Page 24

*

The silence of the house was only broken by the night sounds outside: the occasional hoot of an owl, a carriage passing by, and every so often a tree branch hitting the side of the house.

Miles lowered to the chair next to Siobhan’s bed with a book. He studied the sleeping beauty for a long moment, noting the rhythmic lifting and lowering of her chest and how the coloring was returning to her face.

Unable to stop himself, he reached over and lightly touched the side of her face. A bruise had formed on her jaw. There were reddened scratches on her wrist where she’d fought against the binds, and he lifted her hand to study them. Any other injuries he could not see but he was sure she was probably bruised in other places from the fall.

Her eyes fluttered, causing his breath to catch.

“Siobhan. Siobhan. Can you hear me?” He spoke in a low tone to keep from startling her. Miles slid his hand from just above her wrist to clutch her hand. “You are safe now. Here in my home.”

Once again her eyes fluttered, but they didn’t open. What if she never awakened? Was it possible she’d die in her sleep while no one was there to ensure she was not alone? Worry whirled around him like a magician’s wand, swirling both fear and apprehension.

He brought her delicate hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to the knuckles, allowing his lips to linger longer than appropriate, the feel of her skin settling his erratic emotions.

“Wake up. Look at me. I wish to see those beautiful blue eyes,” he whispered into her ear. “I know you can hear me.”

*

Something touched the side of his face, and he opened his eyes to a beautiful scene. Flowers floated, scented pillowy clouds hung low to where he could reach out and touch them. Happy birdsong filled the air and Miles wanted to remain there forever.

Something about the atmosphere changed when the ground shifted, making him feel as if he plummeted from a great height.

“Miles?”

The soft voice permeated the air, and Miles jerked awake. He’d fallen asleep with his head on the bed next to Siobhan’s shoulder. Blinking away the sleepiness, he stiffly sat up only to realize Siobhan was watching him with unconcealed curiosity. “Why am I here?”

“You’re awake,” he replied as a broad grin split his face. It was the first time in years he’d felt true happiness, and it filled him completely.

Her lips curved into a soft smile. “So are you.” Then she looked around the room. “Where are we?”

“This is my bedchamber. You had a bad fall yesterday. I brought you here.” He wished to be more alert in order to explain things, so he stood and stretched. “Do you remember anything?”

She shook her head, and then yawned. “No not really. I remember going to Susan’s. Did I fall there?”

As he wasn’t sure how to approach things, Miles diverted the conversation. “Your mother should be here shortly. Also, the doctor. I will ask my housekeeper, Firtha, to come and attend to any needs you have. You must remain in bed. The doctor was very firm.”

For a long moment Siobhan studied him. “Have you been here all night?”

He nodded. “By the way my back and neck protest, I am sure I have.”

“Mother and Father know I am here?” She slid a glance to the doorway as if expecting them to enter. “No one remained here for the night?”

“I believe your father had business to attend to,” Miles said, leaving out that her father was planning to speak to the constable again. Someone would no doubt arrive soon to get his statement and description of the assailant.

Siobhan sighed, her eyes closing for just a second. “Mother and Amelia are probably preoccupied with the gala tonight.”

“Your mother assured me she will come to see about you first thing.”

By the feeble light outside and lack of sounds in the house, Miles guessed it to be very early yet. “I will bring you some tea.”

“You do not have to. It is too early to wake anyone yet. Please go rest. I can wait for a while longer.”

It was probably best that he go and at least change out of the clothes he’d worn since the day before. Once the doctor, and especially, her mother arrived, his attire would be noticed.

“I will go refresh and change. In the meantime, do not try to get up.” He leaned down and met her gaze. “Promise me to stay put.”

Siobhan’s eyes were already drooping, and she yawned. “I promise,” she said softly.