Page 21 of Tamed By a Passionate Lady
Adaline’s head began to spin again. How could this have happened?
“You found him on the rocks?” Her voice was tremulous.
The sailor nodded again. “Yes, at the bottom of the cliff,” he said. “Our physician on-board spotted him through a telescope on our ship’s deck, as we were sailing past, and urged us to moor so that we could assist the man…”
Adaline still couldn’t believe it. Was there a possibility that the man lying on the rocks wasn’t James? And yet, the sailor had claimed that the man told them his name and where he lived before falling into unconsciousness…
“Adaline,” said Isabel, whispering her name, shaking her gently. “We must prepare for his arrival.”
“Of course.” Adaline tried to shake off her shock. “I will find Mrs. Bolt immediately.” She straightened, turning to the sailor. “Thank you so much for assisting us, and for the haste with which you have delivered this awful news. Please, follow me into the kitchen. Someone will give you refreshment for your trouble.”
***
As if in a dream she delivered the sailor to the kitchen, telling Nellie to get him a drink of ale and some of the leftover stew from the night before. The maid was wide eyed with curiosity, but did as she was bid without asking, scurrying away.
News of the sudden visitor must have spread, because the next minute, Mrs. Bolt was by her side, staring at the sailor. In the background, she saw some of the other servants hovering in a knot near the door, with eyes as wide as saucers, whispering.
Adaline took a deep breath, turning to her housekeeper. “Mrs. Bolt, I am afraid that we have terrible news,” she said, in a faltering voice. “This sailor claims that Mr. Townshend is grievously injured. Apparently, he had an accident. They found him on the rocks at the base of a cliff, not far from here.” She stared at the housekeeper with eyes that were almost pleading. “They have not made a mistake, have they? Did you see the master leave the house this morning?”
For one brief, delirious moment, she held her breath, hoping against hope that the housekeeper would shake her head, claiming that James was in his study and had not moved all morning.
But Mrs. Bolt didn’t deliver the words she longed to hear. Instead she gasped, turning pale.
“He left the house about half an hour ago,” she said slowly. “He said that he was going to take a walk along the cliffs, but that he would be back in time for luncheon.” She paused. “What are his injuries, madam?”
Adaline’s heart sank. Her last shred of hope, that this sailor had made a mistake and it wasn’t James that they had found, evaporated like mist in the sun.
“I do not know,” she said, in a tremulous voice. “But they are bringing him here, now.”
The sailor nodded. “They should be here very soon,” he concurred. “It will be the last path, up towards this house, which will be difficult and slow them down.” He looked at Adaline. “Is the master your husband, madam?”
Adaline nodded slowly. In all the shock and confusion, she hadn’t even introduced herself to the man. “Yes, I am Mrs. Townshend,” she said slowly. “What is your name?”
The red haired sailor smiled faintly. “Fergus Hicks,” he said. “I am a deckhand aboard theChristiana.” He hesitated, staring at her with those unnerving eyes. “Try not to worry too much, Mrs. Townshend. Our physician, Dr. Patterson, is among those accompanying your husband, so he will receive medical help immediately…”
Adaline smiled tremulously. “Well, that at least is good to hear.” She turned to the housekeeper, taking a deep breath. “Please prepare a sick bed for my husband, Mrs. Bolt. We do not have any time to lose. They will be here any moment.”
***
Adaline gazed down, at the beach, waiting with anxious eyes for the first glimpse of the party carrying James home.
After speaking with Mrs. Bolt she had suddenly snapped into action, pushing her shock firmly to the side. James was injured, and there was no telling yet how badly he was hurt. She had to prepare properly for his arrival, make sure that everything was in order.
She had barked commands at the maids, ensuring hot water, fresh towels, and fresh linen were all brought to the sick room. Mrs. Bolt had overseen the preparation of the room. Isabel had hung at the sides, wide eyed, wringing her hands.
“Is there anything that I can do?” she asked, in a tortured voice. “I feel so useless..”
Adaline’s gaze had softened. “Perhaps you can try to find your brother, Isabel, and inform him of what has happened,” she said quickly. “I have not seen Mr. Montgomery since all of this has occurred, and he should know what has befallen his friend…”
“Of course,” said Isabel quickly. “I will try to find him at once.”
Adaline kept gazing anxiously down at the shore, willing the party to come. Fergus Hicks, the sailor, had assured her they weren’t far away. What was the delay?
Her heart started thudding uncomfortably. Had something else happened? Did they have to stop because his condition had deteriorated, or even worse?
What if he was dead? What if he had died as they were carrying him?
Hastily she wiped away tears, which had suddenly started streaming down her face. They had come out of nowhere, but she was not surprised. She hadn’t cried once yet. First, it had been the shock and disbelief, and then she had been so busy preparing the room that she hadn’t had the time.
