“I see an invalid’s cane,” Sir John snapped. “What an old man I shall look.”
“Oh now. Just imagine it is one of those fine walking sticks sported by London gentlemen.”
“Then I shall be a dandy.”
“Better a dandy than an old man.”
Sir John grimaced.
Personally, Hannah thought Sir John was looking stronger and younger every day, except, that is, when he scowled, as he was at the moment.
Dr. Parrish noticed her in the doorway. “Ah. My lady. Just in time. You stand there and Sir John shall endeavor to walk to you.”
Sir John’s mouth twisted bitterly. “I am not an infant, man, toddling to his mother.”
“Of course not, Sir John. But what better incentive than your dear wife’s arms to urge you onward?”
Hannah felt her cheeks heat.
Sir John looked up at her, eyes twinkling. “Do you hear that, my lady? You are to hold out your arms to me as incentive.”
His teasing was playful, Hannah realized with relief—and not taunting as before.
He said to the physician, “I am more likely to bowl her over than sweep her off her feet.”
“Just do your best, Sir John,” Dr. Parrish said. “Even one step will be a victory.”
Face furrowed in concentration or pain or both, Sir John took step by laborious step across the room. One hand white-knuckled the cane, the other was supported by Dr. Parrish.
Hannah was tempted to take a step or two forward, to shorten the gap.
As if guessing her intention, Sir John stopped her with a determined lift of his chin. “Stay where you are.”
Brow sweating, he pulled his hand from Dr. Parrish’s grip. “I’ll manage these last few steps on my own.”
“But I want to be near at hand, should—”
“If I fall, I fall.”
One foot slid forward—weight transferred, balance regained, cane thumped. Then the next foot, each step arduous and small. Hannah feared he would collapse before he made it. Sweat glistened at his neck now.
“Just one more,” she said. “That’s it. You’ve almost made it!”
Impulsively, Hannah extended her arms, thinking she might help support him, though doubting she would be able to catch him should he fall. He had lost a stone or more since the accident, but he was still a large man.
An ironic grin curled his lip. His eyes glinted with humor and determination.
The final step. Hannah reached out and held his arms, trying to steady him as he swayed on trembling legs.
Dr. Parrish applauded. “Bravo. I’d say that deserves a kiss, wouldn’t you?” The doctor winked at Hannah.
“Hear, hear,” Sir John agreed. “If only I can catch my breath long enough to enjoy it.”
“I...” Hannah swallowed self-consciously. “Don’t you want to sit down?”
“Oh, go on, my lady. I shall look the other way.” Dr. Parrish grinned impishly.
Suddenly as breathless as Sir John himself, Hannah said, “Very well.”
