“ICAN FEEL THE DISAPPROVALpouring out of you, Wang, so you might as well say it,” Colin said as Wang employed needles and the application of pressure to specific points on his back, shoulders, and neck.
“There’s no need, my lord. You already know you handled that poorly.”
“What was I supposed to do? Let my wife and sister go to the ball without me? Especially after the attacks?”
“No, of course not. But you needn’t be short with her. She was only trying to help.”
“She was treating me as an invalid. I’ll be damned before I let her mollycoddle me as she does the countess. I’m not a frail old lady.”
“I doubt that’s the way she sees you. And the countess is not old. But now that you bring up the subject of her infirmity. Do you know what is wrong with the lady? Why can’t she walk?”
Colin grunted as Wang applied pressure to an aching spot.
“I asked Abigail and the countess herself. The only thing I’ve been able to learn is that she was in a carriage accident and after a protracted stay in bed with excruciating back pain, she lost the use of her legs. I would guess she broke her back in the accident, which caused the initial pain and inability to walk. By the time that healed and the pain subsided, the muscles in her legs had probably atrophied. But without an examination, it is impossible to ascertain her condition and the best way to help her. I offered, but unfortunately she has suffered at the hands of doctors before, and is not eager to repeat the experience. You may be able to convince her.”
“Me, my lord? I am not even a doctor by your people’s standards.”
“Nonsense. You are more capable than many doctors I know. I truly believe you might help her. If my diagnosis is correct, what she needs is rehabilitation.”
“If she didn’t accept your offer, I doubt she would listen to me.”
“You never know. She might feel more comfortable with you. Talk to her Wang.”
“I will. But I doubt I’ll have better results.”
“Perhaps. But we should still try to do what we can for her.”
CHAPTER 24
“ABIGAIL?”
The name of his wife, spoken by a masculine voice, had Colin stiffening with outrage. Turning to see who the hell was the man who dared to address his wife in such a familiar manner, he found a dark-haired, handsome man, elegantly dressed and with an air of suave sophistication. He was preparing to utter a cutting set down when Abigail beat him to it.
“Michael! What a surprise to find you here.”
Michael?Who the hell was this man and what was his relationship with his wife?
