Chapter 8
Valentin clenched his fists and paced in front of the massive fireplace at the heart of his private apartment. A fire always burned in this interior drawing room, warm or cold outside, but he was oblivious to the crackling flames as his anguish grew.
Why no news yet? He should have heard something by now as to whether Estelle had been seriously injured!
He’d known shewas in pain from the moment he’d pulled her into his arms, Gaston’s lifeless body lying only feet away from them. He had done his best not to jostle her during the ride home, grateful he had ordered his royal guests, their courtiers, and several soldiers back to the castle as he and the rest of his men had plunged into the woods to look for Estelle. What a hue and cry he most likely would have heardfor them to see her cradled in his arms!
Valentin cursed under his breath, not caring one whit what Ophelia, Alicia, and Ingrid must be thinking.
No doubt the three women had been informed of their return, and probably about what had occurred in the forest. Such astonishing news always traveled fast. He could scarcely believe it himself that his hated cousin was dead even though he’d been theone to plunge the knife into Gaston’s throat.
Such rage had filled him to see Estelle held captive in Gaston’s arms, a blade pressed against her neck, that he’d only reacted when she had screamed and hurled herself to the ground. He didn’t remember at all jumping from his horse or wresting away the knife, though the look in Gaston’s eyes when Valentin had struck the death blow would never leavehim.
Incredulity, as if Gaston couldn’t believe that he had finally been bested, falling dead to the ground mere seconds after making a futile attempt to pull out the knife.
“Damn you for eternity, Gaston Chevalier,” Valentin muttered, though any sense of triumph was tempered by the physical pain that might never leave him thanks to his cousin’s sadistic torture. Even now the damaged flesh onhis back felt as if needles pricked him, he knew because of straining to grab the knife—
“My lord, Miss Easton’s brother-in-law is here to speak with you,” Robert announced from the doorway, Valentin turning around to face him.
“Let the man in!” Surprised that the viscount had come himself rather than send word, Valentin felt fresh apprehension as he strode across the room to meet him. Yet herelaxed at once when he saw Adam’s face.
“Your Highness—Valentin. I’m pleased to let you know that Estelle sustained no serious injury, though she’ll be sore for a few days.”
“Thank God.” Smiling broadly with relief, Valentin reached out to shake Adam’s hand. He had liked this tall Englishman from the moment he’d met him, the two of them standing eye-to-eye. Yet the sudden movement of his armcaused him to wince, which made Adam look at him with concern.
“You’re in pain. Did your cousin cut you before you—”
“No,” Valentin broke in, perhaps a bit too brusquely. He shrugged, which also made him wince. “Old wounds from my time in prison.”
“You know I’m a physician. If you’ll allow me to take a look…”
Valentin sighed, his own doctors having been unable to find anything to fully alleviatethe pain, saying it would take time. Yet he had already mentioned to Adam about the two of them discussing ways to improve the health of his people. Why not start with his own?
“Very well.” Valentin had already changed out of his blood-splattered riding clothes to a white linen shirt, brown trousers, and boots, his preferred informal mode of dress. He turned his back to Adam and pulled his shirtover his head, not surprised when he heard a low intake of breath. “Not a pretty sight, but there it is, compliments of my cousin, Gaston.”
“May I touch the skin?”
“You’re the doctor.” Valentin hadn’t meant to sound flippant, but he truly didn’t think anything further could be done to help him. He closed his eyes as Adam gingerly touched his back in several places, and then quietly bade himto get dressed. He did so, and then turned around, Adam’s face grave indeed.
“I thought it was too much to hope for,” Valentin said with no small amount of resignation. “I will just have to live with it.”
“Actually, I can make you a salve that will soften the skin to make movement much less painful for you. I studied with an apothecary known for treating patients who’d sustained burns duringthe war. I’ll just need the ingredients and the use of some space in your kitchen.”
“Anything you want is yours.” Deeply grateful, Valentin once again reached out to shake Adam’s hand. Yet this time, Adam held out something to him in his palm, Valentin recognizing at once the polished brass button from his red military coat.
But how had Adam come to find it? Robert had told him this morningwhen he’d picked up the coat from where Valentin had tossed it last night that a button was missing on the front…
Realization gripped him when Adam nodded as if he’d read his mind, Valentin suddenly feeling as sheepish as a green youth. “Adam, truly, I can explain. I only visited Estelle in her room for a few moments—”
“I know, to ask her for her hand in marriage. Estelle thought it best totell us what had happened after her lady’s maid told my wife she’d found the button on the floor this morning. I have no doubt you intend to act honorably toward my sister-in-law, but in future, until the two of you are wed, there is something Idowant, Valentin.”
“Name it.”
“A chaperone with you and Estelle at all times.”
“Done.”
“Good. Estelle said you plan to announce your intention towed after the coronation…but until then, it must remain a closely guarded secret.”
