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Alexander looked at Jane and raised his eyebrows.

“Because the earl said so,” she said.

“Oh,” Asher said and began fiddling with one of Alexander’s buttons.

“I had no idea that the pulling of rank would work on three-year-olds,” Alexander said under his breath.

Jane smiled. “I believe it works on almost everyone, my lord.”

Alexander’s eyes met hers. “I shall be sure to remember that.”

Jane’s heartbeat quickened, and then the door opened, and Louisa came in bearing a man’s white shirt.

“Will this do, my lord?”

“Very nicely,” Alexander said. He propped Asher up slightly. “On with the shirt, Asher, and then Mrs. Hunt has some magic potion for your forehead.”

Asher’s eyes widened. “Magic potion?”

“The very best. It will help you heal.”

From that moment, Asher was too consumed with what was in the bowl in Mrs. Hunt’s hands to worry about the loss of his towel or the oversized shirt being placed over his head. He sat very still as the housekeeper applied liberal smears to his wounded head and finger, and when she finished, he studied his finger intently.

“When will it be better?”

“After you have rested,” Alexander said, rising to his feet and carrying the child back to the bed. “Lie down here beside Miss Hadford and sleep.”

Asher did not need another invitation. His eyes were closed before his head touched the pillow. Jane reached over and smoothed his damp hair away from the salve on his forehead. Straightening, Alexander rolled down his sleeves.

Her father broke his silence. “I am impressed, my lord.”

Alexander shrugged back into his jacket. “As I told you, Mr. Hadford, that little boy is very important to me.” He looked at Jane. “I am sure your father is as anxious as I am to have your wounds seen to. We will leave you in the care of Mrs. Hunt and the maids, but I will be nearby should you need me.”

“Thank you, Alexander. And you, Father.”

“I shall return home to update your mother on your condition. She will be much relieved to know that you are in good hands, my dear.” Her father smiled at her. “I daresay she will come tomorrow, if that is acceptable.” He looked to Alexander.

“By all means,” Alexander said. “Any members of your family are welcome at any time.”

Her father inclined his head in thanks. “Until tomorrow, then.”

He started for the door, and she thought that Alexander would follow him out. Instead, he stepped closer to the bed, his fingers brushing hers and sending a frisson of awareness up her arm. “If you are well enough, I shall return after Mrs. Hunt has treated your wounds,” he said softly. “There is something I would speak to you about.”

Jane’s breath caught as memory flooded back. Had he read her letter? She had not asked him how recently he had returned from London.

“Very well, my lord.” Her anxiety must have shown on her face, for he smiled.

“All will be well, Jane. You will see.”

Turning, he walked briskly to the door. “I shall see you out, Mr. Hadford,” he said.

As they disappeared into the passageway, Mrs. Hunt approached her. “If you’d be willing to give the maids a few minutes to empty the bath and bring in fresh water, miss, we’ll have you feeling more comfortable in no time.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Hunt.” Jane stared at her legs, carefully flexing one ankle and then the other. Pain shot up her injured leg, but it quickly subsided. That, in and of itself, was a hopeful sign, but she wanted to know more. “Do you think that whilst everyone else is gone you might be willing to help me stand? I wish to know if it is even possible.”

The housekeeper looked slightly worried but gave a compliant nod. “If you feel you’re up to it, miss, I’d be happy to try.”

Chapter 29