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The stable master cut her an uncertain look as he went to fetch the requested items.
“I’m actually serious this time, Brody,” Ainsley said. “Taffy told me that you did a splendid job fixing Mr. Royal’s leg.”
Brody flashed her a shy smile. “Thank ye, my lady. I’ve got a wee bit of experience, since I’ve been patching up Kendricks for many a year.”
“And much better than that old sawbones,” Royal grumbled. “All he did was maul me about.”
“Nae, sir, Mr. Dillon is a fine surgeon,” Brody said. “I ken he’s got the measure of that leg of yers.”
“I’m glad someone does,” Royal said.
Ainsley wandered closer to the bed. “Is it very bad?”
He hesitated.
“The truth, please,” she coaxed.
“If you insist on knowing the truth, it hurts like the devil.”
“Royal, I don’t want you hiding how you feel from me. I’m your wife, and I have a right to know what troubles you.” For good measure, she wagged a finger at him.
His mouth twitched.
Ah.Finally, a glimpse of sunshine.
“Yes, my lady,” he said.
When Brody carried over a tray holding the requested decanter and glass, Ainsley took it and placed it on the bedside table, shifting the oil lamp to make room. The fading dusk threw shadows under the canopy and deepened the hollows of Royal’s cheekbones. Her heart clenched at the weariness and pain hazing his green eyes.
“Are you finished with your ministrations?” she asked Brody.
“Aye, my lady, although Mr. Royal could use a wee bit more liniment massaged into his leg. Helps to keep it from seizing up.”
Ainsley nodded at the small bottle on the table. “Is that it?”
“Aye.”
“Very well. I’ll take care of that.”
For a few moments, both men sported similarly incredulous expressions. Then Royal’s mouth flattened into a disapproving line. “You’ll do no such thing.”
“I’m perfectly capable of putting liniment on an injury, Royal.”
“Not this injury.”
Ainsley turned her back on him. “That will be all, Brody. I’ll ring if we need help.”
The older man’s smile was wry. “Ye’ll do just fine. Have Taffy fetch me if ye need anything else.”
“Brody, I don’t want Lady Ainsley—”
“I’ll be checkin’ on ye later, sir. Good night, my lady.” With a respectful nod, Brody quickly retreated from the field.
Clearly taken aback by his henchman’s refusal to cooperate, Royal muttered under his breath. He stretched out a long arm past Ainsley and grabbed the decanter. After splashing a generous measure into the cut crystal glass, he tossed it back in one swallow.
Without flinching, which made her wince.
“Does that actually help?” she asked.
