He resumed his pacing, his gaze lowered to the cracks in the floor.
He had assumed that Belinda would leave him be, but she merely retreated to a wooden chair set back in a nearby alcove, jigging her leg on the knee of the other, joining her anxiety with his.
Neither said another word to the other, until the drawing room door opened some minutes later and the physician stepped out with that irksome smile on his face.
“As I suspected, all is well,” he said brightly. “Nothing some rest and a bandage cannot remedy. A hot bath, perhaps, for the ankle. It is not broken, but it will be tender for a while. Aside from that, she is entirely healthy.”
Cyrus glowered at the man. The physician’s cheery demeanor faltered for a moment, his fingertips fidgeting with the buttons of his coat.
“It is good news, Your Grace,” the physician said cautiously, his voice tight.
For now.
Cyrus glanced at the partially open door of the drawing room, his instincts torn into two sides: one half wanted to march in there and pull Teresa into his arms, kissing her with all the relief thatshouldhave swept through his mind; the other half wanted to get back into the saddle and ride until the land ended, for that was the only place far enough to ensure his curse did not infect her.
“Your Grace?” The physician coughed. “Wereyouinjured in the same incident? Is there something I can do for you? I have a tonic for… such moments.”
“Save all your medicine for her,” Cyrus replied coolly. “There is nothing I need.”
A milder smile returned to the physician’s face. “Very good. Then, I shall be on my way.” He hesitated. “I will call again tomorrow to ensure all continues to be well, and then every few days, if that would please you?”
“That will suffice,” Cyrus growled.
“Excellent.” The physician paused again, as if he meant to say more, but he clearly thought better of it. With an awkward nod of his head, he left the castle in haste.
Belinda rose from her chair, her hand to her chest. “That is a relief, eh, Your Grace? I expect you’ll be eager to go in and see her. Shall I fetch a tea tray? I still maintain that there’s very little that can’t be fixed with tea and cake.”
“Yes, fetch her a tea tray,” Cyrus replied. “I will be in my study.”
“Your Grace?”
He turned, flashing a look at her that furrowed her brow. A look that demanded no challenge.
If he went into that room, he would be tempting fate. Flouting it, in truth. And he might be convinced to make a choice that was not the least bit wise. If he stayed away, he knew he could make the difficult decision that needed to be made.
“I will be in my study,” he repeated, walking off to face what he was certain would be the longest night of his life.
“He is not coming, is he?” Teresa asked wanly.
Her head pounded as she struggled to sit up, eager for a sip of the hot, sweet tea Belinda had brought. She did not yet have the stomach for a bite of the decadent cake on the tray.
“Oh, don’t you worry yourself about that,” Belinda said too cheerily. “He didn’t want to intrude while you were resting, but he’ll come in to see you soon enough.”
Teresa squinted at the older woman. “Please, Belinda, do not start lying to me. He was acting strangely when I fell, and thatpeculiarity has not gone away.” She paused for thought. “Has he ever shown a fear of sickness or injury?”
“Not that I’m aware of, and I’ve been here a long time,” Belinda replied with a sigh. “He just… needs some peace, I think, and then all will be well.”
Teresa was not quite convinced, but she did not have the wherewithal to protest. Her head hurt rather a lot, her ankle seemed to have gained its own heartbeat, and her stomach was unsettled from the ride back to the castle. Not to mention whatever unpleasant tonic the physician had insisted on her drinking.
Heisodd, as you are odd. He will be fine in due course.
She clung to that thought as she sipped the hot, sugared tea. She did not normally like her tea with sugar, but there was something so comforting about it when one was not feeling very well.
“You do not have to stay here and fuss over me,” Teresa said with a smile, watching Belinda shift uncomfortably in the nearby armchair. “I promise I shall not do anything outlandish. All I mean to do is rest, as the physician commanded.”
Belinda shook her head. “It’s no trouble at all, Your Grace. I wouldpreferto stay here with you, if you don’t mind it.” She chuckled. “Apologies, Your Grace, you must think I have something wrong with me. I’m not accustomed to sitting on the good furniture, that’s all.”
“Well, make yourself comfortable,” Teresa encouraged.
