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CHAPTER1
Selena, Countess Fernsby, paced the bustling hallway of the London hospital, waiting for her husband to come through the double doors at the end of the corridor. Eight months prior, the military office had notified her that Owen was missing in action. Then four months later, she had been notified that he was alive. Her heart had dropped at the news. The bastard had lived. Death would have been too easy for a man like Owen Fernsby.
The letter Selena had received stated that Owen had suffered a blow to the head and lost his memories. Amnesia. Selena knew nothing further. The doors on the opposite side of the room opened. A doctor in a white coat approached her.
“Lady Fernsby?” He had a kind smile.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m Dr. Lucas. I wanted a minute of your time before you see your husband. If that is all right with you?”
Selena nodded. The doctor led her through the doors, then directly to a small office on the left. The gentleman closed the door before taking a seat behind the desk.
“I wanted to go over Lord Fernsby’s condition with you before you meet him.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I must admit, I was not given much information except to say that my husband had experienced memory loss.”
“Lord Fernsby suffered a substantial blow to the head. I do not know the exact circumstances of the injury, but he has no memory past the day he woke up in the field hospital in New Zealand.”
“Does he have any other injuries?” Selena wanted to be prepared.
“He is otherwise fit and healthy.” Doctor Lucas leaned forward in his chair. “But his mental health is in a delicate state. The mind is still vastly unknown. There is no telling when or if his lordship will regain his memory.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Not that she wanted to. If Owen had forgotten his past transgressions, perhaps she could have a semblance of a tranquil life after eight years of married hell.
“Just give him time. Tell him about his life before the accident. Take him to places he used to frequent.”
There was little chance that Selena would take him to brothels and gaming halls. Beyond that, she did not know how her husband had passed his time.
She gave the doctor a reassuring smile. “I will do my best.”
“Well,” Dr. Lucas said as he stood up, “I will fetch your husband. Are you staying in town?”
“No. I thought it best to let him recover at our country house just outside of London.”
“If you need anything, do not hesitate to call on me or write.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
He led Selena back to the main lobby where she had been waiting. So there was a chance Owen’s memories would return. Where would that leave her? There had to be a way to secure her future in case her husband remembered their turbulent marriage. She could not bear that life again. No, she would figure out a way to protect herself.
Suddenly, the doors opened. There stood Owen. He was the same—but different. The slight wave in his chocolate brown hair had not changed, nor had the stormy gray of his eyes. Whereas before, those eyes would have looked upon her with icy disdain, now there was a glimmer of—hope. And was that fear? Uncertainty? It was odd. Selena did not know what to make of it. As if trying to shield herself, she wrapped her arms around her abdomen. She approached Owen like one would a wounded animal, cautious that it might lash out.
Owen came up to her. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Good afternoon, Selena.” He smiled hesitantly.
“Good afternoon, your lordship.”
The smile faded when he heard her formal greeting and her distant tone. Selena dared not hope that the man in front of her would not turn back into the old Owen. Best to keep her emotions in check and distance herself. Hope was the last thing she wanted to give herself. She’d learned it was a wasted emotion.
“The carriage is waiting. Do you have anything to bring along?”
“Yes.” He held up his military bag. “My personal items are all packed.” Owen offered his arm, which Selena reluctantly took. Her hand barely rested on the sleeve of his jacket.
When was the last time she had willingly touched her husband? Not since before they had wed, when she had been a foolish, young girl with dreams of love and happiness. She peered up at Owen’s questioning stare. He really doesn’t remember anything. She would give him the benefit of the doubt – for now. Selena slid her hand around Owen’s proffered arm. There was no reason to be completely rude to the man.
The couple walked down the steps of the hospital to the waiting carriage. Once situated, the conveyance started on its way.
“Where are we going?” Owen asked. Again, a hint of nervousness crept into his voice.
