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His mouth twitched again, amusement lingering at the corners.
He had a nice mouth.
She must be delirious, noticing a man’s mouth.
“I am…” She swallowed hard. “I am sorry.”
His expression grew puzzled. “I fail to see what you have to be sorry for.”
“I’m sorry to be an inconvenience.” She pressed her hands against the soft counterpane, curling her fingers slightly. “I shall return home in the morning, and your household can return to normal.”
She loathed how frail she sounded. But then again, she had a valid reason.
A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest.
Irritation pricked Georgine.
Did he think this situation called for humor?
Pain gnawed at her shoulder, depleting her usual good nature and patience.
Her sister waited at home, alone, and yet this man—this insufferable, laughing rogue—found something amusing in Georgine’s plight.
“I fail to see what is so humorous, Mr. Fitzlloyd.” She aimed for firmness, but the words emerged breathy and weak.
His nut-brown eyes gleamed.
“Forgive me, Miss Thackerly, but the physician gave strict orders that you are not to rise from this bed for at least a fortnight. The ball has been surgically removed, but you’ve suffered a chipped bone. I doubt he’ll agree to let you travel for at least a month. In truth, probably longer.”
A month?
Longer?
Her stomach dropped, as did her jaw.
That could not be right.
“That is impossible.” Georgine might have stomped her foot in frustration if she had been standing. Instead, she pursed her lips—not nearly as satisfying.
“Quite the rub, I agree, but there is no help for it.” Robyn clasped the back of his neck, his expression unreadable. “I shall not defy the physician’s directives.”
She blinked groggily.
Good Lord, she could barely stay awake.
Still, concern for her sister compelled her to grit her teeth and tighten her jaw against the seductive slumber beckoning.
“What of my sister, Robyn? Regina sprained her ankle yesterday and cannot bear weight upon it for at least a week.” Why did her speech sound slurred? “She is alone. How will she manage? Does she even know what has happened to me?”
He gave a grave nod. “Claire Granlund volunteered to inform your sister and to stay with her as long as necessary.”
Claire was a dear friend.
“Your friends send their love.” He shrugged and gave her an apologetic glance. “The doctor will not allow them to visit for some time, but he said your sister could.”
A bit—but only a tiny bit—of Georgine’s worry abated. “Regina will fret. It’s her nature to worry.”
“You may send a correspondence to her daily,” Robyn said smoothly, as if soothing an overwrought child. “Matilda can write it for you. Once Regina is fit to travel, she can come here to stay for the duration of your recovery.”
