Page 77 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

“I will.” Edward nodded. “I thank you.”

“You better leave now, so she can get some rest.”

He took the path that led to the village, heading straight to the physician’s home so the bruises on her wrists and feet could be treated.

He’d had to explain the whole ordeal to the man before he agreed to treat her, fearing it was a case of domestic violence.

Somehow, Arabella was able to sleep through the whole ordeal, for which Edward was grateful, although the silence gave him much to think about.

“The bruises aren’t so serious, so she will heal quickly,” the doctor told him.

Edward nodded his thanks to the man, making a mental note to send him a substantial payment once he returned home.

“Do take care of her,” the doctor advised. “She’s been through a terrible ordeal and would need you now more than ever.”

“I will do my best.”

Edward had to wake her to help her into the carriage, but once he sat down, he pulled her into his lap and held her.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

Arabella nodded, shuddering in his arms. “You saved me,” she whispered.

“I did.” He kissed her temple. “I’m sorry I didn’t catch up to you earlier. Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, burying her face in his chest. “I just want to forget,” she mumbled.

“You will,” he promised. And he intended to keep that promise. “Sleep now, love.”

She fell asleep in minutes, leaving him time to think, and he found that he’d been doing that more often since she’d come into his life.

He whispered a small prayer of thanks that she was safely back in his arms. When they walked through the gates of the castle, he roused her again.

“We’re home, love,” he whispered against her hair.

Arabella nodded. She protested as he carried her out of the carriage, but he only her tighter to his chest.

“I’m feeling strong enough to walk, Edward.”

“You’re not walking anywhere if I can help it,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Then he carried her inside. He heard the gasps of the maids they passed, but he ignored them, taking her upstairs to her chambers.

“I’ll send them to draw a hot bath for you and get the doctor,” he told her as he gently lowered her onto her bed.

He moved to leave, but she held his hand and shook her head.

“You want me to stay?”

She nodded shyly.

Edward smiled, pulling back the bed covers for her to slide under. He took off his boots, before removing the pistol and knife from his belt and putting them aside. Then he slid under the covers with her, pulling her to his chest.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you,” he murmured, stroking her hair. “I should have sensed something was wrong and come to look for you. I…”

“You saved me.” She smiled up at him. “That is all that matters.”

He kissed her hair again, breathing her in.

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