Page 96 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

" Good. Now tell me where you keep the whisky"

" In the saddlebags. I think " he said blinking blearily attempting to keep awake.

Scrambling to her feet she rushed to the point where his horse still stood munching happily on nearby grass completely unconcerned with the events happening around. She reached into the saddlebags that hung from his back., rummaging until she found the flask that contained the whisky. She quickly closed the bag and rushed to where Anthony sat slumped at the side of the carriage.

She tore some part of her petticoats and fashioned some bandages. She disinfected the wound with the whisky, ignoring his hiss of pain, wrapping the bandage around him.

By the time she was done. He was already unconscious. Now that she was sure that the wound wasn't life threatening and was not likely to be infected during their long ride home. She decided to leave him to sleep, at least it would give him a respite from the pain.

She called the attention of the constables, who requested the help of two other of their colleagues to get her husband inside the carriage, she had always known that her husband was a big man. She had just not realized he was that heavy.

When they successfully had him inside. The driver who was still hanging around, apparently offered to drive them back home and the constables followed behind tethering Anthony's stallion to their carriage.

The ride home was uneventful and Victoria was immensely grateful that she and her husband was in one piece.

With this one scare she had become quite clear about what was important in life. Love and family being top of the list. She loved her husband and was resolved to make sure that he knew that for as long as they both lived.

ChapterTwenty-Six

" Believe me, I am well Vicky. I will go bloody insane if I stay in bed one more moment" Anthony grumbled.

" First, Language Anthony " Vicky scolded. Her charge was definitely not repentant because he rolled his eyes pushing his lips out in a masculine version of a pout. Victoria fought the urge to laugh at the silly picture he cut.

" It is for your own good. I do not want to have to redo your stitched because you burst them, overexerting yourself"

" Sorry Vicky. I am just really bored out of my mind. These dreary walls are beating at my mind. I wish for fresh air and to return to my normal activities" he said in a rueful voice.

" Soon enough My love" she said coming closer to hug his head to her bosom, caressing his face gently.

He closed his eyes holding on to her skirts breathing in her sweet scent that was Victoria. She had become his favorite scent in the world. She smelt of the outdoor and light. He would do anything to keep her with him anytime longer.

Looking up into her sweet face, he smiled, the charming smile that she admitted that broke her defenses.

" I would not be so bored, if you shared the bed with me. I promise to make it worth your while" he said with a suggestive smile.

Of course she did not doubt his ability to deliver on that promise. Even now her body tingled in several places recalling the pleasure he could elicit from her body with just motions of his long talented fingers. It was quite sad she could not agree, because that activity was one of such activities she didn't want him to engage in, in order to recover properly and fully.

Not that he complied, going by the way she had met him this morning attempting to dress himself to leave the house.

" We cannot Anthony" she said firmly. At his disappointed groan she continued as a smile curved her lips.

" Besides, the doctor will be here soon. So behave"

" I do not believe I take your meaning, your grace. I am always well behaved " Anthony retorted with mock seriousness that he ruined the next moment by chuckling in response to the incredulous look on her face.

Seeing this version of Anthony, happier, vulnerable and more open filled Victoria with delirious happiness. It seemed that the event of the past month had also taught him the important lesson about the fragility of human life. She thanked the good Lord everyday for the gift of this man and the grace of being able to spend more time with him laughing and playing.

She felt absolutely blessed and she prayed silently under her breath that nothing should ever happen to take away this joy. She felt it had to be illegal to be this happy.

Even with the fact that Theo had been transported to the Continent for his crime. She still could not completely shake the idea that something would happen to snatch it all away. She shook her head to clear her mind of such thoughts and enjoy the feeling of her husband's strong arms wrapped around her waist,. At this moment one his hand was inching downward to cup her bottom

" Anthony " she scolded but he just flashed her a wicked smile and continued his exploration.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Victoria struggled out of his arms not willing to allow the person on the other side of the door see her in such a scandalous embrace with her husband.

After a few moments of tugging at his arms, he reluctantly released her with a defeated sigh.

" Enter" she called out, walking around to stand on the other side of Anthony's bed.

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