* * * *
ADELINE’S LUCK HADturned from bad to worse. What in the blazes was Collin Dorsey doing at her estate?
Just as she’d exited the coach and was entering the manor, she heard a man’s painful shout. Moments later, her driver had mentioned he saw a servant running away from the estate as if the devil was nipping at his heels. This, of course, was reason enough for her driver and footman to investigate.
Being a curious woman by nature, she had followed her driver and footman. When she’d seen Collin lying in a pool of blood, it had terrified her. She instructed her servants to take Collin to the manor. As soon as she stepped inside, she issued another command, “Fetch Dr. Hadley posthaste.”
Now, nearly an hour later, she grumbled with impatience and paced the hall on the second floor, waiting for some answers. When the physician had entered Collin’s room, the marquess had been alive. But what about now? Why hadn’t anyone notified her what was happening?
She couldn’t stand the waiting, but entering the room would be highly improper. Especially after what happened this morning at Hanover Hall.
Since her husband’s death, Adeline had done all she could to repair the reputation that had fallen on the Kentwood name, especiallyhername – but to no avail. Of course, the town believed that she had killed her own husband only two days after they were wed. Almost everyone knew neither bride nor groom was happy about the marriage. But her husband’s death had only made people gossip more. Rumors were spread that Adeline was the one who drove him to drink and that she encouraged him to go out on the boat with his friends andotherwomen. She found it odd how she could have done that when she hadn’t seen Lloyd since their wedding night.
When she’d learned of the marquess’ death, she’d cried. A few days later when her husband’s solicitor informed her that Collin Dorsey would be inheriting the title... she’d cried again out of frustration and anger.
She glared at the closed door. Why had Collin come after her?
Her heart twisted in confusion and she resumed her pacing. It disturbed her greatly to think that he would want to see her now, especially after what had happened between them in Bath. What was his purpose in coming to her estate? Had he thought he could smile in that charming way of his and win her over? Had he planned on taking her back into his arms and kissing her passionately? Well, Collin Dorsey was sadly mistaken if that was his purpose. She would not give him a moment of her time. He didn’t deserve it.
The creak of the opening door had her swinging around so fast she nearly toppled over. She quickly righted herself and stared at the physician. Doctor Hadley, a middle-aged man with a full head of black hair, exited the bedroom. Holding his brown leather medical handbag in one hand, he quietly closed the door behind him.
“Lady Kentwood,” he said, taking steps in her direction.
She stood still as he approached. “Doctor Hadley? How is Lord Han... uh, I mean Lord Kentwood?”
“He had a nasty blow to the head, which I stitched up nicely. He’s finally gained consciousness, but is very disoriented.”
“Well, rightly so. Anyone would feel that way after being hit over the head with that thick tree limb.”
“No, milady, you don’t understand.” The physician inhaled and slowly blew out a breath. “Lord Kentwood is extremely disoriented.” He shook his head. “The man doesn’t remember why he’s here, or even who you are. He doesn’t even recall his own name.”
Adeline didn’t know whether to laugh or cry... or scream with frustration. She tried to feel sorrow, but the only thought that flashed through her mind at that moment was getting retribution.
Or perhaps... this was the very thing she needed to finally put the past to rest.
