Page 51 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

Sally nodded at the doctor as he finished packing his bag.

“Sally, will you please see the doctor out and ask Lord Clarendon to join us? He is in the library.”

Once the doctor and Sally left the room, Eugenia shifted to look at Devon. Not a good idea, as she winced with pain. “Nash is here?” she gasped.

“Don’t move, Eugenia.” Devon nodded. “Yes. He heard tell of your fall at the park and came as soon as he could.”

Eugenia attempted to move herself up on the bed and cried out.

“Eugenia! Do I have to tie you to the bed to keep you from moving?”

Thinking of the pictures in her book of women tied up, had her forgetting her pain for a moment as she considered herself spread naked on the bed, her hands and feet bound to the bedposts, with Devon studying her. The heat from her blush would likely set the bedsheet on fire if she didn’t distract herself. “Can you fix my pillows so I can sit up?”

“Certainly, my dear. You need only ask.”

“So, will she live?” Nash strode into the room, bringing his presence and good-natured humor with him. He stood at the foot of her bed, his hands resting on his hips. “It appears you’ve gone and done it this time, Sister.”

“Indeed,” she answered.

“Need I remind you that you are no longer fifteen years?” he teased.

Eugenia drew in a breath. “I am not exactly in my dotage, either.”

“Enough.” Devon held up his hands. “Sibling bickering not allowed. Where is the ice for your shoulder? And where did Sally go with the laudanum?”

Nash slapped Devon on his back. “Take it easy, man. She has only a bruised shoulder.”

“Seriously bruised,” Devon added, glaring at Nash.

Nash scrunched his face. “Painful.”

“Yes,” Eugenia answered.

Despite the pain and inconvenience, Eugenia thrilled at the attention and concern coming from Devon. He looked worried, and she relished in the feeling his unease brought her. She felt protected, cared for, almost…loved.

“May I assume you will not be attending the Whipplesmith ball this evening?” Nash asked.

“No,” Devon snapped.

Eugenia glanced at Devon’s abrupt answer. “Will you be attending, my lord?” She held her breath waiting for his answer. Ordinarily, he would have made sure she was well cared for, and then he would be off for the night. What would this new Devon do?

“Eugenia, I will not leave you home alone with your injury.”

She had to try one more time, if for no other reason than to assure herself of his concern. “Sally will be here to attend me.”

Devon sighed. “Eugenia, dear, I will be here this evening, so reconcile yourself to my presence.”

Nash grinned at Eugenia. “I believe your husband is beginning to behave like a besotted fool.”

“Nonsense.” Devon waved his hand in the air. “A husband has certain responsibilities that surpass leaving a servant in charge.”

At his words, Eugenia’s happiness dimmed, until she glanced at Nash who regarded Devon with a look that said, you poor fool, she has you thoroughly smitten.

Did she indeed have her husband enamored and smitten? If only.

“Well, I will leave the two of you to work out who will suffer the most with each other’s company.” Nash moved to the bed and kissed Eugenia on the cheek. “Take care, Sister. I will check on you in a few days.” With his familiar smile and wink, he headed to the door, then stopped before opening it. “Shall I inform Mother?”

“Heavens, no!” Eugenia gasped. “She will lecture me for hours on inappropriate behavior for a marchioness.”