Page 88 of The Mister I Married

“I disagree, darling,” Olivia said. “It is only a few hours’ journey to the inn, and—”

“And nothing,” he said firmly. “When I agreed to accompany you on this trip, I made one stipulation—that you were not to over-exert yourself.”

Olivia’s brow furrowed in that way of hers which suggested she wished to argue, but in the end she only sighed and said, “Fine. We will stay.”

“Excellent,” Emmy said. “I am always glad to spend more time with you both. Firstly, though, I must see Mr. Whitcomb. Will you two be all right by yourselves for a little while?”

“Of course,” Griffin said. “Go. We’ll be fine.”

“And we’ll be right here if you need us,” Olivia said.

Emmy gave them both a grateful smile then turned and quit the room, quickly making her way up the stairs and down the corridor to her father-in-law’s chambers. She knocked softly then let herself inside the darkened room and shut the door gently behind her.

“Mr. Whitcomb?” she called out, her gaze on the canopy of blue damask curtains surrounding the bed. “It’s Emmy, sir. Are you awake?”

“Emmy?” His voice was weak but strained with urgency. “Is it really you?”

She rushed forward and drew the curtains aside. “It is. I’m here,” she said, moving to stand beside him. She drew his hand in hers, her gaze sweeping over his face, taking in his pale cheeks and weary mouth, the dark purple smudges framing tired eyes.

Tears threatened, but she swallowed past the lump in her throat and summoned a cheerful smile. “How are you feeling? I’m so relieved you are safe.”

“I’m sorry I worried you, my dear,” he said. “It was not my intention to cause such a fuss. When Alex told me you’d left, I…” He trailed off, his brow furrowing. “I don’t really know what happened. I was upset and I went for a walk and wound up at the lake.” His frown deepened. “I don’t know how I came to be in that boat. I don’t even remember climbing in it.” Sheepish eyes met hers. “That was a silly thing to do, wasn’t it?”

Emmy gave his hand a gentle pat. “You were upset. We all do silly things when we’re upset.”

No one would know that better than her.

“Yes, I suppose that is true.” He gave her fingers a squeeze. “I’m glad you’ve returned. I was worried I would never see you again.”

Regret clutched her heart. “I know,” she said softly. “I’m so sorry I worried you.”

“Why did you leave?” he asked, his gaze curious, perplexed, yet without the recrimination she’d expected, and surely deserved.

“I was…confused,” she said, dropping her gaze to the quilted counterpane. “I thought a trip to London would make me happy, but I was wrong. I’m happiest here with you and Tess and Alex. You are my family, and I love you all so much.” She looked at him, meeting his gaze as she vowed, “I promise never to worry you so again.”

A weak smile touched his lips. “Good. I do so hate to be worried.”

His words were starting to slur, his eyes growing heavy, and Emmy watched fondly as he began to drift off to sleep, the ghost of a smile still gracing his lips.

“I’m glad Alex married you,” he murmured, so softly she barely caught the words.

“So am I,” she whispered back.

And with a gentle order to sleep well, she pressed a soft kiss to the dear man’s brow then slipped from the room and left him to his slumber.