“You are correct, Doctor Lewis. I will not let her die.”
“Make certain she drinks plenty of fluids, and keep her as warm as possible. If her temperature rises, we shall have to place cold rags around her body to bring it down.”
Nash nodded and returned his attention to Maxey.
The physician left the room. Sighing, Nash ran his fingers through his hair. Death was not an option, yet what could he do to stop it from happening? So far, nothing he had done had helped.
A light knock came upon the door before it opened. He looked back to see who had entered. Mrs. Summers smiled as she brought in a tray of food.
“The cook fixed some special broth for Maxey.” She set the tray on the table. “And I brought you some food, as well.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Summers, but I am not hungry.” He turned back to Maxey.
Mrs. Summers touched his arm. “But you need to keep up your strength if you expect to help her.”
He glanced at the lovely brunette and smiled. “You are correct. It is hard to think about myself when I am so worried about her.”
“Yes, I can see how concerned you are. It’s evident in your eyes.” A blush stained her face. “But can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“You give the impression you and Maxey are relatives, but I think she means more to you than that. I have noticed the way she looks at you, and she is not looking at you like a woman who looks upon her uncle.”
He chuckled. “She doesn’t?”
Her cheeks grew darker. “No, and you don’t look upon her as a niece, either. You are not really related, are you?”
He smiled. “No.”
“Do you love her?”
He glanced at Maxey on the bed, and the unknown emotion twisted inside him again.Is it love?
He quickly dismissed the notion. Although he cared deeply about Maxey, he wasn’t in love with her. “I do care about her very much.”
Mrs. Summers dropped her hand and stepped away. “You men are all alike,” she muttered as she turned.
Nash reached out and grasped her wrist. Her pleasant smile was replaced with a scowl.
“Why do you say that, and in a sarcastic tone?” he asked, releasing her.
“Because men like you ignore your true feelings. You would rather follow your head than your heart.” She looked as though she fought an inner battle. “At one time I loved a man, but he didn’t return my feelings—at least, he wouldn’t allow himself to return those emotions. So, when Mr. Summers offered for my hand in marriage, I accepted. I could tell George loved me, but because I still harbored feelings for my young gentleman friend, I couldn’t let myself love George the way he needed. Three months after I married George, my secret love finally admitted he loved me, but it was too late.”
With the back of her hand, she wiped away a tear before straightening her shoulders. When she looked back at Nash, her smile wavered.
“All I’m saying is: don’t hide your feelings. If you love her, let her know or it will be too late. Good day, Mr. Black.” She turned and left the room.
Nash blinked in a daze. Did he really feel that way about Maxey? His heart ached with that unfamiliar emotion he was experiencing lately.
Couldit be love?
Chapter Thirteen
When Maxey stirredon the bed, Nash momentarily put aside Mrs. Summers’ words. Maxey’s eyelids fluttered, and she focused on him. Her pretty grayish-blue eyes darkened with fever, and his gut twisted.
“You’re here,” she rasped.
“You doubt I would stay with you? I am wounded, my sweet.” He smiled, hoping to give her the impression he was emotionally strong. “Are you hungry?”
