able to make sure there were no fragments. He should make a complete recovery.”
“I’m so relieved,” Bella said.
“Uncle Stephen jumped on the baron when he was trying to shoot William,” Michael said. “He’s a hero.”
Bella’s eyes widened at that declaration. “Is that true?”
William rolled his eyes at his brother. “Let’s keep Bella as calm as we can for now, all right, Michael?”
Michael nodded, but his eyes danced with mischief.
“Are you hurt?” Bella whispered.
“I’m fine,” William said in a reassuring tone.
“Lady Bella, I am so happy to see you awake,” Garrett said as he walked up to the group gathered around the settee.
“Thank you,” Bella said.
“Garrett, you’re a hero too!” Michael exclaimed. “William said you saved Lacey.” He nodded at the small black dog snoring at the end of the settee. “And you’re no longer sore at each other,” he added, a wide grin on his face.
Garrett cleared his throat. “Yes, well, Lacey is a valiant dog, and she was very brave protecting her mistress. And for that, she has my undying gratitude.” He reached down and patted the dog on the head.
“Come along, Michael—I think Mrs. Bisque has some warm milk and cake for us,” Grandmère said, with a wink at Bella and William. “Garrett, won’t you join us? I want to hear all about how you took charge in that barn.”
“Yes, madam,” he said with a smile as he followed Grandmère and Michael out of the parlor.
“Do you hurt anywhere, Bella?” William said, moving closer to her on the settee. “I felt so helpless when I saw you lying there.”
“I’m sure I don’t hurt as bad as the baron. I understand you broke his nose and part of his cheek, and Winterborne broke his legs,” she said.
“Indeed. I think your horse would have killed him if I hadn’t arrived when I did. Come to think of it, I was very near to doing that myself.” He shook his head. “Can I get you anything?” he said softly as he caressed her cheek.
Despite how good his touch felt, Bella couldn’t stop from grimacing. “Oh, that hurts,” she said, holding her stomach. “Remind me never to almost get kidnapped again by an evil baron with a handkerchief soaked in laudanum.”
William poured her a cup of tea from a teapot on a side table. “Here, take a sip of this. Mrs. Bisque brought it in just before you woke up.”
Bella took a few sips and began to feel better.
“I’ve known a few soldiers who stay away from opiates for the same reason,” William said. “I’ll keep that in mind… and make sure the doctor never gives it to you.”
Bella’s eyes widened. “You will?” She giggled. “How do you plan to do that?”
“By marrying you, of course.” Grinning, he went down on one knee. “Lady Bella Connolly, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Bella covered her mouth, afraid to say anything. “I’d have to speak to Uncle Stephen. I’m not of age yet…”
“Already done. And your uncle has given us his blessing,” William said.
