Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Edward approached the bed.
“I need the water closet and to get out of these clothes,” I told him. “Give me your flask.”
He pulled one from his jacket and offered it to me. The bite of the liquor was what I needed to face moving. I handed it back to him and, with his aid, stood from the bed. The burn in my arm increased, and I groaned in frustration.
“Remind me not to get shot again.”
“Good plan. Now, let us get this over with, shall we?”
Maddie reappeared a short time later. “Your tray will be here soon.” She looked at my bare chest and arm, frowning. “I want to check the wound.”
I was growing weary, the simple act of undressing and relieving myself almost too much. I nodded, and she efficiently undid the bandage and hummed, sounding pleased.
“It is clean and cool,” she informed me. “I will rewrap it, and Dr. Atwood can check in the morning.” She went to the washstand and wrung out some cloths, returning to the bed and wiping down my face, chest, and arms. She was proficient and quick, and I enjoyed her tender ministrations.
She allowed me to sit in my favorite chair, and I sipped the whiskey and ate the food offered. Edward spoke, filling me in on the day I had slept through. The farmers were doing well, the crops planted. Missives had arrived for me to look over but nothing urgent.
“Tomorrow or the day following will be fine, my lord,” he assured me.
“I will go to the village tomorrow,” I informed him. “If Barnett is well enough, I will dispatch him back to his own estate. I don’t want him even remotely close to my wife,” I said quietly, watching as Maddie bustled around with Mrs. Dougall. The bed was changed, fresh water brought in, and a banyan laid out for me. They conferred in quiet voices, and I stared in wonder at my wife.
“She knows the truth of the baron,” I told Edward, my eyes never leaving her.
“It would appear she has taken the news in stride. She is a strong woman.”
“She has had to be with all she endured.” I paused. “She humbles me.”
“Love can do that,” he mused, causing me to eye him closely.
“Oh? You know this from experience?” I asked.
“Words I have heard.”
I snorted in derision, but he ignored me.
“I wish to find out as much information as possible about her real father,” I informed him in a low voice. “I think it would bring her comfort.”
He nodded in agreement. “I have already started inquiries about the possible cousin.”
“Thank you.”
“I will be ready in the morning to escort you to the village,” he said, standing. “If, of course, her ladyship permits it.”
“Let us not allow her to think she has that power,” I murmured.
He smiled as he clapped a hand on my good shoulder. “She already knows, Alexander. She already knows.”
CHAPTER 23
ALEXANDER
The sky was overcast and dark the next morning as we rode into the village. Under the guise of collecting some supplies, we took the cart. The truth was, my arm ached constantly, and the thought of swinging up into the saddle was unpleasant. Especially knowing I would be watched.
At the inn, we entered, surprised to see Dr. Atwood there talking to the innkeeper.
“What is the news?” I asked.
“He is awake, complaining, and cranky.”
“Is he well enough to travel?”
My physician sighed. “He is breathing and the wound is clean, so in my estimation, yes.” He lowered his voice. “He was not of good health before this incident, my lord. How he will fare, I do not know. It is up to his physician when he arrives to his own estate.”
“Good enough.” I looked toward Edward. “Settle the account, and I will go speak with him.”
I headed upstairs, knocking on the door of the room I was told Barnett was in. I didn’t wait for his summons before entering and shutting the door behind me. The room smelled of piss and unwashed flesh, and I grimaced, crossing to the window and yanking it open. “Good God, man, have some pride.”
Barnett glared at me, his hatred on full display.
“Your account is settled as of today. Take your unctuous little crew and leave. Do not return.”
“I will sell you Milton Manor now.”
“No. You had your chance. Many of them. I no longer want it,” I lied.
He cursed me, calling me several names. I remained silent until he was done.
I raised my voice so he could hear me clearly, having no wish to get closer to his person.
“I have no idea why you hate me. Or why you treated Maddie as you did. You could have chosen to see all of her mother in her. To celebrate that she lived on in a clever, loving woman, instead of punishing her for something she had no control over.” I shook my head in anger. “Did you think that made you a bigger man? Hurting a child? Beating her into submission?”