She let out a small moan of pain. “Christopher, I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Just stay still now. Don’t try to get up. Daisy is going to go get a physician. How do you feel?”
“I think I’m alright. It looks worse than it is. Here, just let me get up and-”
“Please,” he put a hand to her chest, pushing her back down. “I don’t want you to move and make any injuries worse.”
“I can’t just stay on the floor here until the physician arrived,” she said, with a dismayingly weak smile.
“If you are that sdet on moving, I can carry you somewhere more comfortable. Come to think of it, that would probably be better for you.”
“You don’t need to-” but before she could finish her thought, he lifted her in his arms, causing her to let out another small squeak.
“Sorry, was I too rough with you?” he asked, face suddenly far too close to her own.
“N- no it was nothing like that.”
“Then what is it?”
“I- I was just surprised is all. I wasn’t expecting you to lift me. It seems a little much don’t you think?”
He shook his head. “I already told you, I won’t lose anything else.”
After that, she fell silent. She knew she had already done enough damage. The best thing she could do now was to keep her mouth shut so she didn’t cause any more pain.
Christopher carried her into her sitting room, laying her out gently on the sofa.
“I thought about taking you to bed, but thought you might prefer to see the physician out here.”
“I think I would. Thank you for thinking of me.”
He huffed, looking away. “Just promise me you will be more careful in the future. I shutter to consider what could have occurred if I had not returned home when I did.”
“Yes, I will,” she said, and in a way, she meant it.
She knew what she would have to do to avoid causing him any more pain. She wouldn’t let something like this happen again.
“Your Grace!” Daisy’s voice cut through the air as she knocked on the door of Veronica’s bedroom. “I brought the physician. ”
Things were a flurry of activity after that. Just as she said, she was declared to be a little banged up but overall, fine. Christopher went to walk him to the door, then Veronica turned to Daisy.
“I’m rather tired after all of that. Could you give me some time alone?”
“Of course, your grace. Would you like me to help you change for bed?”
“That won’t be necessary, but thank you for everything.”
She smiled then Veronica was alone. Letting out a sigh, she pushed to her feet and got to work.
She didn’t take much, not wanting to over encumber herself, packing only an extra gown and a few sentimental possessions before making her way outside to the stables.
Horse saddled, bags packed, and mind set, she slipped off into the woods.
Chapter Seventeen
Darkness seemed to push in on Veronica as she made her way through the cool forest. The last rays of the sun had surrendered to the crushing night and the moon.
A foreboding sound cut through the night and her heart began to pound.
