Page 89 of Leap of Faith
“How is she alive?” Faith whispered. She had not been present when the doctor had dressed the wound. It would leave an ugly scar on Joy’s beautiful face.
“All that matters now is that she is alive,” Dominic said, putting his arm around Faith. She nodded into his shoulder, and he heard her sniff back tears.
He somehow knew she had not allowed herself to cry, so he waited while she composed herself, marvelling at the rightness of the feel of her in his arms.
“What do you wish to do?” Dominic asked once her sobs eased. The wound did not seem to be bleeding too much, just a small oozing from one of the sutures.
She took a deep breath. “I believe the best course is to clean it gently and reapply the bandage. Thankfully, it does not appear to be infected.”
Dominic held Joy’s head again while Faith washed away the blood and reapplied fresh strips of linen, then he tenderly lowered her to the pillow again. When Faith had finished bandaging, Westwood took her hand and gently pulled her from the room.
CHAPTER21
Having an occupation had helped Faith’s state of mind. If only the task had lasted longer. The endless hours of watching Joy’s still body were exhausting. Lord Westwood directed her into the hallway, where she resisted going further.
“You need to be away from here for a while.”
Faith shook her head, even though she knew it was true.
Mr. Cunningham returned with the little cat, jumping along in front of him as though it was trying to pounce on something every step of the way.
“I could not keep him out long. He wanted to come back straight away,” Mr. Cunningham said apologetically.
Faith could not help but smile a little even though the kitten’s energy was a pointed reminder of what Joy’s had been.
“Freddy, I am going to take Miss Whitford outside for a walk. We have changed the bandage, so Miss Joy should not need anything for a few minutes, and hopefully the doctor will be here soon. Would you be able to sit with her?”
Faith began to protest, but Lord Westwood’s hand on her arm stayed her.
“Of course. Be glad to. Fresh air will do you good, Miss Whitford.”
“And remember, call for someone should there be any need.”
Faith followed blindly as she was led down the stairs and out into the garden.
“I am not certain Mr. Cunningham has the constitution for the sickroom,” she protested.
“He will be well enough now that he cannot see blood. In fact, I think it will do him good to be useful.”
“I wish I could be useful. I feel so helpless.”
“Being at her side is everything of the most importance. Hopefully, Dr. Harvey will allow her to wake up soon. I doubt we will have much peace until we know.”
He sat her down on a bench and, thankfully, remained quiet, allowing her some time to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
When a vehicle sounded on the gravel drive in the distance, he stood up.
“That will be the doctor,” he said quietly, and held out his hand, knowing she would want to be present.
She said nothing as he guided her back to the house and then to the entrance hall.
They waited as Armstrong opened the door for the guest, her emotions strong with impatience, wanting to know if Joy would live and if she would be herself again.
“Faith?”
“Hope?” Faith did not remonstrate with her sister for coming. She was too glad to see her. They met and embraced, and Faith struggled to hold back the ready tears.
“Has there been any change?” Hope asked.
