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“Dr. Darrington?” I wanted to ask him what he was doing here of all places, but the stain of blood on his clothes stole all further questions from me.
“Inside quickly, Your Grace.” He made way for us before shutting the door.
“My husband?” I asked him.
“Asleep,” he said. “He suffered a further injury.”
“Injury?” I panicked, looking at Eleanor, who shook her head. “What has happened? Why was I not informed, why was he not brought home? Where is he? Take me to him!”
“Your Grace, forgive me. He sought to keep these events secret. I did not think it wise, but…” The doctor sighed heavily as he cleaned his hands.
“What events?”
“The ones pertaining to me.”
At her voice, I spun so quickly I nearly fell back. But I hadto make sure my ears were not mistaken, and my eyes confirmed Marcella was not dead, but standing before me, albeit bandaged and bruised. I stared at her, fearing she was some apparition or figment of my mind. When she stumbled, causing the doctor to rush to her side, I knew she truly was real.
“How?” I questioned in confusion. “All of the town…did you not throw yourself into the river?”
She hung her head. “I tried to, Your Grace, but the duke saved me. Even though his arm was cut upon the ledge, he would not let me go, and pulled me from death. It was he who brought me home.”
I felt…I felt far too many things, the greatest being relief, followed by exhaustion, and then anger.
“If that is so, why does the world believe you lost, Marcella? The town is enraged.” I had even heard their rumbling as we crossed roads to arrive here.
“The duke said that if I am lost, I cannot be found and returned to my owner,” she responded. I could think of nothing else to say, other than to walk to her and hug her.
“We shall speak more later.” I nodded to her and then looked at the doctor. “My husband?”
“This way,” he said before addressing Marcella. “Did I not tell you to remain in bed? You are not to be walking.”
“Forgive me, I…” Her stomach growled, and I smiled, for it was the type of innocence I expected of her, and it reminded me of myself once more. She quickly grabbed her stomach.
“Are there no maids for the kitchen?” I asked. Looking around, I saw no one but the four of us.
“My father has few attending to him, and they were dismissed,” she said.
“I shall see to it, Your Grace,” Eleanor said, already looking around the house.
When there was a knock once more, I noticed Marcella rush to hide, and the doctor motioned for me to be quiet before going to the door.
“May I help you?” the doctor said as he opened the door partially.
“I am in Mr. Wildingham’s service. I seek to check on him,” said the maid.
“There are to be no guests. Should your services be required, the gentleman will call,” the doctor said to her. I listened to them speak back and forth, a little unsure as to why we were all hiding. But finally, when they did leave, the doctor motioned for me to follow him up the stairs.
None of this was what I had expected. I had prepared myself to see Marcella in a bed or within a casket upon arrival, yet when I got here, it was Evander who was injured and who looked as if he had seen the end of days.
“Evander?” I gasped, rushing to his side. “Why does he look so poorly?” I asked the doctor.
“The medication I gave him last night must be waning. He has dislocated his shoulder,” the doctor replied as he moved to his bag that was set in the far corner of the room, “as well as managed to obtain a few lacerations on his arm. Other than that, he should be fine. Though at the rate he puts himself at risk…” He muttered the last part under his breath, so I was unable to hear, but I was sure it was not a compliment.
“Thank you,” I said. “Whatever your price, we shall surely pay it.”
“I have no doubt. I shall go check on Mr. Wildingham to give you both a moment,” he said, collecting his bag and exiting the room quietly.
When he was gone, I laid my head upon Evander’s chest to listen to his heartbeat, as only that could soothe my nerves and mind at this moment.
