A pang of guilt wrenched her heart. How could she play the vengeful vixen when he was in this condition? Now she must be kind to him, so when he regained his memory, he’d remember her kindness. She just didn’t have the heart to be vindictive right now.
Not wanting to sit on the bed, she moved to the wall and grasped the only wooden chair in the room and carried it next to the bed. She sat, keeping her back straight and hands in her lap.
“Your name is Collin Dorsey. You were the Earl of Hanover, but just recently, you inherited the title Marquess of Kentwood.”
In silence, she studied his expression. Still, his eyes were expressionless. She needed to tell him more. But really, she didn’t know that much about him, except for what he’d told her when they first met in Bath.
“You have a brother who was just married. Most people know him by Lord William, but you call him Adrian, which I assume is his middle name.”
Slowly, Collin nodded. “He must be my younger brother.”
“He is.”
“Am I close to him?”
Adeline wished she knew that answer. But once again, she only knew what he’d told her while they were in Bath. “I don’t think you are.” She shrugged. “At least you weren’t. However, you could be now. Not too long ago, your father purchased a grand manor where you and your brother now live.”
Keeping his gaze on her, he scrubbed a hand over his chin. “Is my family wealthy?”
She nodded. “Very much so, and now that you have inherited the marquess’ lands, you are even wealthier than before.”
His gaze moved around the room. “And is this house mine?”
She clenched her jaw. She didn’t want it to be his. This was the place she hoped he’d let her live in. “Yes,” she answered in a tight voice. “But this is one of the smaller manors that you own, and it’s far away from any form of civilization.”
“So you’re saying the manor is in the country and it’s very quiet out here.”
“Extremely quiet, my lord.”
He exhaled slowly and a grin touched his mouth. “I think I would very much enjoy the peaceful life.” He shrugged. “Of course, I don’t know why I feel that way.”
Holding her breath, she tried not to release her frustrations. Instead, she must try to convince him that country life wasnotwhat he wanted.
“Forgive me, my lord,” she said, “but from what I know about your lifestyle, I would have to disagree. Living in the country would drive you mad. You would be completely bored.”
Confusion crossed his features. “But you live here, correct?”
“Correct.”
“And you don’t find it boring?”
If he only knew how hilarious that question was. “No, indeed. I prefer the quiet life compared to the hustle and bustle of the busier towns.”
“Well, for now as I’m recovering, I think I would like to stay here.”
“Oh, of course, my lord. The doctor doesn’t want you moved just yet.”
“That is understandable.” He lifted his hand and touched the gauze wrapped around his head. “The way I feel right now, I’m surprised my skull isn’t split in two.”
“I pray you will feel better tomorrow.”
“As do I.”
Silence passed between them and she felt uncomfortable again. Perhaps she should go to the kitchen to see why Pettingill was taking so long to bring Collin something to eat.
Adeline made a move to stand, but he held up his hand, stopping her. “Before you go, will you tell me one more thing?”
“Uh... I suppose there’s no harm in that.”
