Chasing the Heiress by Rachael Miles

he will be well. He merely needs to sleep for another couple of hours. I promise.”
    The slender woman with nut-brown hair came to his side and placed her hand on his elbow, but she spoke directly to Lucy. “What have you done for him?”
    Lucy described her methods, how often she had given him laudanum, and each of his symptoms since his gunshot.
    â€œAnd you believe, even at this point, this surgeon will only bleed him?” the woman asked gently.
    â€œYes, my lady.” Lucy held the gaze of the woman’s kind grey eyes. “I do.”
    â€œThen, Forster, I believe we should give your brother’s nurse a couple of hours to prove if her treatment is good.” She reached down to feel Colin’s head. “He is not hot, and he seems to be sleeping soundly.”
    â€œOnly because he has been drugged, Sophia.” Forster spoke with a set jaw.
    â€œAidan.” The grey-eyed woman looked into Forster’s eyes, but said nothing more. Lucy watched the unspoken argument going on between them.
    It wasn’t clear who had won until Forster turned to Lucy coldly. “I give you until tomorrow morning before we call the surgeon. He must show improvement by then. However, if my brother dies as a result of this delay, I will have you arrested on charges of murder.” He paused. “Are you so confident that he is well that you wish to take such a risk?”
    â€œIf you promise not to call the surgeon, I will take the risk, yes.” She kept her head held high. She had won or, at least, won Colin another day. She looked back at her patient, still sleeping sounding, and prayed one more day would be enough.
    â€œBut I will not have you near him,” Forster decreed, turning to Josiah. “Innkeeper, I want this servant locked in her room until we see if my brother will recover. Seth, accompany them. Lock her in and take the key.”
    The blond man at the back of the room came forward, “Come along, miss.” He put his hand on her arm and led her to the door.
    In the hall, he pulled the door closed behind them, then dropped her arm. “Besides, the innkeeper’s wife says you are in need of sleep yourself. Forster will come round. Once Colin awakens, Forster will be pleased you saved him.”
    â€œPlease.” She stopped walking and looked directly into his eyes. Green eyes, not blue like Colin’s. “Keep the duke from calling the surgeon. He has lost a great many more patients than he has saved.”
    â€œHe might call for the surgeon, but I promise: I will not allow any bleeding.” Seth examined her face, then smiled. “But you must also promise me, if I stay with my brother, you will go to sleep.”
    â€œIf you will stay with him.” Her eyes felt wet, both from the fight to protect Colin and from his brother Seth’s kindness. She turned away before Seth could notice, and they followed Josiah from the wing, across the courtyard, and up to her room. At the door to her room, Josiah took out the key and handed it to her blond ally, then retreated back down the stairs.
    Lucy walked into her room and sat on her bed. Seth leaned his head in. “Besides, Lady Wilmot is on your side. My brother may distrust you, but he will do as she wishes.”
    Then he was gone, and she heard the key turn and lock. She lay on the bed to consider her possibilities, but she was asleep before Seth had put the key in his pocket.

Chapter Five
    The next afternoon, Colin awoke to his brother Seth lounging in the corner at the table, eating a meal that smelled wonderful. He tried to sit up, but his head and side disagreed.
    â€œWhy are you here?” Colin growled.
    Seth looked up, fork halfway to his mouth. “Ah, the dead awakens. How do you feel?”
    Colin slowly tested his various limbs, tensing then releasing muscles in his legs and arms. His body felt heavy, sore. So much wearier than it had before his ill-advised bowling match.