Rebecca glanced at the floor in embarrassment. She most certainly had assumed that.
“Do not be hysterical, brother,” Thomas said as he rolled his eyes and sat upright on the patient bed.
“What in heaven’s name happened? Your leg is bandaged.”
“I fell on the limestone rocks at the foot of the cliffs,” Thomas said nonchalantly.
“At the cliffs,” the duke repeated, his eyes flashing angrily. He turned towards Rebecca and drew in a deep breath. “Would you kindly excuse us for a moment, Miss?”
She looked at the duke, slightly bewildered at what to say, but instead simply agreed. “Of course. My sincerest apologies.”
“There is no need to be rude, Charles. Rebecca did a fine job cleaning my wound, suturing it, and bandaging it,” Thomas said, coming to her defence.
Rebecca smiled at Thomas, grateful for the friend in this strange moment.
“I do not doubt that for a moment,” Charles said and turned to Rebecca. “Thank you for that, but I still require a moment alone with my brother.”
Who was she to stand in his way?
“Of course, Your Grace,” Rebecca said with a nod.
After a moment’s hesitation, she hastily left the room, closing the door behind her. She pressed her back against the wooden panel and lowered her gaze, listening to the duke as he spoke to Thomas. His voice was loud and firm, and she was able to overhear every single word, although she didn’t intend to eavesdrop on their conversation.
“What were you doing by the cliffs? On your own, that time of the morning?” the duke demanded to know.
“You know what I was doing there, brother. And I prefer to do my fossil hunting alone. Need I remind you of the last time you and the others accompanied me?” Thomas said, nonchalance still evident in his tone, giving the impression that Thomas was not fazed by the rebuke from his eldest brother.
“You could have been seriously injured.”
“Possibly, but I was not. Luckily, it was not a long walk from here.”
“Thomas, your reckless behaviour causes me much frustration.”
“Why, brother? I am perfectly fine.”
“Things could have been much worse.”
“It was not. I am fine.” Thomas repeated, louder this time.
“But—”
“Charles, please. Lecturing me is not going to change what happened. I am fine.”
“I will call upon our family physician to examine you—”
“There is no need for that. Dr. Morton and his daughter, Rebecca, assisted me. My wound was thoroughly cleaned, and sutured. There is no need to question their capabilities.”
“Thomas—”
“Please, respect my decision.”
A smile formed on Rebecca’s lips and she stepped away from the door, not wishing to hear any more of their conversation. She had already overstepped her boundaries enough.
As she made her way to the reception area, she was met by her father as he brought two stacks of paper from his consulting rooms.
“How is Thomas?” Dr. Morton asked.
“He and the duke are speaking. They requested a moment’s privacy. But he should be all right to return home,” Rebecca said.
“And he is experiencing less pain?”
“He is, yes.”
“Wonderful. But we must check in on him at his home every few days to change the dressing on his wound. We would not wish for it to be infected.”
“Indeed, Father,” Rebecca said.
The door of the private room opened, and Charles and Thomas appeared. Rebecca’s first instinct was to rush to his side to offer her shoulder to support him.
“There is no need, Miss Morton,” the duke said, holding up his hand. “I will assist my brother.”
“I insist, Your Grace. I am here for the patients. And it is no trouble at all,” Rebecca said, moving toward Thomas despite the duke’s request.
A small smile formed on Thomas’ lips as she approached him, and he rested his arm around her shoulders. He was taller than she, so she fit perfectly under his arm as if they were made for one another.
Rebecca shook her head and scolded herself for even thinking something so preposterous.
“Thank you,” Thomas said in a whisper, as she walked him out if the house and towards the carriage that waited outside.
“Your bandage requires changing every few days. Is there a nurse at Finlay Hall who can assist with that, or would you require my father and I to visit you at home?” Rebecca asked.
“Why would I deny myself the pleasure of seeing your beautiful face again?” Thomas asked.
His words made her cheeks flush with heat and she lowered her gaze. “Very well. I will see to it that frequent visits are scheduled.”
“Wonderful. I look forward to seeing you, Rebecca.”
With the assistance of the duke, Rebecca helped Thomas into the carriage.
As she was about to close the door, Thomas reached out to her, taking her hand. His warm skin against hers took her by surprise and she gasped.
Thomas brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed the top of her hand.
“Thank you, Rebecca. I am forever in your debt.”
She smiled and pulled her hand free from his, her skin still tingling from his touch.
She stepped away and felt strangely dizzy as she watched the carriage drive off, the sound of the horses’ hooves clattering on the ground perfectly in tune with her heartbeat.
THOMAS HAD NEVER BEEN the kind of person who relished in attention, especially not from too many people at once. Which was why he was even more uncomfortable when he arrived back at Finally Hall.
Of course, his other brothers and their wives hadn’t a clue why Charles had left so hastily when a messenger arrived at the estate.
So, they watched with shocked and concerned expressions when Thomas emerged from the carriage with a bandaged leg and bloodied clothing.
He was led to his chambers, bathed and redressed in clean clothes. Afterwards, his brother’s wives frantically attempted to make him feel better. With expressions filled with worry, they tended to him, feeding him and ensuring he was comfortable.
He understood and appreciated their concern, but he preferred they not fuss over him. All the attention was making him feel tired and slightly nauseated. He would much rather have had the focus of
