AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“There, do not move. We cannot afford to aggravate that injury.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“Miss Stapletonwill do for now.”
Miss Stapleton, yes. And what was her first name? Something outlandish, a name he’d never heard before, but now could never think of her as anything but … “Theo.”
She blinked. “Sir?”
“Forgive me, I have been trying to remember your name.”
“Ah, yes. Theodosia is rather an odd name to give a girl, is it not? But then, you’ve met my grandfather. The pride that keeps him afloat would demand a namesake of his own. And apparently my mother and father preferred Theodosia to Theodora, which was as close as they could find to match his, without beingtooclose, if you know what I mean.” She readjusted the shawl so it reached his chin. “I count myself fortunate that at least I am not named as my younger sister.”
He blinked. “I thought you an only child.”
“Ah, well my sister might act like that is the case, but no. She is married, and lives with her husband in Hexham.”
“Do they not visit you?”
“Not often. I don’t think Roger is overly fond of my grandfather, and I know the general is not too fond of him.”
From what he’d seen of the general, he doubted the old man would make his feelings anything but plain.
“Seraphina might—”
“I beg your pardon?”
“My sister is named Seraphina.”
“Another angelic reference?”
“You might think that to look at her, for she is very pretty.”
“You’re pretty,” he insisted.
“And you have hurt your head and are prone to saying nonsensical things.”
“Not nonsense.”
Her expression held doubt. “Hmm. I’m sure you must think my parents were quite whimsical. Well, my mother was anyway, a fact I’m sure surprises you, naming her daughters as she did. Apparently Theodosia means gift of God, which is—”
“Most appropriate,” he murmured.
“Well, ’tis kind of you to say so, but we both know that isn’t true.”
“But it is. I prayed, and there you were. A gift of God for me.”
Her cheeks pinked. “What nonsense you speak, sir.”
“Not nonsense.” He smiled. “Not like silly Billy Willikins.”
“Now, that is not quite right. I believe it was poor Willie Dillikins.”
“Forgive me.”
“I will, but only because you are in such pain.” She patted his arm gently.
“You are all kindness.”
