“Every Sinclair who is wed is married to someone of Raven blood.”
“You’re not serious?” Michael said.
“Totally.”
“Good Lord,” Gabe said, rising. He straightened his clothes and stomped his feet back into his boots and made for the door.
Nathan followed minutes later, as he didn’t seem capable of staying in his seat after what they’d just discussed. Surely Beth was in no way involved in what had been happening. It did not seem to him as if she was capable.
Was she?
“No. Not possible.” It was merely a series of coincidences that had connected her with this.Surely.
Entering the room where Walter now resided, he found Dimity on the bed looking devastated. Ella and Forrest were no longer there.
“How is he?”
“Weak, and barely eating.” Her lips trembled.
He moved to the bed and took the other side. Sitting on the edge he stroked a hand over a soft head. Walter sighed. It sounded tortured.
“It is only a superficial wound. And Captain Sinclair assured us he would survive, Dimity.”
Walter sighed again, but it ended on a pitiful snuffle.
“But he is not eating,” she whispered. “I’m so worried about him.”
Digging into his pockets, Nathan found a peppermint stick.
“It’s no good. I’ve tried to feed him by hand, but he refuses everything. Mrs. Wood brought up a bowl of broth, but he won’t even touch that.”
Nathan held the stick under Walter’s nose. One eye opened as he sniffed. He then snatched it, and in seconds it was gone.
“Not that he isn’t in pain or suffering, but I do think Walter may be an excellent actor, Dimity.” Walter gave him a look, then closed his eyes and sighed. “He is a very smart dog.”
“He is a very smart dog,” she said, stroking a velvety ear. “And he does love peppermint sticks.”
“Hello. How is the patient?”
They turned and found Mrs. Huntington at the door. She had the dark hair and the green eyes of her siblings, and a gentle smile on her face.
“I am Essex Huntington, and when my cousin Captain Sinclair told me what happened earlier today, I thought a jar of salve and a tonic may be needed.” She approached the bed.
“Mrs. Huntington.” Nathan got off the bed and bowed. “This is my future sister-in-law, Miss Saint-Bonnard.” He held out his hand to assist Dimity off the bed.
“Oh no, don’t move!” Essex Huntington hurried forward and took the place Nathan had just left. “What a lovely big boy you are,” she crooned, stroking Walter, who in turn sighed pitifully.
“Where is he? Where is my boy?”
They all turned to the doorway, and in ran the Duchess of Yardly. Pale-faced, clutching Romulus to her chest, she hurried to the bed.
“He is all right and will live,” Dimity assured her.
“But how do you know?” the duchess demanded.
“How about I have a look at him and ascertain the damage,” Essex said.
Nathan watched as with gentle hands she did just that.
