Page 10 of An Earl Unmasked
Swooped up into the air, she opened her eyes to find herself once again wedged tightly against Lord Chestwick’s solid chest. “Put me down.” The man moved fast. The pain hadn’t even abated before she was back in his arms. When he ignored her demand, she added, “I’m too heavy and too old to be carried about like a babe.”
“I’ve carried men three times your size off the battlefield. Please stop wiggling.”
As they crossed the library door threshold, Diana asked, “Where are you taking me?”
His angered look confirmed her suspicion—the man was not used to being questioned.
“If you intend to carry out your threat and summon my mama, then I must be in the drawing room, at the very least, with a maid or a footman present in the room, or you shall be standing before a reverend by month’s end.”
His steps slowed. “Very well. The green drawing room it is. But you must promise not to try and leave. You will only do further harm to your ankle.”
Nestled in his arms, she had forgotten about the throbbing pain. “Aye. I promise.”
They passed Paul standing at attention in the hall. Lord Chestwick stopped and took three steps back. “Please send word to Mrs. Humbleworth to meet me in the drawing room. Then go to the icehouse and fetch me a bowl of ice, along with several washcloths.”
“Aye, me lord.” Paul raced off.
“What is the ice for?”
“I’ve read theorems that applying ice to a sprain will reduce swelling and pain.” He resumed walking down the corridor.
When and where had he read such propositions? He had been on the Continent fighting in a war, not studying medical journals. She was jostled slightly as he turned to squeeze through the significantly smaller door that led to the drawing room.
Lord Chestwick slowed his pace and peered down at her. “If you believe it unwise to alert your family to your injury, what do you propose?”
Finally, he understood the risk he was taking with both their futures. Her mind went blank. She had no plan. All she knew was now that she had gained access to the library, she didn’t want to leave. Diana hadn’t planned on incurring an injury. She had simply been calculating the risk of falling when her foot slipped off the rung as she went to replace the heavy volume. The throbbing ache in her ankle was bearable, but she couldn’t be certain whether or not her ankle was, in fact, broken. Diana met Lord Chestwick’s searching gaze. “An impromptu house party?” If she had learned anything about Randal in her short time in his home, it was he had a strong distaste for company. She was betting on that knowledge.
His muscles tensed, bringing her nose-to-nose with the man. He looked directly into her eyes. “You must have lost all your wits when you hit your head earlier.”
Ignoring his retort, Diana pleaded her case. “You could invite my sisters, and I believe our other neighbors, Lord Drake and Lord Cunningham, are already in residence at their country estates.”
“Absolutely not.” The stubborn set of his jaw was a challenge.
To prove her theory that Randal would be more amicable to a sensible solution, Diana said, “If you recall, I made the suggestion of contacting my sister Minerva. She is a skilled strategist. She will know exactly what to do.”
He lowered her to the chaise lounge. “Mrs. Humbleworth, thank you for coming.” The man had excellent hearing to have known the woman was approaching. He straightened and turned to face the housekeeper.
Diana peered around his large form and smiled.
Mrs. Humbleworth bobbed a quick curtsy, her brows furrowed as she faced her employer, then glanced back at Diana, who gave the housekeeper a wink. The tension in the woman’s forehead eased.
Lord Chestwick cleared his throat, bringing Mrs. Humbleworth’s attention back to him. “I need you to discreetly alert Lady Minerva that her sister has requested her aid.”
“Are ye all right, Lady Diana?”
“I’m well. I simply rolled my ankle. However, Lord Chestwick is requesting I remain here for a spell. I’d appreciate your assistance in sending word to Minerva via the backdoor.”
The housekeeper’s gaze flickered to her employer and then back to Diana. “Of course, my lady. I’ll send Willie over at once.”
Mrs. Humbleworth curtsied and passed Paul on her way out. The footman brought forward the tray with the items Lord Chestwick requested.
With his back to her, Lord Chestwick barked, “Remove your slipper and stocking.” He removed his jacket, flung it through the air to land on the back of a chair, and began rolling up the sleeves of his lawn shirt.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I need to apply the cold pack to your injury.”
She leaned forward to do as he bid, but her attention was on her host. He dipped his fingers into the bowl and retrieved several chipped pieces of ice and wrapped them up in a washcloth. Careful not to allow the ice to escape, he placed it in one hand, palm up. Taking the two steps to the chaise, he knelt and gently laid the compress over her skin, which was turning a garish blue-purple color.
