“And you won’t.” Adam’s expression was as grim as his voice. “He has far too much on his mind after everything that’s happened and with the coronation nearly upon us. The baron was drunk after all. Who knows if he realized what he said to you?”
“Yes, but Adam—”
“No arguments, Estelle.Leave Princess Hortense to her plans and trust that Valentin knows how to handle his sister. After what happened today, I doubt he’ll let anyone keep him from the outcome he wishes…which means marryingyou. Now I’m going to find him and let him know that you’ll be fine after a few days’ rest.”
“Oh, no, will I be able to attend the coronation and ball?” Estelle blurted as Adam leaned over to kissher forehead and then straightened to take his wife’s arm.
“Only if you follow doctor’s orders and stay in bed,” he said bluntly, though she saw a hint of a smile upon his face.
Linette had only an instant to bend down and kiss Estelle’s cheek, too, before Adam drew her with him from the room.
Estelle stared with frustration at the door closing behind them, chafing already to jump up and getdressed though she winced at the soreness in her side.
She wanted so desperately to see Valentin and assure him that all was well, she was well, and within days they would happily be together.
Yet for now she must content herself with remembering the comfort of his arms around her as he rode with her back to the castle…his heartbeat steady and strong beneath her ear.
Her beloved husband-to-be,Valentin.
She hoped he wouldn’t mind that she had revealed their secret to Adam and Linette, but given the circumstances about the brass button, she’d had no other choice. Indeed, Valentin’s clandestine—and in truth, wholly improper—visit to her room while she’d been alone wasn’t something they would wish any others to know, however innocent.
She imagined Linette would tell Adam the full story,which was only right, and they certainly wouldn’t allow the tale to go any further. Then there was Mattie, who no doubt would refrain from telling anyone else if Estelle explained what had happened and asked her to help keep their secret.
That only left the footman who’d come to her room that morning, but he’d been standing too far away to hear what Mattie had said to her about finding the button…hadn’the?
