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She couldn't help grin at that declaration which seemed to settle Nickie some. When she looked up at Mr. Tilward, it honestly looked as if he was regarding her with affection.
"You risked injury to yourself to save the boy. Why?"
If Quinn thought that an odd question she didn't let on and replied simply, "Because he's a child and should be protected."
"Not many feel that way about children."
"Yes, well I don't understand that since all of us were children once upon a time." Quinn started to sit up and gasped in pain. Nothing was broken but she was going to be sporting some serious bruises.
"Let me help you stand at least." Mr. Tilward's hands were gentle but firm as he helped her to her feet.
Nickie grabbed her discarded gown as they made their way slowly back to the castle.
"Nickie, why did you run from your nurse?"
"She hits me." He bowed his head with shame.
Quinn stopped dead and turned to look down at the boy. "What do you mean she hits you?"
"She beats me with a cane."
Quinn looked to Mr. Tilward but she could tell by the anger that hardened his jaw that he was unaware of the nurse's treatment of the child.
"Will you show me where she hits you?" Quinn asked.
He hesitated for a moment before he lifted his shirt and turned to show her his back. Both Quinn and Mr. Tilward gasped in shock and outrage at the criss-crossed bruises that marred his skin.
"Does your father know?" she asked gently even though a rising fury towards the nurse was making her see red.
Nickie lowered his head. "No, she said if I told no one would believe me and she'd hit me harder."
Quinn lowered herself so she and Nickie were level before she wrapped the small child into her arms and held him close.
"She will not hurt you again, Nickie. I vow it."
His lower lip trembled for a moment before he threw his arms around her neck and cried. Quinn rubbed his back until his tears subsided then she stood and took his hand into hers.
"Is there a way to keep him from his nurse?" Quinn asked Mr. Tilward and when he replied his voice was as fierce as hers.
"She won't get anywhere near him. I vow it," he smiled at their shared commitment and Quinn knew that she had an ally.
Luckily they managed to get back to the house unnoticed but before Quinn could even think to take off her clothes to survey the damage Mrs. Hamston, Sara and three other handmaids came hurrying in.
"Oh dear we heard what you did. You poor dear, let us help you," Mrs. Hamston was already gently unlacing the stays which cut the pain in half but as the fabric was pushed away from her skin, Quinn didn't miss the startled looks.
"How bad is it?" she asked.
"My God, you must be in pain," Mrs. Hamston said softly.
Quinn looked down and realized what had caused the looks: her side was one colorful bruise.
"I am in a bit of pain," she conceded.
"I'll get you laudanum," one of the handmaids offered.
"No, thank you. It's not so bad that I need something for it but I will not be wearing that dreaded article of clothing for a few days," Quinn said gratefully pointing to the corset.
Mrs. Hamston grinned. "I think we can work around that. Would you like a tray sent up for dinner?"
