“You’ve suffered a nasty bruise. You’re quite fortunate you weren’t killed.”
She pushed up suddenly. “Harry, where’s Harry?”
“He’s in the next room with Edward,” Justin said soothingly. “He has a broken arm, but I think he will be just fine.”
She sagged against the sofa. “Was anyone else injured in the accident?”
“No, you were the only carriage on the street at the time.”
“Thank God for that.”
Justin looked at her in amazement. Any other woman in her position would be in hysterics and the last thing on their mind would be the safety of others, much less their servants.
Just then Edward ushered in the doctor who set to work examining Jillian. It never occurred to Justin to remove himself from the room. Instead he remained beside Jillian holding her hand comfortingly.
“You are a very fortunate young lady,” the doctor announced when he had completed his inspection. “I recommend plenty of rest and no strenuous activities for at least a week.” He gave Justin a bottle of laudanum. “Give her some of this to help her rest and to ease her pain. I expect she will have quite the headache.”
He left to go attend to Harry, leaving the two of them alone.
She lifted her eyes to Justin. “Thank you, thank you for helping me and Harry.”
“I’m just glad you are unharmed.” The two stared silently at one another as if realizing they were entering uncharted territory. Case burst into the room, pale with fear. Relief poured over his face as he saw Jillian sitting on the couch. He rushed over to her. “My God, Jillian, I saw your carriage and thought—”
“I’m all right.” She smiled. “Thanks to Justin.”
He cupped her cheek in his hand. “Are you sure you are all right?”
“Yes, the doctor was just in,” she assured him. “I should be getting home now. Hilda and the others will worry. I must get Harry home as well.” A frown furrowed her brow.
“You’re not to worry about Harry,” Justin said soothingly. “He can stay here until the doctor pronounces him fit enough to travel. I’ll call for my carriage and take you home. You need to go straight to bed.”
“Case, will you see to Harry?” Jillian asked beseechingly.
“Of course, Jilly.” He hugged her to him tightly and kissed the top of her head. “Thank God you are safe.”
A footman appeared at the door to tell Justin the carriage was ready. Jillian rose to her feet and her knees immediately buckled. Justin caught her and swung her up in his arms. He carried her out and gently positioned her on the well-cushioned seat before climbing in to sit opposite her.
“I’m sorry to be such a nuisance,” she apologized shakily.
“Hush,” he chided. “You aren’t a nuisance at all.”
“May I quote you on that?” she asked, a smile tugging at her lips.
He laughed. “You must be well, you’ve certainly recovered your wit.”
They pulled up to Jillian’s house, and the footman swung open the door.
“I can walk,” she protested, as he went to pick her up. He ignored her and lifted her effortlessly into his arms and she rested her head on his chest.
When he walked into Jillian’s house carrying her, chaos ensued. Hilda shrieked, which brought Elsie, Johnny and Catriona running. They all began talking at once.
“Hold!” Justin ordered, and they quieted immediately. “Lady Penroth will be fine, but she needs rest and quiet,” he added, though his tone implied she had little chance of getting the latter in this household.
“And Harry?” Hilda asked in concern.
“Harry is being tended to at my house. He has suffered a broken arm, but otherwise is uninjured. Now if you don’t mind, I am taking Lady Penroth up to her room.” He turned to the younger women. “Which one of you is her lady’s maid?”
Elsie offered a quick curtsy. “I am, your grace.”
