Tananguard 02 - To Love a Lord by Diedre Clark

reply. He already knew what was wrong! He didn’t need a doctor! He needed rest…and a more comfortable position.
    He did his best to reposition himself. The sofa wasn’t comfortable at all. He needed to remove the pressure from his ribs, but nothing helped. He tried to call for Mrs. Lovegood. He could use some help moving positions, but the woman must be a sound sleeper to have slept through all of tonight’s commotion. If only she would wake and come downstairs.
    Connor did his best to shift again and get comfortable. Soon he found himself draped over the sofa, long legs dangling off one end while he lay flat on his back. It really wasn’t better than any other position, but he didn’t want to move anymore. He needed more drink to dull the pain. That’s what he needed.
    He closed his eyes and tried to relax. He let his mind wander to the woman he knew he was falling in love with. She was so stubborn. She refused to believe she was worthy of him. She was blinded by their different stations in life, unable to believe a man such as him could truly want her, a commoner. Well, he did, and he always would.
    He was uncertain how his father would react to the match. Connor was the eldest of two. His father had been shaping him since the day he was born. Then Connor had left for university and had not been home but once since. He had no intentions of going back any time soon either. His father would simply have to accept his choice in a wife. Connor had made his own fortune over the past three years. Fighting for bets had started it, and Connor’s good sense for business had earned him the rest through well thought-out investments. He would travel to America and start a new life there with Sophia if his father gave him grief. He doubted the man would, though. They may not have always gotten along, but Lord Marcus Tananguard doted on his children, even Connor.
    Sophia returned with the doctor after quite some time, and Connor felt far too sober as the man prodded his ribs.
    “Yes , that hurts!” Connor growled, swatting the doctor’s hand away. Sophia was pacing back and forth near the end of the sofa. She stopped and frowned at him.
    “Connor, behave. This is why you shouldn’t fight,” she scolded.
    The doctor chuckled quietly, but he didn’t comment on the matter. He did, however, stop digging at Connor’s ribs. He stood and looked down at him.
    “I do not feel any thing broken. We need to get your shirt off, so I can look at the skin. You could simply have deep bruising…or you may have a cracked rib or two.” He motioned for Connor to sit up.
    “Help me,” Connor groaned as he tried to sit up on his own and failed. He held his hand out for the doctor to take.
    The doctor motioned Sophia. “Come help as well. I will brace your husband while you help remove his shirt.”
    Connor’s eyebrows rose in amusement. Husband, he thought, but he didn’t correct the man and neither did Sophia. Her face had gone pale, though, but Connor suspected it had more to do with the removal of his shirt than the misconception of their relationship.
    “Yes, dear wife, help me with my shirt,” Connor said with a sly smile. Then he groaned as he shifted to remove his shirt. He was shocked at how badly this simple feat hurt. He cursed. “This is not how I imagined the rest of my night,” he grumbled through gritted teeth. “Come, Sophie, I truly need your help.”
    She stood rigidly, arms crossed dangerously in front of her. “Oh?” she asked. “And how did you imagine your night…Husband,” she added acidly.
    He blinked innocently.
    “I think you and the doctor can manage without my help. I am retiring for bed and don’t even think of joining me!” she warned, and she left the room.
    The doctor chuckled lightly. “Newly married?” he asked Connor quietly.
    Connor nodded. No reason to tell the man the truth.
    “Perhaps you should think better of drinking late and fighting in bars,” he replied. “Here.” He pulled