“Dr. Elliott will be here soon,” Edgerton said.
“Good,” Richmond said.
Courtney pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve and wiped the tears from Charlotte’s face. “Don’t cry, my dear. Dr. Elliott’s an excellent doctor; he’ll have you fixed up in no time.”
Charlotte nodded. “Thank you, Lady Edgerton,” she whispered.
Emma had trailed miserably along behind them but stopped in the doorway of Charlotte’s bedchamber. She wanted to go to her friend but didn’t know if Charlotte wanted to see her. Watching Courtney offer her comfort, Emma felt a sharp pain pierce her chest. She should be the one offering comfort, but the stern frown on Richmond’s face forced her back to pacing in thehallway instead.
Dr. Elliott arrived in record time and entered the room, closing the door after him and leaving Emma waiting in the hallway for news.
“Miss Bainbridge, I heard there was an accident. Are you well?” Ava asked, rushing to Emma’s side.
“Yes, but Charlotte was thrown from her horse.”
“Oh, dear. What horrible news. I do hope she’ll be well. She paused a moment, then said, “Would you like to change while you wait for news?”
Emma shook her head. “I don’t want to leave until I know how Charlotte is faring.” She’d been pacing for several minutes when a blood-curdling scream came from the bedchamber. Tears sprang to Emma’s eyes and streamed down her face. She hated that her friend was in such agony.
Oh, what have I done? I’m so sorry, Charlotte. Please, please, please be well.
Ava grabbed her arm. “Come, Miss Bainbridge. You can’t do anything here. Let’s get you out of your riding habit.”
Emma let herself be led away to her bedchamber. She didn’t know how she’d ever face Charlotte or Richmond again. A perfect day had turned into a tragedy, and it was all her fault.
Ava unlaced her and helped her out of her habit. “The bath is ready.”
Emma nodded and took her time soaking in the tub. As much as she wanted to hide in her room for the rest of the day, she knew she’d have to go downstairs and face the guests who had probably shown up out of curiosity raised by the flurry of unexpected activity. Ava helped her change into a lavender muslin day dress before she eventually made her way to the parlor. All eyes turned her way when she entered, and she inwardly cringed at the unwanted attention.
Courtney came to her. “How are you?”
“More importantly, how is Charlotte? What did the doctor say?” Emma asked.
“She has a bad break, and the bone needed to be set. The doctor’s hopeful it will heal well. Charlotte should be fine, but she’ll need time to rest and recover.”
“I heard her scream and wished it was I who was suffering instead.”
“You mustn’t blame yourself. It was an accident,” Courtney said.
Emma hung her head. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault,” she whispered.
Richmond was next to her when she looked up. “What’s your fault?” he asked. His face was set in stern lines, and she couldn’t read anything in his eyes. Emma hadn’t seen him enter the parlor. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Please forgiveme, Your Grace.”
A frown marred his handsome face, and she could barely stand before him without trembling. “I wanted to race, but I should never have—”
“Miss Bainbridge, Charlotte told me a rabbit spooked her horse. It was no one’s fault.”
Emma looked into his beautiful blue eyes and wanted to drown in them. “A rabbit?”
Richmond nodded. “Yes. It was an unfortunate accident, that’s all. It was no one’s fault, so there’s no need for you to shoulder any blame.”
Emma exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “May I see her?”
He shook his head. “No. The doctor gave her laudanum for the pain, and she’s finally sleeping. Tomorrow would be better.”
“Of course, Your Grace. Thank you for letting me know.”
Courtney took her hand. “Come and have a cup of tea. We’ve all had quite a scare this morning.”
