Page 74 of The Duke's Inconvenient Bride
“Are you with me?” he asked her.
“Mm-hmm,” she murmured.
She peered through wet eyelashes. They were in front of the grand staircase. Mrs. Travers had disappeared, but someone in a maid’s uniform was hurrying toward them.
“Your Grace!” It was Daisy, and she sounded distraught.
“Draw her a bath,” Vaughan said. “We need to get her warm.”
“What about you?” Emma demanded. “You’re cold too.”
“I’ll deal with that later.”
She wanted to insist he deal with it now, but at that moment, something bumped her ankle, and she gasped.
“Sorry,” Daisy said. “I’m so sorry, Your Grace. I’ll see to that bath right away.”
Then they were moving again. Up and up. The ceiling shifted overhead, making her feel nauseous, so Emma closed her eyes. If she summoned a little more strength, she probably could walk for herself. There was no reason for the duke to carry her like an invalid.
But, well, she did enjoy it a little. It was nice for someone to make a fuss over her.
He lowered her onto a chaise, and when she opened her eyes, she realized they were in her bedchamber.
“Let’s get you out of these clothes,” he said, shifting her so he could undo the ties down her back.
Suddenly Daisy was hovering over them.
“The footmen are filling the tub next door,” she said. “Let me help with that, Your Grace.”
“No,” Vaughan snapped, then continued more evenly. “I have it.”
Emma flashed Daisy a weak smile, hoping she wouldn’t take offense at the duke’s rebuke. Daisy shrugged, but her forehead was furrowed with concern.
“Would you like me to help her bathe?” Daisy asked.
“I will take care of it. You may return to your other duties.”
Daisy gave Emma’s hand a quick squeeze as she brushed past, leaving them alone.
Vaughan finally managed to get her dress open, and Emma resisted the urge to point out that Daisy could have done it faster. He wanted to help her, and that filled her with hope and made her insides warm for the first time since the rain had started.
“Can you get your arm through here?” he asked, trying to guide it out of the sleeve. Working together, they peeled the redingote and the dress off her, and then he draped a blanket over her while he unlaced her boots. He tugged them gently, and one came off easily, but the other didn’t want to budge.
Emma winced as he pulled more firmly.
“I’m sorry.” His tone was strained. “Your foot is swollen. I may have to cut the boot in order to remove it.”
She sighed. It was one of her favorite pairs, but she couldn’t insist he leave it on. The ankle might become even more inflamed.
“Cut it,” she said.
He left and returned a moment later with a small blade in his hand. She stayed absolutely still as he sliced the leather and then grabbed her calf to get leverage so he could get the boot off.
“I will buy you a dozen more,” he promised.
Despite herself, she smiled. “One replacement is all I need.”
“Nevertheless.”
