Page 69 of The Marquess of Secrets

“Yes, I did. My tummy is better, thank you.”

Lydia patted Sophia’s shoulder and moved to the young boy sitting opposite. He was rocking slightly but using wooden building blocks to build a fort.

“I am going to feel your forehead, William, all right?”

He gave a quick nod, and Lydia laid the flat of her palm against it.

“Not as hot as before. You are getting well.”

He nodded again, and Lydia gave him a smile. About to move to a nearby table, one of the volunteers came to the door.

“Nurse Chesterton, there is someone to see you.”

Her heart skipped a beat, then another. She had no sleep the night before, for today was September twentieth. Harrison was here.

“Lord Tennington is waiting in your room.”

“Thank you.”

She hurried past, practically running along the corridor. As she moved closer to her room, she slowed her pace.

There Harrison stood, looking out through the glass door. She nearly wept from the familiar sight of his broad shoulders.

He turned and smiled. “Good afternoon, Lydia.”

How she yearned to embrace him. What stopped her? The absence of three months caused them to be tentative, not certain as to what to do or say next.

“Hello, Harrison,” she whispered.

“You look well. Rested. Content.”

“I am, thank you. And you are hale and hearty. Rested.”

He’d put on a couple of healthy pounds. So had Lydia. Neither of them looked as weary.

Harrison placed his gloves inside his hat and tossed them to the nearby table.

“You’ve enjoyed your time here?”

“I have, very much.”

He took a couple of steps closer. “The plans for the clinic have steamed ahead. Thanks to my father and brothers, we’ve more contributors than we could have hoped for. We bought the building next door to expand the clinic. Renovations have already begun.”

“I am so pleased to hear it.”

“To abruptly change the subject, we’ve barely known each other a month before we parted.”

“That is true.”

“I feel as if I have known you far longer. All my life.” With a smile, he moved a little closer. “I love you, Lydia—with every part of heart and soul. These three months apart were absolute agony.”

“For me as well,” she replied softly.

“Think of the future we could have.”

“Future? As to what?” she whispered.

“You would be my partner in all things. My equal. My lover, my friend.”