Chapter Sixteen
Graham
The doctor steppedfurther into the room to speak to everyone. “Her ladyship is still unconscious. I don’t see any breaks or bleeding concerns.”
Elias jumped in. “When will she wake up?”
“Head injuries are tricky. She’s stable, and I have every reason to believe that she will wake up soon, but we won’t know for sure if there will be long-term damage until she wakes up. She will need someone to stay with her around the clock. Her maid is sitting with her now.”
“Is there anything we can do? Can we give her anything?” Hannah spoke this time.
“Right now, all we can do is wait. Send for me as soon as she awakens or if there are any changes, and I will do another exam.”
“Thank you. We appreciate your help,” Lydia said, clutching her husband’s arm.
The doctor bowed to the room and left them all to process what was shared. The silence in the room was brief before Elias turned back to Graham. “This is all your fault. If you hadn’t given her that damn horse.” The fury in his eyes turned to sadness, and Elias covered his face with his hands.
Lydia joined his side. “My love, this is no one’s fault. We need to pull together for Diana right now. She needs all of us.”
Graham stumbled as his legs threatened to give out. Augusta crossed the distance and steadied her son. “It’ll be all right.” She brushed the hair from his face and gave him a solemn smile.
“You can’t possibly know that!” Elias snapped, then he hung his head. “My apologies.”
“None needed, my lord. These are trying circumstances. I adore my new daughter so very much.” Augusta smiled and stepped towards Elias, taking his hand in hers. “I believe she also has your passionate spirit.”
Tears formed in Elias’s eyes. He pulled Augusta’s hand to his lips, but didn’t speak.
Once Elias released her hand, Augusta addressed the room. “Who wishes to stay tonight? I will have the staff ensure we have rooms ready and ensure that Cook is prepared to accommodate everyone.”
“I believe we all will stay,” Hannah said to Augusta.
Graham went to depart from the room. “I’m going to see my wife. My mother will ensure you all have anything you need until I return.”
Elias stopped him. “I’m going with you.”
Graham turned to face Elias. He stood the tallest and most sure of himself that he’d been since Diana’s accident. “Whatever issues you have with me. You will leave them in this room. My wife doesn’t need any of this in her presence while she is fighting to come back to us. If you cannot comply, I will have you removed.”
Elias sneered, but nodded in agreement. “Very well. Elias and I will sit with Diana first and trade off with the rest of you. I am sure you all wish to see her.” There were nods around the room.
Graham turned to exit the room, not looking back to see if Elias followed. The gentlemen reached Diana’s chamber and quietly opened the door. Mary had placed a chair by the bed, which she sat in, while she held Diana’s hand.
“Mary, why don’t you take a break? Her ladyship’s brother and I intend to sit with her for a while.”
Mary nodded, wiping a tear from her face. She closed the door behind her.
Graham motioned for Elias to take the chair next to the bed. He did so and took his sister’s hand. Graham walked to the other side of the bed and sat next to her, taking her other hand. “You have a house full of people here who love you and are ready for you to come back to us.” He drew her hand to his lips, a couple of tears falling from his eyes.
Elias watched him, not smiling, but also not scowling. Graham inhaled a deep breath and turned his focus to Elias. “I am hopelessly in love with your sister, Elias. And I aim to ensure she knows that every day of our lives. But I don’t fault you for feeling that I am not worthy of her love, and l hold no animosity towards you.”
Neither spoke again for a few moments, allowing the understanding to hang between them.
Graham touched the back of his hand to Diana’s cheek. Her eyes remained closed and her breathing was steady. “I will give you some time with her and will send Lydia up to you.”
Elias nodded in appreciation, unable to speak. Graham kissed her brow and rose from the bed. He rejoined the group in the drawing room, sending Lydia to join Elias as he promised. He took a chair near the fire and let his head crash into his hands. His shoulders shook from the emotion fighting to escape his body.
It wasn’t long before Matt approached and knelt before him. “Graham, she’s going to be all right. I know it.”
Graham inhaled a deep breath. He raised his head and locked eyes with Matt. “She doesn’t believe that I love her. She thinks that is just another lie, and I only have myself to blame for that.”
