Page 36 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
They quickly explained, and Dr. Thorne’s eyes, sharp and discerning, immediately assessed the situation at hand. His countenance bore the weight of experience, and the lines etched on his face hinted at the myriad patients he had attended to over the years. Despite the solemnity of the moment, there was a reassuring calmness in his demeanor that offered a glimmer of hope to those anxiously awaiting his judgment.
With measured steps, he approached Anna’s bedside, the subtle rustle of his coat accompanying each movement. The physician’s hands, weathered yet steady, began the careful examination, his fingers tracing the contours of the injury with practiced precision.
“She will be fine,” Dr. Thorne finally announced, addressing the concerned faces gathered around. “However, it would be prudent for her to avoid overexertion in the coming days. A watchful eye and care shall suffice.”
“Thank you, Dr. Thorne,” Sebastian replied gratefully, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his chest and he was able to breathe properly again.
“However,” the doctor continued, “should there be any alteration in her condition, no matter how trivial it may seem, do not hesitate to summon me. Prevention is often the best remedy.”
With that, the physician gathered his belongings, adjusted the spectacles on his nose, and bid everyone goodbye. His departure left a subdued sense of relief in the room, coupled with an awareness of the fragility that life could assume in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian gazed at Amelia. “You can go and rest, if you wish. I will stay with her.”
“No, no.” Amelia shook her head. “I will not leave her side.”
“Then we’ll both stay here…together.” He gave her a tired but genuine smile.
“Together.” She smiled back.
She took a seat on a chair next to him and took Anna’s other hand. They sat like that in silence for a long time, just watching Anna breathe after what could have been a terrible tragedy. One look at the sleeping child was enough to remind them how fortunate they truly were.
Chapter 19
Amelia opened her eyes, caressed by the soft warmth of the morning’s sun filtering through the curtain. She had fallen asleep on the chair, with her head on the bed in which Anna still slept. Their fingers were intertwined.
Amelia rubbed her eyes sleepily, the flickering memory of the events of the previous day still haunting every corner of her mind. She quickly glanced at Anna. She was sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Everything seemed right with the world. Amelia smiled, slowly releasing her fingers from Anna’s grip. She got up and stretched her back, which cracked slightly.
At that moment, the door opened silently, and she saw Sebastian peering in. He was balancing a tray laden with breakfast. It held a carefully arranged assortment of morning delights, such as scones, accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry jam, some Danish pastries, and a few wedges of cheese, served alongside thin slices of bread, slightly toasted.
His eye met hers as he entered, a warm smile playing on his lips. The scent of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries wafted through the room, adding to the inviting atmosphere. Silently, so as to not wake Anna, Sebastian tiptoed past Amelia, placing the tray on a small table by the bedside. Upon doing that, he beckoned for Amelia to follow him out of the room. She walkedbehind him, casting one last glance, before pulling the door ajar, not willing to close it completely.
“I thought her favorite breakfast foods would be a pleasant start to the day,” he informed Amelia, glancing at the still-slumbering Anna.
“Your gesture is truly thoughtful.” Amelia’s gaze softened as she replied. This was the side of him she had seen so rarely. She had to admit that she loved it.
“I believe mornings should begin on a gentle note,” he pointed out. “Especially after the ordeal Anna had yesterday.”
Just as he said that, he lifted his hand and rubbed the back side of his neck with a grimace. It was obvious that they shared a common ailment.
“I guess sleeping in the armchair all night wasn’t all that comfortable?” she teased, trying to keep her voice hushed.
His hand stopped in the air, and his eyes gave her that mischievous grin she adored seeing. “It was as comfortable as the chair you slept on.”
They both suppressed a chuckle at the same time. But before they could say anything else, Anna’s voice reached them from inside the room.
“There is no point in whispering,” she told them cheerfully. “I can hear everything you say, you know?”
This time, the chuckle was loud and boisterous, unapologetic and unstoppable. It felt good to laugh, to feel as if everything would be all right, despite all the setbacks they were facing. Moments later, Sebastian pushed the door open, and they went back inside the room.
“How do you feel, my dear?” Amelia asked first, walking up to Anna and taking her by the hand. “It is so good to hear your voice.”
“I have a slight headache, but I feel well,” Anna responded politely, her eyes wide and curious as always.
“I am so happy to hear that,” Sebastian’s voice was full of relief. Amelia knew that feeling well. “Still, we should err on the side of caution. Dr. Thorne was of the opinion that you need to rest today, just so we are certain that everything is all right.”
“So, I’ll spend the day in bed?” Anna frowned, her little lips pursing in displeasure. Amelia had not known her for very long, but the little time that she had been here, she had come to learn that Amelia was not the sort of child who enjoyed resting all that much.
“I’m afraid so.” Sebastian nodded, gently patting her on the shoulder. “Those are the doctor’s orders.”
