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“And you shall have it,” she said promptly. “And my full sympathies as well. But until that moment of departure can be, I’m afraid you must put up with our company a little longer.”
His eyelids drifted closed. “Your company I don’t mind.”
“How kind of you to say so.”
This clever, witty woman was one he’d never mind. Or—he tensed—perhaps she was someone that he should.
“Sir?” Her voice now held a note of constraint. “Are you feeling in greater pain?”
He denied it and was thankful to soon hear the sounds of approach.
“Miss Stapleton? Hello?”
“Dr. Linton! We are down here.”
The arrival of the doctor refocused attention to extracting him from this predicament. Fortunately the doctor’s lighter weight meant he was able to descend the stairs to examine Daniel’s leg more closely.
“Captain Balfour. We meet again.”
Had they met before? He scarcely remembered. Perhaps they had. Not that it mattered.
The doctor administered a sedative, which numbed the pain, then splinted Daniel’s leg, and through an unfortunate amount of jostling, which proved the sedative was not completely effective, the doctor and Miss Stapleton helped him upright. It took much gritting of teeth to complete the torturous ascent of the stairs, but finally, with only a few unmanly whimpers of pain, he escaped from the wretched house to fresh air and freedom.
Sweat trickled down his back at the effort, and he gladly obeyed the doctor’s instructions to take Robert’s arm and lie down for further examination in greater light, albeit with the attendance of drizzling rain showers.
He drew in deep inhalations, as much to relinquish the dank staleness of before as to combat the pain.
“I do not like the look of this leg.” Dr. Linton prodded him, as if intent on seeing whether he could make Daniel cry. “He must be transported to an inn.”
“I think he would be better off at Stapleton Court,” his fair rescuer objected.
“But your grandfather—forgive me, miss, for speaking so bluntly, but the general is not exactly known for magnanimity.”
“Then it’s time such things were changed.” Miss Stapleton smiled uncertainly down at him. “That is if you have no objection, sir.”
“No objection,” Daniel admitted feebly.
“Then I really feel this would be the best way to ensure he receives good care and still retains his anonymity.”
“If you are sure.” The doubt weighting the doctor’s voice said he remained uncertain, but Miss Stapleton’s quick thinking and determination met no further protest.
It took some time—and much jaw clenching—across rough passage in rain showers until the gig finally turned in at the stone pillars marking Stapleton Court’s drive, and it wasn’t much longer until he was met with cries of “Oh, Uncle!” and “What in heaven’s name has happened?” and “Of course he must stay!”
Daniel was taken upstairs, further attended by the doctor who promised to visit again tomorrow, washed by a tight-lipped Mr. Siddons, and soon ensconced within heavenly fresh sheets. Miss Stapleton arrived with a hearty broth, which he ate while she looked on with sympathetic concern.
“I know this isn’t quite what you wished, but perhaps you will find some benefit in your enforced stay here.”
“Benefit?” He grimaced, gesturing to his bound leg. “This certainly doesn’t feel like it holds much advantage.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, Captain. But as you are the nearest relative of our young charge, I think it a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know Becky more. She, while being most concerned about your health of course, is perhaps alittleoverjoyed at the thought she will not be leaving for London quite as soon as was previously thought.”
“Benefit indeed.”
“I am glad you can see it that way.” She moved as if to leave, then paused. “Is there anything you need, sir? Perhaps, as the doctor advised, you might sleep easier after a few more drops of laudanum.”
He agreed, his body aching, wearied, but it seemed his mind was reluctant to rest.
“Would you like me to read to you until you fall asleep?”
