“Viola.” Her face was the loveliest there was, perfection itself with her pretty gray eyes and rose-colored lips. “I’ve missed you.”
With tears rolling over her cheeks, she reached for his hand and bent to place a kiss on his lips. “Your fever has gone,” she murmured softly, “and your wounds are healing. You will recover, Henry. You will be well again and...” Her voice broke and she bowed her head over their clasped hands, kissing his with sweet adoration. “I’ve never been so scared in my life.” Her head came up and she met his gaze. “We need to keep you out of hospitals in the future. These past few days have put a terrible strain on my heart.”
“Days?”
“It’s been three since you were brought in.” Her expression grew serious, transforming from the concerned wife to the diligent nurse. “How are you feeling?”
Henry gave his attention to his body and considered. “There’s an ache in my chest and my back, but it’s manageable.” He frowned. “Why is there an ache in my back when I was stabbed in my chest?”
Viola explained while he listened, impressed by his brother’s skill and Viola’s ability to assist him. “I always knew you were more than a nurse,” he told her. “You’re irreplaceable, Viola, both to me and to Florian.”
“I should let him know you’re awake.” She went to the doorway and called for a nurse to fetch him, then returned to Henry’s beside so she could give him another kiss.
“The medicine you administer is truly invigorating, Viola.” He managed to wrap his arm around her waist while she leaned over him. “I hope you don’t treat your other patients like this.”
She grinned down at him with sparkling eyes. “You needn’t worry. This particular remedy is reserved exclusively for you.”
He kissed her again, but in his eagerness, he stretched his abdominal muscles, pulling at his wound, and was forced to fall back with a groan. “Maybe you can take pity on me for a while and not kiss me quite so passionately?”
“Of course. I’m sorry. I just... got carried away.”
“I do tend to have that effect on you,” he said with a smile. “But the effect you have on me is not very useful under the current circumstances.”
She dropped her gaze to his lap. Her eyes widened. “But you’re hurt and in great discomfort and...”
He chuckled. “My body doesn’t seem to care about that. Or is it my brain? I’m not really sure at this point.”
Thankfully, he’d managed to quell all hints of his ardor by the time his brother walked into the room. “Good to see you smiling,” Florian said. “The last time you were awake you were cursing us all to high heaven.”
“It must have been the pain talking. I’m sorry if I was rude or offended someone.”
“Don’t be. We’re used to such experiences by now, though I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anyone yelling about Prince George’s ballocks before.”
Henry winced. “I can only hope word doesn’t reach him.”
“I’ve already spoken to the staff and they’ve assured me they’ll hold their tongues, though I cannot vouch for the other patients.” Humor flickered in his eyes and Henry knew his brother was having a bit of fun at his expense, the rascal. “You’ll need to stay here a few more days, but after that you ought to be able to return home under Viola’s supervision.”
Henry reached for Florian’s hand and clasped it tightly. “Thank you. I owe you my life.”
“More than once now, I’d say. Any chance we can minimize your visits here in the future?”
“I’ll see to it,” Viola said.
“Good.” Florian glanced at them each in turn. “I’ll be back later in the day to check on you.”
He started to leave but Henry stopped him with a quick question. “Is there any news about Robert?”
Florian turned back to face him. “The wound he sustained when your wife shot him has been treated by one of our surgeons. He’s currently recuperating while under guard. Bow Street is waiting for my permission to have him discharged.”
Henry looked at Viola. “You shot Robert?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to watch him kill you,” she said with exasperation.
“It was precisely done,” Florian said. “She incapacitated him while ensuring he wouldn’t expire by aiming at his pectoralis major, the muscle that reaches across the chest from the shoulder. It forced him to drop the blade and could make movement difficult for him in the future, though I daresay it will be a short future, all things considered. The officer I’ve spoken to says the information you gathered on Beatrice Cartwright’s death and Robert’s recent attempt on your life will surely condemn him.”
“Is it strange that I find no pleasure in knowing that?” Henry asked after Florian was gone. He glanced at Viola. She gave his hand a squeeze while adding a wistful smile. “My conscience cannot align itself with seeing my school friend hanged even though I know the man he’s become deserves it.”
“I am equally torn and I think that’s a good thing. It would be cause for concern if we were happy about it.”
