Page 64 of A Lady in Name

“And you have tested innumerable men on the subject, I take it?”

Lucy giggled. “Well, the menfolk have uniformly vanished for the duration whenever I have been called upon to assist at a birth.”

To her surprise, Stefan’s gaze became fixed upon her face, as though he studied her. “You are a remarkable female, Lucy Graydene. I have spoken of it before, but I never realised it fully until today.”

A flush of pleasure warmed Lucy’s bosom. “I think that is a compliment.”

“It is.”

“Then I have only to thank you.”

Stefan shook his head, and there was vehemence in his tone. “Don’t you dare. If there is any gratitude forthcoming, it is wholly in your direction. You have nothing to do but to accept it gracefully. Dion has been praising you to the skies.”

Lucy shifted in some discomfort. “It is all new to Dion. I am glad I was able to be of service. It makes some small recompense for causing the uproar in the first place.”

Stefan’s face changed, a look of thunder coming into it. Next instant, Lucy had been seized by the shoulders.

“I won’t have you talking like that! You are not the villain of the piece, Lucy. If I am not much mistaken, Paulina has a great deal to answer for.”

Lucy wanted to refute this, for however much it had hurt to be attacked that morning, she had the wit to understand her half-sister’s feelings. But Stefan’s action had pulled her away from the supporting wall, and she did not trust her legs. Instinct caused her to clutch at Stefan for support.

“Hold me, pray! I cannot stand very well.”

“By God, but I am a fool,” muttered Stefan, catching her about the shoulders. “Shall I carry you?”

“No, no, I can manage, if you will only lend me your arm.”

Stefan’s hand slid under her shoulder as he turned into her. “Where do you wish to go?”

“My chamber, if you please.”

“Come, then.”

For the first few steps it was bliss to be so strongly supported that she need not rely on her legs. But within a short space of time, Lucy felt a glow start up in her veins. His proximity was having its inevitable effect. Lucy began to shiver.

“You are shaking.” Concern was in his voice, and he held her closer. The heat redoubled within her and confusion made Lucy stumble.

“You are not fit to walk,” he said roughly, and swung her up into his arms. “Put your arm about my neck.”

Lucy could do nothing but obey. She was quivering uncontrollably, the tremors spreading to encompass her whole body. She no longer knew whether the condition owed more to her situation, snug in his embrace, or to the lassitude overtaking her.

Fortunately, it did not take Stefan long to reach her chamber. He set her down at the door, but instead of leaving her, he turned the handle and pushed it open, guiding her into the room. “I think you’d best sit down,” he said curtly, leading her to the bed and pushing her down.

Lucy sat on the end of the big four-poster, and looked up at him where he stood over her. A deep frown marred his brow, and his eyes regarded her with an expression almost of anger. Instinct made her protest. “I hope you don’t mean to ring a peal over me.”

For a moment he looked surprised. Then his brow cleared. “Why in Hades should I do so? I am far too much in your debt.”

She made a half-hearted gesture of denial. “You are talking nonsense.” A thought occurred and she could not forbear a little gurgle of laughter. “I am not used to hearing so much in my praise from you, Stefan. It is not like you at all.”

A grin dispelled the last of the lingering frown. “Enjoy it while you may. I cannot guarantee to continue in this frame of mind.”

She laughed, and he stepped back from her. Almost as if he did so with an effort. “I had best leave you to rest. Until dinner, which I should think you will be glad of after your exertions.”

Lucy watched him walk to the door, feeling peculiarly bereft. He opened it, looked back briefly, and was gone. For a few moments, Lucy stayed just where she was, beset by a feeling of disorientation and unreality, as if the events of the day had been a dream. She ought to get up off the bed and remove her gown. It appeared to be a task well beyond her capabilities, as was the necessity to ring for hot water to wash with. She tried to work out a sequence of actions which became curiously involved.

The next thing she knew, she awoke to darkness and found Dion shaking her shoulder.

“Are you not coming down to dinner, Lucy?”