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“Those cares are rare, I believe.”
“I can’t believe they used my name to lure her into a strange carriage,” said Lady Catherine.
She was very pale and her lips had a bluish tinge to them. Perhaps it was the candlelight, but Raven knew Indy had been worried about her friend’s health.
“Why don’t you get some rest, Lady Catherine? I’ll keep watch over her.”
“I do feel a little tired. I don’t know if Indy told you, or not, but I suffer from vertigo.”
“Please have a good night’s rest. I’m sure Indy will be back to herself by morning.”
She took her leave and Raven closed the door behind her. His entire body ached from the punishment he’d received. When a servant brought hot water and towels, he washed the blood away from his face. The bruises would be there for a long time.
He bathed Indy’s face with hot water. She stirred in her sleep. A good sign.
He removed his coat and boots and climbed into bed next to her.
“If you wake up, Indy, I swear I will never tell you another lie as long as I live.”
There was no response. She slept, her chest rising and falling in a regular rhythm. Her profile was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
He never cried, so of course that wasn’t a tear sliding down his cheek. Must be sweat.
“If you wake up, Indy,” he whispered, “I’ll lay my heart at your feet. I’ll beg you for forgiveness.”
He loved her. He’d always loved her. What a bloody fool he’d been to give her up, to make decisions on her behalf without giving her any choice in the matter.
He’d been too young to make that kind of decision.
“Please wake up,” he said.
No answer.
He curled his body around hers, as if his warmth might communicate directly to her body, while her mind slept.
He wouldn’t sleep. Not until he knew she was out of danger.
He rested his head on her shoulder.
“Raven?”
His eyes flew open. He must have fallen asleep.
“Indy. You’re awake.”
Hope filtered through his heart like sunlight through a diamond.
She tried to sit up and he placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “Don’t try to move yet.”
“Raven,” she whispered. “It was you. In Whitechapel. You’re the one who saved me.”
He smiled. “Yes.”
All of his secrets would be revealed now. He didn’t care anymore about the consequences. He could no longer lie to her.
“You had a blow to the head,” he explained. He left the bed and fetched a glass of water.
“Drink some water.” He lifted her head and helped her take a sip.
