She didn’t expect an answer, but wished she could think of a solution. What if she, or her sister, had committed some offense to upset another man, like Brandon had suggested? And what if the gunshot had been intentional after all? Staying here another week would be dangerous for them both.
*
Malcolm kept hisgaze on his wife as the physician finished examining him. Camilla had remained by his side every minute, tending to his needs and comfort. Even through all of this, he didn’t dare believe she had become the wife he had always wanted. He couldn’t have his heart broken again.
When he regained consciousness, his head had throbbed and his leg ached just as painfully, but she had done everything possible to alleviate his discomfort, which was so different from the woman he had married.
After leaving their room this morning, he couldn’t help but wonder if the very loving woman who had been in his arms was really the Kat he’d married. So, was she really his wife… or was she the sister?
Lately, she had said things that didn’t ring true in his presence. He first had doubts when overhearing her conversation about politics with the other ladies yesterday. Then, last night, she said a few things that didn’t make sense. He wouldn’t have thought anything about it if her face hadn’t turned ashen when he gazed at her in surprise during those times.
His doubt had escalated after they kissed so passionately before the fox hunt. The way she kissed him let him know this was inexperienced. Could the woman thawing his cold, hardened heart actually be his wife’ssister? He didn’t know if Kat had a twin, but it would make sense, because the woman who had returned from Preston was not the one he’d married.
The physician finally pulled away and closed his medical bag, then turned to Camilla. “Your husband is one fortunate man. His injuries could have been much worse.”
“Thank you for checking him over.” She smiled.
“Just remember what I told you earlier about keeping him still.”
“I will follow your instructions.”
“You have a caring wife, Mr. Worthington.” The physician chuckled as he looked at Malcolm. “Appreciate it while you can.”
Malcolm grinned, but he didn’t answer.
Camilla showed the physician out and then returned. “Can I fetch you anything, Malcolm?”
He reached up and brushed his hand over the back of his head, then winced. “Perhaps a glass of brandy to dull the pain.”
She rushed to the supply of liquor Lady Burwell had brought up earlier and, after pouring an ample draught, carried the glass back to him. He struggled to sit. She braced her arm behind himto help, and he breathed in her sweet fragrance. Oh, why did he have to be injured now?
“Thank you, my dear.” He took the brandy and gulped it down. He fought back the burning sensation scalding his throat as he handed her the glass.
“I wonder how this could have happened?” she asked.
He frowned. “I have my suspicions.”
“So, you believe it’s not an accident?”
“I believe someone shot at me.”
She sat on the edge of the bed next to his good leg. “I hate to say this, but I think Mr. Kennedy was behind it.”
He studied her pretty face, studied wide green eyes still too innocent to be real. He nodded, and then winced as he moved his hand to his head. “He is at the top of my list.”
“After they put you in the wagon, Mr. Kennedy stopped me. Some of his suggestions led me to believe he knew more than he let on about your accident. He is trying to put the blame somewhere else, though.”
“Yes, I’m certain he is.” He covered her trembling hand with his own. “Mr. Kennedy isn’t a very good sport when it comes to losing, is he?”
“Losing?”
“I think if I were in his situation, I would be very upset over losing a woman to her very own husband.” Her cheeks darkened with a blush, and he stroked her cheek. “He has lost you, has he not?”
“Mr. Kennedy never had me.”
“Indeed? Several months ago, it appeared that way to me.”
“Please, Malcolm, do not think of the past.” She squeezed his hand, and her moist eyes pleaded with him to believe her words. “Just concentrate on the future. That woman no longer exists.”
