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“I’m still the same person I always was. I am still the sister who protected you all those years ago, and I would do so again if I had to. Why do you think I went after you two nights past?”
“That is a good question. You knew Evan was going, so you knew I would be in capable hands. Why did you go?”
“It’s certainly not that I didn’t trust Evan to take care of you, but as it turns out, it was a good thing I was there. Evan got shot. I was worried about both of you. I had to make sure you were both all right.”
Sophie shook her head. “I shall always love you as my sister and also as my closest friend, but you don’t always think. Your impulsiveness is going to get you into trouble someday, I fear. You’re a gifted writer, and your interest in erotica does not disturb me overly much. But did you think about what you were doing when you tried to sell it to the paper? You do know that the distribution and publication of erotica is illegal.”
“A common misdemeanor, Sophie. And it is enjoyed by many. Most law enforcers look the other way.”
“They don’t all look the other way, Ally. And law enforcement aside, you seem to have caught the attention of a group of people who do not look the other way. Who knows how many other zealots are in the group with Ryland and the woman? I’m just glad they left.”
Ally opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the doctor coming to the parlor door.
“My ladies,” he said, “Lord Evan is doing well. He’s a bit feverish, which is common after a surgery. We need to watch for signs of infection. So far, everything looks good. He will be bedridden for the next few days. His movement is good, but his thigh can’t take his weight. In a few days, he will be able to get up and walk around the house with assistance.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Sophie said. “What should we be doing for him?”
“Just arrange for the servants to see to his needs. I understand his father and your mother will be returning soon, within a day or two. There is no need to send word to them and worry them unnecessarily. Lord Evan will be fine, barring any infection or other unforeseen circumstances.”
“I must see him.” Ally strode quickly toward the door.
“Ally…” Sophie hedged.
The doctor bowed politely. “I will leave this to you at this time. Send word to me if you have any concerns. Otherwise, I shall return in two days’ time to check on Lord Evan.”
Ally followed Dr. Stanton out of the parlor.
“Ally…” Sophie said again.
“Do not try to stop me. I am going to see the man I love.”
Ally briskly marched up the stairs, her nerves skittering, and stopped when she reached the door to Evan’s chamber. She hesitated and then boldly knocked.
Redmond opened the door. “Lady Alexandra, I’m sorry, but Lord Evan does not wish to see you.”
“Yes, yes, I know. But I have never let what Lord Evan says stop me from doing what I want.” She brushed past Redmond and entered.
Evan sat up in bed, a tray of food in front of him.
“My lord,” Redmond said, “I tried to stop her—”
“It’s all right, Redmond,” Evan said. “Normal people seem to be defenseless against Lady Alexandra. You may leave us.”
Once Redmond had shut the door behind him, Ally turned to Evan. She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand to stop her.
“Alexandra, I have not changed my mind. I do not wish to see you.”
“Then you owe me an explanation. Only days ago you wished to marry me.”
“And only days ago, you wished to marry Landon. I do believe he has proposed marriage, has he not?”
“I am not in love with Mr. Landon. I’m in love with you, Evan.”
“So you have said. But again, only days ago that fact did not seem to matter to you.”
“I know, and I’m so sorry about that. I was wrong. I was interested only in Mr. Landon’s money. I wanted to make sure that Sophie, my mother, and I were taken care of, and that we would never ever have to live in near poverty again.”
“I see, and now you’re willing to live in near poverty with me?”
