Along with the dukedom, Addison had also inherited the marquessate St. Alastair, which came with a decent-sized estate off the Loch Ryan.
“Perhaps her sister will be willing to reside with her there.” His Aunt Irene wasn’t much different from his mother.
“But not Fiona.”
“No.” For the first time, he was happy his sister had decided to go to the school.
And although a part of him was saddened by the idea of sending his mother so far away, he refused to subject Collette to her venom.
Addison flinched at a particularly painful prod. “Bloody hell.”
“Cracked ribs, Your Grace,” the doctor announced. “You’ll need to rest as well.”
Rowan stepped deeper into the room to allow Addison’s valet, who was carrying a robe, to enter. “A hot bath is being prepared.” Mr. Brown frowned when his eyes flicked over Addison’s condition.
Addison brushed the doctor away, snagged the robe from Brown, and summoned his last morsels of strength.
“After I’ve seen my fiancée.” He shot a glance across the room to Chaswick. “Tomorrow I’ll be obtaining a special license.”
The baron’s brows rose, and for a moment, he seemed to be weighing the meaning of Addison’s declaration. But then he nodded as though comprehending what the others in the room did not.
“In that case, don’t take too long having those wounds attended to.” Chaswick said.
Addison dipped his chin in agreement and then turned to the doctor. “Mr. Brown will show you to my chambers. I’ll meet you there shortly.”
“Of course, my lord.” The doctor nodded.
“This way, sir.” Mr. Brown gestured for the physician to follow him.
Addison didn’t wait to hear anymore. Oblivious to everything but his desire to be at her side, he made his way upstairs to find Collette.
* * *
She wasno longer trapped under that small cot. Her eyes were heavy, her foot throbbed and her body ached, but she was alive.
Addison had saved them.
Being practically entombed beneath the debris like that had been terrifying for her; it would have been terrifying for anyone. It had to have gone beyond his worst nightmare.
But he hadn’t panicked. Rather than being crushed beneath the weight of his fears, he’d found the wherewithal to free her foot.
And then gotten both of them to safety.
Vague memories of fighting for consciousness, knowing she was a burden to him, niggled at her. He could have left her there and gone for help. He could have escaped the nightmare without her. She would have understood. It would have been terrifying, but she would not have blamed him.
He’d refused to leave her.
The door creaked open, and she knew it was him before she even opened her eyes. Was that because he possessed her heart?
Or because she possessed his?
“Collette?” The slow rumble of his voice reached across the room.
“Addison.” She fought off the heaviness of her eyes so she could look at him. Even in the soft glow of a few tapers, a light of love burned in his eyes.
Halting halfway inside, he stared at her. “I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry?” His apology had her pushing herself up to sit. “For what?” Had he changed his mind about wanting to marry her? It would be ironic now that she saw their future differently.
