In those simple words, Maximilian understood the Countess had no objections to his preferring her daughter’s maid over her daughter. The obvious love Maximilian had for Eugenia, and Eugenia for him, had no doubt softened her heart. The Countess owned a kind soul, even though the relationship did not benefit them or their daughter,
“I have heard you plan to return to London,” he said softly. “I hope that under the circumstances you will remain a while longer.”
“Of course, we will, Your Grace,” she said. “We can scarcely leave our little Eugenia behind.”
On the bed, Eugenia weakly thrashed, her brows puckered in pain, and she coughed. He hoped she did not feel the pain of her burns if he took her in his arms and held her through the night.
She could die tonight, and I will never feel her body against mine, ever. I would never have kissed her, never have run my fingers through her hair.
Tears burned his eyes. “You better live, girl,” he muttered.
“She is robust, Your Grace,” Countess Whitington said. “She is stubborn and strong-willed. I think she will pull through this.”
Maximilian offered her a grateful smile. “Will you ladies continue to chaperone her? I would like to stay with her for a while longer.”
Lady Helena nodded. “I cannot sleep this night, knowing that Eugenia is hurt. I will stay.”
The Countess rose. “I wish I had the endurance to stay as well,” she said. “I must return to my rooms to sleep, but I will come back in the morning.”
“Nigel, please escort the Countess to her rooms.”
As they left the room, Maximilian heard the Countess say, “I will send Clara to come and help you.”
Leaning back in his chair, Maximilian rubbed his eyes.” Thank you for being here, Lady Helena,” he said. “It means a great deal to me to have your support in all this.”
“How can I not?” she asked, trying to smile. “She loves you, and I love her.”
* * *
Maximilian dozed in his chair beside Eugenia’s bed, his thin sleep fractured by nightmares of fire and a terrible loss. He snorted himself awake, stiff and sore and discovered a pair of eyes on him. He glanced up to find Lady Helena sporting an easy smile. “Oh,” he muttered. “Sorry.”
“It is hard to sleep in a chair,” she said, standing to stretch her back. “But you should say good morning to her.”
Confused, Maximilian turned his head to find Eugenia was watching him; her hazel eyes were bloodshot but were calm and warm. “Max,” she whispered.
Her voice sounded hoarse and barely audible, but she was alive and able to speak. Maximilian grinned and stood and bent over her bed. “I do not care if this is proper or not,” he murmured. “I almost lost you, so I will kiss you now.”
Maximilian gently pressed his lips on hers, feeling her mouth part, inviting him further. He kissed her tenderly, feeling his heart beat harder, and letting her feel his worry and concern for her lessened. She moved her lips under his, returning his kiss. He felt her indrawn breath, her quietest exhale, and drew her breath into him.
Their lips parted. He kissed the tip of her nose, the remaining part of her face that did not appear red and sore. “Woman, I should throw you in my dungeon for that stunt last night.”
Eugenia’s mouth upturned into a quirky smile. “Do it, and I will not let you kiss me again.”
Her voice sounded dry; He went to a sideboard and returned with a glass of cool water. He held it to her mouth so she could swallow; he eyed Lady Helena sidelong. “Oh, and you did not see that.”
Her green eyes widened. “See what? Did I see something I should not have?”
Maximilian chuckled. “That is why I love chaperones.”
Eugenia drank it all, then rested her head back on her pillow. “Thank you.”
Her voice now sounded stronger and seemed more like her own. He sat back in his chair and said, “You scared us all very badly.”
“You scared me when you went into the fire and did not come out.”
“I suppose I can see that.” Maximilian rubbed the cut and lump on his head. “Our murderer popped me across the head. I hardly saw him, I turned, and then he hit me. I do not remember anything until waking up in my bed.”
Eugenia nodded weakly. “I ran in to find you. You were out cold.” She stopped and gestured for more water. He fetched more, then helped her to drink it. “The back door was blocked. But the fire burned a way out for us.”
