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“Mother, I am injured. His was the closest house. We have never been alone.” She did consider that perhaps while Miles and she slept they’d indeed been alone, but it wasn’t as if anything untoward occurred. She could not even sit up unaided; what could the gossips possibly think they were able to do?

“I brought you several night gowns and a robe. Also a hairbrush, a journal, and pencils. It will help time go by until you can come home,” said her mother. Siobhan didn’t bother pointing out that if she could not sit up to sip her tea, she was unlikely able to use a journal and pencils. As for the hairbrush, Firtha had managed to brush and braid her hair without requiring Siobhan to provide one from home. She was grateful for the nightgowns and robe, but hoped she would be away from Miles’ house before she had need to use all of them.

Not fifteen minutes later, teapot empty and biscuits eaten, her mother stood. “I am glad to see you are better. However, I must get back. There is much to do before the Frederickson’s gala tonight.”

Siobhan’s breathing hitched as she tried to formulate words, not wishing to sound like a spoiled child. “Mother, I wish to go home. Surely, we can manage it.” She had to stop talking as her throat constricted. “P-please,” she managed.

Her mother looked at the doorway as if more concerned about her escape than Siobhan’s pain. “I would like to. But the doctor is adamant that you remain in bed without being moved in case your hip is splintered. He is very worried at the amount of discomfort you experience when you are moved.”

“He said it was bruised, not splintered. And I can resist the pain,” Siobhan replied, in spite of the determined look on her mother’s face to not budge on the matter.

“We have more urgent matters to see about,” she responded, and it was clear to Siobhan that her mother was already scheming ways to benefit from this situation.

Just then her father walked in and rushed to her. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to each side of her face. With a wide smile, he peered down at her. “I am so thankful that you’ve awakened, darling one. It was a long night waiting to return to see about you.”

“Owen,” her mother said. “I was just informing Siobhan that because of the situation, action must be taken.”

“I spoke to the constable. Someone will be here today to speak to Lord Miles and Siobhan. Although perhaps you cannot be much help since you cannot remember.” He took her hand. “It is perfectly fine. Do not fret over much. I am sure the delinquent will be found and punished.”

Siobhan squeezed her father’s hand. “I agree. Surely plenty of people saw and someone will know him.”

Her mother cleared her throat. “That is not what I was referring to.”

Miles came to the door and regarded her with a warm look before acknowledging her parents. “Her countenance is better at your visit,” he told them before he looked back at her. “You feel better?”

“I do,” Siobhan replied.

“I am glad you are here,” her mother said to Miles. “I am trying to inform Siobhan and my husband that action must be taken immediately to keep the gossips at bay.”

All three looked at her with various expressions of confusion.

It was her father who finally spoke. “Zinnia, to what are you referring? I am growing grayer waiting for you to make your point.”

Siobhan giggled but stopped when her mother’s narrowed gaze snapped from her husband to her. “What I am stating is that Lord and Siobhan must marry immediately.”

There was a stunned silence at her mother’s comment.

“Marry?” Siobhan choked out. “Mother, Lord Miles has been gracious enough to allow me to be here. I’ve taken away his very own bedchamber. It is ridiculous that you give so much credence to the gossips as to even suggest such a thing.”

Her mother turned to Miles. “It must be discussed. Obviously the fact that my daughter spent an entire night here without a chaperone is not to be taken lightly.”

Mortified, Siobhan felt heat rise to her cheeks. Her mother was making the situation worse by the moment. “Mother, stop at once. This cannot continue.”

Miles’ expression was calm, except for the tightness of his jaw. “You can send a chaperone to remain here. I will go to my family residence to remove any reason for any gossip to spread.”

Now Siobhan became enraged. “You will do no such thing. I will withstand the pain and be moved to my home at once. It is ridiculous that we cause you so much trouble after you were kind enough to save my life.” Tears of frustration spilled down her cheeks.

“I am upsetting you,” her mother stated, though it was obvious. “It is best I go for now. Unfortunately, you know I am right. Siobhan’s reputation is now in tatters.” Her mother patted Siobhan’s hand, the only comfort she’d bothered to extend, and one Siobhan was sure she only performed for Miles’ benefit. “My lord. You mentioned a spare room in the servant quarters. Can one of our maids stay for a few nights to see to Siobhan?”

“Of course,” Miles said tightly.

Her father leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Do not you worry. I am sure there will be no need for nuptials. Many times in history, situations like this were solved either by negotiation or in battle to a satisfactory ending.”

Siobhan didn’t bother trying to make sense of what her father was thinking. Instead she nodded and offered him a smile. “Thank you, Father.”

“I will see you out,” Miles said, giving her father a confused look. If not for the situation, Siobhan would have laughed at her father’s peculiar attempt to make her feel better.

Her mother shook her head. “It must be marriage. Our daughter will be scorned by society, otherwise.”