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I didn’t touch them.
I stared out the window at the drab parking lot while night descended.
Ian and I had been mostly silent as we followed the ambulance to the hospital, and I remained so as he dealt with things for Lou, and then for me, which ended with us being ushered into this office.
Though, for the whole car ride in his fabulous Jaguar, pure Ian, he held my hand.
The door opened and I whirled to it, only for my shoulders to sag in despair when I saw it wasn’t news forthcoming about Lou. Portia and Daniel walked in, and surprise of surprises, Lady Jane was with them, carrying a large basket covered in a tea towel.
Portia rushed to me. “How is she?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why didn’t you tell me what was going on at the house?” she demanded.
My temper instantly flared. “I don’t know, Portia. I was more concerned with being with Lou after she flailed around on the floor in the throes of a violent seizure. Sorry you weren’t the first thing on my mind.”
She withdrew, mumbling, “No need to get nasty.”
I couldn’t deal with Portia right then.
I looked back out the window.
“Bonnie sent some sandwiches,” I heard Lady Jane say.
“Thanks, Mum,” Ian replied.
“No word yet?” she asked.
He didn’t answer, but I suspected that was because he shook his head.
Daniel inched close. “Do you need anything, Daphne?”
It was a nice thing to ask.
“I’m good, Daniel, thanks,” I answered distractedly.
I heard noises, maybe sandwiches being passed around, people settling, I didn’t much care.
You know I love you.
Why did she say that?
The door opened and I did the whirling again.
It was the doctor this time.
“Miss Ryan, Lord Alcott,” he started, glanced around and saw three women in the room, “I mean, a Daphne Ryan.”
I stepped forward. “Me. I’m here.”
“Mrs. Fernsby-Ryan would like to see you and Lord Alcott.”
I moved forward instantly, snatching my purse off the desk where I’d put it, and about an instant after that, I felt Ian’s strong, guiding hand pressed to the small of my back.
I was a woman who could make my own way, but damn, that hand felt nice right where it was.
“We’ll wait here,” I heard Lady Jane say as we left the room.
