“There’s no time for hysterics, Munson,” Alex commanded as she moved past him. “Ready the blue room. Mr. Taylor is not well. And call for Dr. Mosley.”
But Munson was distracted by Officer O’Connell carrying a limp Lucien up the front steps.
“Munson!” Alex clapped her hands and the butler snapped to attention. “Now.”
“Yes, Miss Alexandra.” He nodded. “Right away.”
“Is anyone else at home?”
“No. Your parents and Mrs. Bailey are at the Turners’.”
Alex relaxed a little. Then they weren’t far. For once she was grateful for the Turners and their musical evenings.
“Send a note to them. But bediscreet,” she said. “And my sister?”
Munson hesitated. “Miss Freddie is… out.”
Alex narrowed her eyes as he hurried away, calling to the footmen as he went. Freddie was up to something, but it would have to wait for later. Alex then turned to Officer O’Connell as he entered the doorway. “Can you make it up the stairs?”
He lifted Lucien a little higher. “Of course. This fellow’s as light as a feather.”
Alex couldn’t help smiling. She would have to tease Lucien about that later.
If he ever wakes up.
But Alex pushed the awful thought aside. “Follow me.”
She marched up the staircase and down the hall, doling outorders to every member of staff she came across: bandages, hot water, a tea tray, and refreshments for Officer O’Connell.
Everyone dutifully nodded and scampered off, but Alex couldn’t ignore the curious looks on their faces. This would be the talk of the neighborhood before sunrise.
Well, at least her family wasn’t here. Alex didn’t think she could handle answering their incessant questions at the moment.
“Here we are,” she said once they reached the blue room. It was the guest room closest to her own, just down the hall, and named for the light blue toile wallpaper and matching linens. Her mother had never found a surface she didn’t immediately want to cover in toile. But since Father didn’t share her love of the print, it was relegated to only this room.
Alex turned on the bedside lamp and pulled back the bedcovers. Officer O’Connell laid Lucien down and Alex immediately set to work removing his shoes. She wanted him to be as comfortable as possible. Once his shoes were off, she worked on his coat. Lucien groaned a little as she slipped it from his shoulders and Alex winced.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered and tried to move more slowly.
Eventually, she was able to remove the garment and she eased him back against the pillows. Alex let out a sigh and closed her eyes until someone behind her cleared their throat.
“If that’s all, ma’am, I will be on my way,” Officer O’Connell said.
Alex turned around sharply and blinked. She had forgotten about him. “Of course,” she said briskly as she got to her feet. “Thank you so much for your help. Cook will make you something, if you’re hungry.”
But Officer O’Connell shook his head. “That is very kind, butnot necessary. It’s my job to help.” Then he nodded at Lucien, tucked in bed. “He’ll be all right. Lucky to have a woman like you fussing over him.”
Alex looked down as her cheeks flushed. “It’s my fault this happened to him in the first place.”
“I’d say it’s the fault of the fellow who attacked him,” Officer O’Connell said. “But don’t worry. Inspector Holland will get to the bottom of this. I’ve served for a long time and there is no one else I’d want investigating a case than the inspector.”
Alex managed a small smile. “Yes, he is very good.”
Officer O’Connell shot her a knowing look. “You didn’t hear it from me, but he’s the most honorable detective on the force. Remember that.”
Then he gave her a nod and left the room just as a maid came in with the supplies she had requested.
Alex swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Sadie,” she rasped. “You can set that all down right here.”
