“If the hospital can spare you.”
He drew a deep breath, inhaling the scent of peonies that would always remind him of home. “I will make it conditional upon my return.” Drawing her close, he sealed this promise with a kiss, grateful for the day when her unfailing tenacity had brought her into his office on a mission. That day had changed his life and would always remain a fixed moment in time when their lives had collided, shifted and continued on together toward an endless series of happy tomorrows.
Chapter 30
Henry Atticus Lowell was convinced he was going to die. After all, that was what one generally did when one had been shot in the chest. The pain of it was excruciating, an experience he could have avoided if he’d only fired his pistol faster. But he hadn’t wanted to hurt the young baron who’d called him out after Henry had advised the man to change his tailor if he wanted a better result on the marriage mart. This had led to a heated discussion, a muddy morning on the field of honor and a solid reminder to stay out of other people’s business.
Groaning, Henry considered the people bustling about all around him. His brother, Florian, was there, thank God. At least he would be entrusting his life into the hands of a man who knew what he was doing.
“I am going to give you some morphine for the pain.” Florian spoke concisely. “It will probably knock you out.”
“Sounds wonderful,” Henry muttered. An escape from the agony would be most welcome.
His brother grimaced and briefly placed his hand over his. “I am going to get you through this. You are not going to die today, do you hear?” He did not wait for Henry to respond. “Now drink this.”
Henry did, swallowing every last drop of the bitter concoction his brother held to his lips. He felt something cool on his skin but could not figure out what it was. A compress perhaps?
Metal clattered like fine silver cutlery placed on a tray. His eyes closed and the words exchanged between Florian and someone else grew increasingly fuzzy. The pain began to subside and he mercifully drifted off into a blissful state of unconsciousness.
When he awoke later, the first thing he became aware of was the gentle tread of someone moving carefully about. He flexed his fingers and felt the soft cotton of a sheet draped over his body. Well, it would seem he was still alive, thanks to his brother’s miraculous efforts. And the pain... it was more of an ache now, which was a definite improvement.
Hesitantly, he opened his eyes just enough to let a bit of light in. It was blinding, the sunshine spilling in from a nearby window with unforgiving brightness. He winced and immediately closed his eyes again.
“Mr. Lowell?” The voice that spoke was feminine, soft and soothing, a mere whisper almost. Henry grunted his response and sensed the woman came nearer. “I hope I did not disturb you.” A soft hand settled upon his brow for no more than a fleeting second. “You do not seem to have a fever, which is excellent news.”
He drew a deep breath, focused on the tightening effect it had on his chest, and gradually expelled it. “No.” Again he tried to open his eyes, to see the nurse who’d come to attend him. She sounded lovely and... The light was no longer as bright as it had been. It shone at the woman’s back, surrounding her in a halo of gold. She was fair, with dark blonde tresses catching the sun and tossing it back. Her face, however, was perfection itself, a pair of warm chocolate eyes and full lips portraying the deepest shade of rose he’d ever seen.
Perhaps he had died after all.
Henry closed his eyes on that thought and allowed himself to drift off again, certain he’d just caught a glimpse of heaven and one of its prettiest angels.
