Ambrose was looking for her, concern etched on his face, when she returned. “Dillie and Belle took me upstairs to calm me down,” she explained. “Are you hungry? Shall we join everyone else in the dining room?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure you are all right?”
“Yes, I’m perfect.” She wrapped her arm in his. “Did you scare off Felicity Rose’s toadies? I think you must have enjoyed growling at them all.”
His expression lightened and he smiled. “I did find it satisfying.”
Later that evening back at Eloise’s house, Adela told him the truth about why she had gone to the ladies retiring room.
He exploded. “Why did you not tell me sooner? I would have killed the stupid bastard.”
“Which is precisely why I waited until now to tell you. Is this not the very same reason you would not let me approach Felicity Rose?” She matched his stubborn look with one of her own. “I do not need you killing a man over me.”
“You need to see a doctor.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I am fine.”
He summoned Dr. George Farthingale, who happened to be having a nightcap next door with John and Sophie. Adela was now quite well versed in all the Farthingale family connections, and knew George and John were brothers.
To her relief, George Farthingale did not appear in the least incensed to be disturbed at this hour of the night over so small a matter. The ball had gone on into the wee hours of the morning, and he had also been in attendance. “Let me have a look at you, Adela. I understand my niece treated your cut. Dillie knows what she is doing. I’m sure she did it properly.”
Adela nodded. “That’s what I tried to explain to His Grace. But he is too thickheaded to listen.”
“I am not thickheaded, but I do protect what is mine.” Ambrose insisted on remaining in the room while the doctor examined her. He stood quietly with his arms crossed over his chest, looking every bit the fierce warrior as he observed all that went on. “Well, doctor?”
Since George Farthingale kept a spare medical bag at his brother’s home– no doubt necessary when dealing with his family’s own cuts, scrapes, and other more serious wounds– he had exactly what he needed at hand. “This tincture works wonders at preventing infection. Not that I expect one to develop, for Dillie and Belle did a good job in treating Adela. I am also applying a bandage to it, but its only purpose is to prevent the tincture from bleeding onto your gowns, Adela. Wouldn’t want to ruin them. That ought to do it.”
She cast him a heartfelt smile. “Thank you, Dr. Farthingale. I am so sorry we disturbed you at this hour of the night.”
“Not at all,” he replied kindly. “His Grace was worried about you, and rightly so. Having seen battle wounds and how quickly they can become infected, he had to be cautious and summon me. Well, good night to you both.”
Ambrose nodded. “Doctor, I’ve taken you out of your way. May I give you a ride home?”
He shook his head. “Yes, I would appreciate that. Will you give me a few minutes to wash up and return my medical bag to my brother’s house?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll need a minute with Adela anyway.”
She sighed. “You had better not lecture me.”
Ambrose rubbed his hand along the nape of his neck. “I am not going to lecture you.”
“Because I will stick my fingers in my ears and refuse to hear a word if you attempt it.”
“Adela, I am not going to lecture you.”
The doctor chuckled as he walked out. “You sound like a married couple already.”
Adela gathered the bodice of her gown about her bosom as best she could, for she now felt the heat of Ambrose’s gaze on her while she was very much unlaced.
Goodness, she liked that smolder in his eyes.
She cleared her throat. “Eloise and my maid will come up here any moment now.”
“I know.” He took a step toward her. “You should have told me, Adela.”
“About Brynmore? I did, but I just waited until I felt it was safe to do so. Not that I feel very safe with you at the moment. I mean, you look as though you are about to eat me up.”
“The thought did cross my mind.”
