When they finally parted, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other’s. Philip looked into Verity’s eyes, seeing the same fire and determination reflected back at him.
“You are my strength, Verity,” he murmured, his voice filled with conviction. “With you, I know I can overcome anything.”
Verity smiled, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “And you are mine, Philip…”
The next time he awoke, the room was full of early morning light. He felt a bit stronger, his mind clearer. He pushed himself up on his elbows, careful to avoid aggravating his injuries.
The room remained silent, save for the occasional chirp of birds outside the window.
“Good morning, Philip,” came a soft voice from the doorway.
It was their family physician. The kindly old doctor entered the room, a reassuring smile on his face.
“Good morning, Doctor,” Philip replied, his voice still raspy. “How am I faring?”
The doctor sat beside the bed, checking Philip’s pulse and examining his bandages. “You are improving, but you must continue to rest. Your body has been through quite an ordeal.”
Philip nodded, the weight of the doctor’s words sinking in. “How long until I am fully recovered?”
“It’s hard to say precisely,” the doctor responded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in concentration. “You have made good progress, but you shall need several more weeks of rest and care. Your body needs time to heal properly.”
Philip sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation settling over him. He wanted to be up and about, to return to his normal life, but he knew he had to be patient. He glanced out of the window, the vibrant morning light filling him with a sense of hope.
“Thank you, Doctor. I will do my best to rest and follow your advice,” he said, determined to recover as quickly as possible.
The doctor nodded approvingly. “Good. Then you will improve quicker.”
After being checked over again, Philip watched the doctor leave, a resolve settling in his chest. He had to heal, not just for himself, but for those who cared about him. He could not afford to let them down.
His thoughts drifted back to Verity. The dream had felt so real, so vivid, it was hard to believe it had been just that… a dream. He yearned to see her, to ensure her safety, to hold her in his arms for real. But he knew he had to focus on getting better first. Only then could he confront the realities of his struggles once more.
The door creaked open, and a familiar face peeked through. Georgina’s eyes lit up as she saw him sitting up, a look of pure relief washing over her.
“Philip! You are awake again,” she exclaimed, rushing to his side.
She took his hand in hers, her grip warm and comforting.
“Good morning, Georgina,” he said with a small smile. “I am feeling a bit better today.”
“That is wonderful to hear,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. “Mother and I have been so worried. But seeing you like this, it gives us hope.”
Philip squeezed her hand, grateful for her presence. “Thank you, Georgina. I appreciate everything you and Mother have done for me.”
She nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. “We love you, Philip. We just want you to be alright.”
Philip felt a warmth spreading through him as he squeezed Georgina's hand. The love and support from his family were a balm to his weary soul, and he cherished their presence now more than ever.
"Georgina," he said softly, "I need to know what happened. The last thing I remember is... well, Mother said there was a carriage?”
Georgina's expression shifted, her eyes darkening with a mixture of worry and sorrow.
She took a deep breath before speaking. "Yes, Philip. I have heard that it was Lady Sinclair's carriage. You collided with it whilst rising on Midnight.”
Philip's heart skipped a beat, his thoughts immediately jumping to Verity. "Was Lady Verity there? Is she alright?"
It did not matter that he was injured. Now he needed to know if she was alright.
CHAPTER 23
