“Master Yates?” Summer squeaks and sits up quickly before collapsing. The sudden movement causes her to faint again.
“Damn! Did you send for the doctor, woman?” He bellows at the housekeeper.
“Yes, I mean no. I didn’t know she was hurt seriously. I will attend to it at once!”
Victor picks Summer up in his arms and hurries from the room. “Papa where are you taking her? She can go in my room!” Jonah offers and follows him from the library.
“That’s very kind of you son, but I think she will need to rest and recuperate from her ordeal. I will put her in the room between yours and mine. What do you think about that?”
“That’s perfect! Then she can tell me stories. Her stories are the best Daddy!” He says skipping along beside them, confident in his father’s abilities.
“Open the door, Jonah,” he follows him quickly inside and places her on the bed. “Don’t open the window because the light will hurt her eyes. While I tend to Miss Summer and you go visit cook. The doctor will be here soon and then you can visit her once she is mending.”
“She needs me, Dad,” he says running to her side with panic in his face.
“It looked to me like she was protecting you, son. Right now, she needs to rest. Go watch for the doctor and you can bring him straight up here.”
“Yes, sir, I can do that!” He turns and bolts from the door.
Victor sighs wishing for half his son’s energy. At thirty he is able to keep up with him, but the exuberance of youth can be daunting. He rises up to get a bowl of water and a rag and proceeds to wash her face. She is beautiful and educated, from what she told the tutor. Who is this Summer who has disturbed his peace?
Her eyes flutter open and go wild once again. He smiles gently, “Hello Miss Summer, I am Victor Yates. It’s a pleasure to meet such a valiant guardian. I’m in your debt for rescuing my child,” he states with a glint of humor in his dark green eyes.
“Lovely to make your acquaintance, Mr. Yates. My name is Summer Denning.” She clears her voice and he quickly helps her to a sitting position. Grateful for the help, she sits up and sips on a glass of water while trying not to meet his eyes. Lord, he is handsome and way too close for comfort.
“Mr. Yates…”
“Victor, Please. How are you feeling?” When she looks up at him the room spins again, she shuts her eyes against it, willing the room to be still.
“Like a very large man hit me. Still dizzy and my face...” Her hand cups the side of her face and she winces. It’s beginning to swell and change color. The pain is beating at her.
“I will get some cool water, stay in bed,” he snaps and walks out, infuriated that a man could strike a woman and a child like that.
“Mrs. Evert bring fresh water please,” he orders. When he thinks of her bruised face and what a blow like that would have done to his child he begins to tremble with rage.
“The doctor is here, Daddy.” Jonah says, dragging the man inside to check on Summer. They rush him upstairs as Victor fills him in on her symptoms.
“Okay, everyone out,” the doctor snaps out orders.
“I’m not leaving my Summer!” Jonah yells and grabs her hand, glaring at the doctor.
“Are you comfortable with them staying, Miss Denning?” The doctor asks.
“Of course. Jonah look at me,” she says softly. His emerald eyes are full of tears and she leans over to him and whispers something.
“Really?” He asks with wonder.
“Truly. Now, go play and I promise I will be right here when you come back. I bet cook has a snack ready for you.” Everyone is staring at her when he leaves, and she blushes at all the attention.
“Now then, what did you say to the child?” The doctor wonders, pulling out his instruments.
“I told him a special treasure map may be hidden in the library,” she answers with an embarrassed smile.
“Very clever of you my dear, let us check you over.” The kind man says checking her for signs of swelling and fracture. “You say a man did this, did he use a brick?” He asks with disgust in his voice. Finding no fractures, he proceeds to check her eyes. “What is your name, and can you tell me what day it is?”
When she does, he smiles, “Hmm. Okay, Miss Denning, I want you to stay in bed for the next few days. You have a concussion. I don’t think there is swelling in the brain, but it’s best to be cautious with these things.”
All the adults begin speaking at one time.
“I can’t possibly remain in bed….” Summer states.
At the same second, Victor says, “Of course”
Mrs. Evert exclaims, “Three days!”
The doctor leaves laughing after telling them, “I will come back tomorrow to check on you, Miss Denning, until then, bed!” He drives everyone from the room, instructing them to let her rest.
When the door finally closes, Summer shuts her eyes and allows the tears to flow. Her face hurts, her head hurts, and her shoulder is sore from hitting the floor, but none of it compares to the pain in her heart. For a moment she pretends they are the family she lost, and all the fuss is because they love her. What she wouldn’t give to see them all again! She curls on her side and weeps.
The doctor and Victor stand in the hallway discussing Summer’s care.
