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Chapter 15
That treacherous little fiend!
That was the last thought that ran through Isabel’s mind before the world went black. When she regained consciousness, she was staring at the clear blue sky. Then Button’s face appeared before her as he licked her across the face.
“Ugh!” Isabel grimaced and turned away.
“Button, off!” Vane’s stern voice was able to get the dog away from her. Then the marquess himself appeared before her, his face worried. “Are you well? Can you get up?”
“I don’t know.” Isabel sat up and looked around.
“Did you hurt yourself badly? How is the babe? Should I ask for a doctor?”
“What babe?” Isabel was so confused. Perhaps she did hit her head badly.
“The babe,” Vane said sternly. “Your babe.”
“Ah, the nonexistent one.” Isabel scowled. Were they back to that? “I am quite healthy. Please, help me up.”
Vane took her by the arms, but before she could put her weight on her feet, her right leg was pierced with pain. “Ow, my ankle.”
Vane helped her back down, frowned, and reached his hands toward her skirts. “May I?”
Isabel nodded. She couldn’t care about propriety at that moment. Her blasted ankle hurt like the devil.
He raised her skirts slightly to her knee, then ran his hand lightly over her calf. Goosebumps covered her leg, and the feeling of pleasure replaced the pain. Isabel whimpered.
“Does it hurt now?”
Isabel shook her head.
Vane frowned and took off her half-boot. He gently squeezed her leg around the ankle, and Isabel hissed.
“It doesn’t appear to be broken, but you seem to have twisted it.”
Isabel took a deep breath. “Perfect. How am I to get home?”
Vane grimaced. “Millie!”
“Yes?” The girl appeared behind the marquess, her lips pursed, but her eyes shone with glee.Oh, the fiend!
“Run back to the field and ask Jack to send one of the boys with Lady Isabel’s horse here. And let Jack take you to his home. His wife will feed you some of those buns you like so much.”
“I don’t want to go,” Millie pouted.
“I am sorry, moppet. Lady Isabel needs your help. Please, do as you’re told. And take the dog with you.”
Millie threw one last pouting gaze toward Isabel and scurried away.
Vane looked around. He took a blanket from the picnic basket and spread it on the ground. “The ground is wet and cold. You might freeze while sitting on the grass,” he explained, then he unceremoniously scooped Isabel into his arms and settled her on the blanket.
“Do you mind if I take your stocking off? Might help me to ascertain the extent of your injury.”
Isabel shifted uncomfortably, heat rising in her cheeks. “Um… is this necessary?”
Vane raised his brow. “It’s best to take it off now before it swells even further.”
“You… Well…” Isabel stumbled. “I don’t know. But I don’t feel comfortable with you doing this.”
