He wanted to laugh, but fought from doing so because of the pain it would cause. “A daft lapse in judgment.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Old habits die hard. I came to my senses though.”
“Is this what coming to your senses means? Who did this to you?”
He grabbed her hand that was dabbing at his cuts and brought it to his bloodied lips, placing a kiss on her soft skin. “I promise ye, I will ne’er step foot in a gambling hell again. ’Twas the universe’s way of telling me to stop.”
She frowned.
“This was the work of Jensen.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know who that is.”
“Ye do. He’s the other man that was vying for your hand.” He coughed and clutched at his chest, groaning.
Concerned marred her features, her hands gentle as she tried to make him comfortable. “The doctor says it will be some time before you are running about. Your ribs are broken. Your shoulder was dislocated. And the cuts and bruises are numerous.”
He gave her a half smile since a full one hurt too much. “I feel all of those.”
“I am certain you do. I will get the law to round up Jensen. Why would he do such a thing?”
“Nay, lass. ’Tis no’ worth the trouble.”
“You could have died! If John had not found you, who knows what would have happened?”
“I just need rest. And ye’re taking such good care of me, I shall heal in nay time at all. Jensen was letting out his frustration at losing. He’ll get over it. And since I’ll ne’er set foot in a hell again, he willna be able to find me again for a chance to finish the job.”
She frowned, and he could tell she didn’t like his answer. “I dinna want any more trouble, lass. I’d say he and I are e’en now. There isna any need to get anyone else involved.”
He closed his eyes. He felt bone weary, but happy to be home. Thankful that Whitney had come looking for him. If she hadn’t he’d more than likely be dead.
“Come here, lass.” He patted the bed beside him.
“I shouldn’t. I don’t want to hurt you any more than you already are.”
“Ye willna. Having ye close will help me heal.”
Gently, she climbed on to the bed next to him, taking care not to shift the bed too much. He hissed when she leaned into his side, and she immediately sat up.
“’Tis alright, lass.” He pulled her back to him. “I’m sorry I made ye concerned. I promise no’ to do that again.”
And he meant it. He was done with gambling. He had a beautiful wife and they would build a life together. What more could he ask for?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Whitney leaned againstChristopher’s side, careful not to lean too much weight on him. He’d finally fallen asleep, and she was thankful for that.
He looked a mess, but the relief she’d felt when John had called out to her letting her know he’d been found was immense.
In such a short time, she’d grown to care for this man sleeping beside her. He’d accepted her faults without question. Amazingly, he didn’t see them as faults. Instead, to him it was human nature. She supposed he wasn’t wrong about that. She only wished everyone else could be as understanding.
She shifted, trying to get off the bed without waking him. “Lass,” he mumbled, eyes still closed.
“I’m here,” she said quietly, brushing his hair off his forehead. His poor face was bruised and swollen. Practically unrecognizable. With his injuries, there was no way they could leave for Scotland in the morn. His trip back home would have to wait until he was able.
For now, she would take her place as mistress of Colthrop Hall and do the very best that she could while she took care of her husband.
