Page 102 of Her Duke's Second Chance

Not if he did not want his nightmare to come true.

She felt like she was drowning, being pulled under by an invisible force while fighting to reach the surface and justbreathe.

Then she was gasping, hungrily gulping in air, realizing that her eyes were open without consciously willing them to do so.

She looked around frantically for a moment, confused about where she was.

“Georgie!”

She winced as Daisy’s loud voice pierced her ears.

“You are awake. Oh, thank the Lord.”

She reached out blindly, her eyes scrunched shut. “Hush, Daisy. Not so loud.”

Her sister grasped her hand, squeezing it tightly. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“My head hurts a bit,” Georgiana said without opening her eyes.

“I am sorry. Let me…” she let go of Georgiana’s hand and Georgiana heard the bell ring. A minute later the door opened.

“Please bring Her Grace some willow bark tea,” Daisy ordered.

“No,” Georgiana said. “I think I need laudanum.”

“All in good time, Your Grace,” Mrs. Green’s voice said. “We must call the physician first. Those were his instructions.”

“Willow bark then,” Georgiana said resignedly.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Daisy took her hand again. Even with her eyes closed, Georgiana could feel her anxiety.

“Where is my husband?” she asked.

Daisy’s breath hitched and she gulped audibly. “I was hoping for more time before I had to answer that question.”

Georgiana frowned. “What do you mean by that? Is he all right? Did something happen to him?”

Daisy sighed. “Nothing like that. He is fine. He is just…not here.”

“Why? Where did he go?” Georgiana could feel her heart sinking even as she waited for an answer.

Daisy dropped her head. “He has gone back to Emberford.”

Georgiana bit her bottom lip and her chin quivered uncontrollably as tears formed in her eyes. Her head was throbbing, and she felt woozy and disoriented.

She could not believe that Robert had run off.

“When did he go?”

“Three days ago.”

“And how long have I been…?”

“About six days.”

“Hmm.” She lifted her hand slowly. “I suppose that explains why I feel so weak.”

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