“You are in pain,” she stated.
Leopold said nothing.
“You were injured two days ago. The bruises on your body are still purple. You are foolish to be up and about and moving.”
“I am not foolish,” he ground out.
“No, you are used to matters progressing as you wish and command.”
“I am.”
“Well, do not be a fool and get some rest.”
He hated that she was right. He hated that he was weak, tired, and hurt.
“Into bed with you.” Bethany came forward and gently pushed him on the shoulder until Leopold once again lay back against the pillows.
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that he’d be much more comfortable and that he would promise to remain in bed if she joined him. At one time, he may have but he did not want to risk her walking out and not coming back. Besides, in his current state, he was too tired and pained to pursue what he’d once fantasized about sharing with Bethany.
Without looking, she then drew the covers over his body.
When he next woke, it was dark outside and a candle burned on a table near where Bethany stood in conversation with Henry.
“Clothing?” Leopold asked.
“I am sorry, Your Grace, but I could find nothing.”
“I do not care what the material or fashion. I simply want something on my body.”
“There is no one I could find.”
If he could get out of this bed, Leopold was certain he could locate something to wear. “My townhouse in London. Go there and tell the butler my needs.”
“London?” Bethany asked.
“As I cannot very well travel in a blanket and apparently only men of smaller stature reside in or visit this hamlet, I have little choice,” he barked, which Leopold immediately regretted as it pained his head, and he hoped the headache didn’t return.
Bethany stiffened and stepped back at his tone.
“I will leave right away, Your Grace,” Henry offered.
“You will not,” Bethany countered.
“Why is that?” Leopold demanded.
“It is nearly eleven at night. I will not have Henry waylaid on the road as you were. He can leave first thing in the morning.”
Bethany wasn’t really surprised that Claybrook was becoming difficult, nor could she blame him. She would not be happy in his situation either.
Claybrook had asked her to leave. If Bethany truly did not fear for his well-being, she would have. He clearly did not want her here.
As the sun was rising, there was a light tap on the door. Bethany opened it to find Henry.
“I am ready to depart.”
“Thank you and I hope you have a quick and safe return.”
She then closed the door and leaned back against it.
