AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Isadora.
Rem jerked his eyes about the room, finally settling on hiswife. He realized that she was the reason for his lack of hand movement, as she was clasping it within hers. But it was the sight of her lovely face turned toward him, her cheek on the bed near his bandaged chest and several dark tendrils of her hair escaping as she slept that tugged at his heart.
Was it possible to love this woman any more?
She frowned in her sleep and gave a small whimper of distress. Still feeling a bit sluggish, he moved his other hand and laid it across the top of her head and stroked gently. Her fascinating, gray eyes opened and looked at him. It took a moment for recognition to strike, but when it did, she burst into tears.
Remington blinked. And then blinked again. Was she actually crying? Or was he dreaming?
She put her arms around his neck. Injured or not, his body immediately responded when her breasts brushed his naked chest. He groaned, and she immediately moved away. “I’ve hurt you!”
She sounded so horrified that he had to chuckle. It was rusty, but it still felt good to do so. He shook his head and tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Her eyes brightened and she reached for a pitcher of water sitting nearby. She poured him a glass and helped to support his head while he took a generous drink.
“Better?” she asked.
“Infinitely,” he said huskily.
“It’s the laudanum. It can make one feel a bit disoriented for a time.”
That explained the odd way he was feeling. And the terrible cotton.
She returned to her chair and took his hand once more. “How are you?”
He debated whether he should answer truthfully or not. “I’ve been better,” he returned vaguely.
Her mouth turned down at the corners. “The doctor thinksthat you might have a broken rib or two. He told me your back was bruised, but I haven’t seen it yet.”
That would explain some of the pain he’d experienced as they had been dragged down the road in the overturned carriage. “Indeed.”
“At least you’re awake.” Concern laced her features. “But that doesn’t mean you are out of danger just yet. He would like you to stay here for a day or two for further observation.”
He regarded her carefully. “And you?”
She appeared affronted. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”
He leaned his head back against the pillows and smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”
She gently removed her hand from his. “I will be right back, I promise, but I need to fetch the doctor. He told me to let him know if there was any change in your condition.”
He nodded his head slightly. Too much would make his head spin. As she was about to leave, he said, “I’m glad you’re crying again, Isadora.”
She hesitated, and then a bright smile spread across her face. “I am too.”
When she left, Rem allowed himself a moment to embrace what that meant for their future together. He would endure ten thousand carriage accidents if that was what it took to free her from her past. He knew that they could have a happy life together, if only she would allow herself to love again.
At long last, he was enveloped in a sense of hope.
Two days later,Isadora and Remington left the village of Bedford behind with gratitude, well wishes, and a tidy payment to the doctor and his wife for taking such good care of them. They were told that their coachman’s carriage was still beingrepaired, but they were able to greet him in the inn’s local taproom.
He bowed profusely toward Remington. “I’m dreadfully sorry, my lord. I don’t know what happened. I could have sworn that everything was in proper, working order before we left Gretna Green.”
“Accidents happen every day.” Rem spread his arms wide. “As you can see, there’s no harm done. The situation could have been a lot worse had you not reacted as calmly as you did.” He nodded to Isadora. “I agree with my wife about covering the cost of the carriage repairs. I also insist on sending the bill for your lodging to me.”
His eyes widened. “But my lord—”
He laid a gentle hand on the man’s shoulder. “Kindness should be rewarded. You saved my life and got my wife to safety when I was unable to do so. Allow me to repay that debt.”
Reluctantly, the coachman nodded.
