Page 93 of Scandalous Heiress
“Come in!”
Ada smiled at Victor who from his apprehensive expression, needed a good welcome.
“The housemaid told me you were up and feeling better.”
This morning, she felt more clear-headed than yesterday.And the day before that when Victor had taken her from his brother, she did not remember with any clarity at all.Only a terrible headache and nausea.“Indeed, I am.Almost ready to read the daily newspapers.”
His face fell.
“Well, then.Perhaps not, am I right?”She crossed her arms.The news was not a fine idea.
He crossed the room to herchaise longue.He was alone.After all, with what he’d done to save her, undress her and bathe her, a maid was an unnecessary accessory to her claim of any virtue.“I’d rather you waited another day before you attempted to read them.You do look so much better this morning, sweetheart.”
She took his hand and pulled him down to sit beside her.“And I have you to thank for that.I was rather a mess.”
“Get well.”He threaded his fingers through the tendrils of her hair along her cheek.This was the first time he’d seen her with her hair down around her shoulders.And in the pale pink dressing gown that Lady Fallon had given her, she appeared before him in very inappropriate attire.“That’s all that matters.”
“Tell me what news of home.I know you spoke of all you’d written yesterday, but frankly I don’t recall.You can, I’m sure, inform me of it all with some impunity.”
“All your family send their best wishes for your recovery.”
“Papa?I hope he was not harsh with you.”She searched his turquoise eyes.
“Not at all.He was grateful.”
“As he should be.Were you detailed with him or—”
“I summarized and promised the rest when we are together.”
“Soon?”She was eager to learn when she’d go home and face the consequences of this hideous event.
“We’ll see how you feel tonight.If you’d like to return tomorrow, Lady Fallon has offered us her traveling coach.”
She closed her eyes, trying to recall something about a coach.“Whose did we use to come here?”
“Your brother-in-law’s.We had to be quick about it.I sent it back after we arrived here.”
“You were very organized that night.”
“Ha!Well, glad you think so, my dear.It felt like chaos.”
“I’m certain it did.And to come here was smart, too.”
He smiled sadly.“All Freddie’s idea.And the rest of this is his cousin’s.”
She picked at the knitted throw over her lap.“She has been terribly generous.I will thank her forever for all she’s done.”
“As will I.”He squeezed her hand.
“And Freddie.”She had to add Victor’s friend.“I must hear the story of your rescue again.I did listen yesterday but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten the details.”
“Oh, my dear, you needn’t—”
“Yes.I do.”She set her jaw.“I must know it all.”
“It will do you no good.”
“There, you are quite wrong, Victor Cole.”
