Page 143 of A Duchess for his Family

One of the footmen caught her gently before she could collide with Sophia in his arms.

“I’m sorry,” Marjorie cried. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry⁠—”

“Are you hurt?”

She shook her head wildly.

“Marjorie, look at me.”

She tried. Her face crumpled.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

Benedict drew a breath that shook despite every effort to steady it.

“Good.”

“I only wanted to find Sophia.”

“I know.”

“I thought if I brought her back⁠—”

“I know.”

His voice softened. Marjorie stared at him through tears.

“Everything will be all right,” he told her tenderly.

“But Sophia⁠—”

“Everything will be all right.”

He said it with the authority of a duke issuing an order, as though the world might obey if his voice were firm enough. Marjorie nodded because she believed him.

One of the servants tucked the blankets more securely around her shoulders.

“Take her back to the house,” Benedict ordered. “Get her warm. Send for the physician immediately.”

Marjorie shook her head. “I want Sophia.”

“So do I.”

The words escaped before he could stop them. Marjorie went still. Benedict did not correct himself.

“Go,” he said more gently. “I shall bring her home.”

The girl nodded. A servant lifted her into his arms. Marjorie looked over his shoulder as she was carried toward the carriage.

“I’m sorry!”

Benedict watched her go. Then Sophia moved faintly against his chest. His attention returned to her at once. A servant placed a blanket around her shoulders and attempted to tuck another around Benedict. He barely noticed.

“Sophia.”

Her eyes opened. Benedict had never seen anything more beautiful.