Page 112 of Of Fate and Phantoms
Cook picked up Seth's spoon. "Open up for the choo choo train."
Seth snatched the spoon off him and fed himself.
"Charlie," Lincoln said, accepting a soup bowl off Alice. "You wanted to have a bath first."
"Actuallyyouwanted me to have a bath first," I said. "I think you three ought to go before me. You were out longer than me and it'll do wonders for your injuries. I'm nice and warm by the fire."
"Speaking of fires," Alice said, "one has been lit in each of your rooms."
"You're such a kind, thoughtful woman," Seth smiled at her. "That's very sweet of you."
"It was Mrs. Cotchin's idea. I'll tell her in the morning that you called her sweet. She'll be delighted."
His smiled tightened. "Still, youarekind and thoughtful."
Alice somewhat reluctantly retired to bed and it wasn't until she'd gone that I remembered her dreams. I only hoped tonight they didn't come to life. I was too tired to tackle rabbits or battle armies, and the men too sore.
In the end, Gus went in the bath first, followed by Seth. Cook had to help him out of his shirt since he couldn't lift his arms above his head. He was still in the bath when Dr. MacConnell arrived. The doctor saw to Lincoln first since he sported more injuries.
"Fractured bones in his left hand," Dr. MacDonnell reported when he allowed me back in to Lincoln's rooms after his examination. Lincoln sat on an armchair, his shirt open, revealing a triangle of black and blue skin. His face looked paler than when I'd left him. "Some broken ribs and various bruises on the torso and limbs. It's unlikely there are internal injuries or Mr. Fitzroy would have succumbed to them by now. It's fortunate that his musculature is strong. It's my belief it protected him."
"Thank you, doctor," I said without taking my gaze off Lincoln. He looked like a damaged warrior, badly in need of rest. "You haven't bandaged his hand."
"The bones are fractured, not broken. It should be bandaged after the bath. He assures me you're capable of doing it, Miss Holloway."
"I am."
"Be sure the bones do not move in that hand in the meantime," the doctor said with a stern glare at Lincoln. "Don't forget the salve. Apply it liberally to the bruises. There's nothing to be done about the ribs, I'm afraid. Now." He snapped his bag closed. "Where's the next patient?"
"I'll take you to him."
By the time I'd delivered Dr. MacDonnell to Seth's rooms and returned to Lincoln's, he'd gone. I poured myself a brandy and waited for him by the fire. My clothes and hair had dried but I welcomed the delicious warmth. It seemed to take an age for the chill to leave my bones, but when it did, I closed my eyes and sank into the armchair.
A light caress on my cheek woke me. "Lincoln?" I murmured. "Did I fall asleep?"
"Go to bed," he said, his voice as soothing and warm as the fire. "It's been a long day."
I sat up and yawned. He perched on the footstool in front of me, looking every bit a devilish rake with his damp hair falling around his face and his shirt open, revealing the bruises. He watched me with an intensity that made my insides weak. I cupped his jaw gently, just below the cut on his cheek, in the hope of capturing the look.
"I'll go to bed after I've bandaged your hand and seen to your wounds," I told him.
A mischievous gleam flickered in his eyes. "Dr. MacDonnell only mentioned my hand. I can see to the rest of my wounds myself."
"And deny me the pleasure of touching your bare chest?"
"You have no rights to see my bare chest, young lady. Not until you put my ring on your finger." He nodded at the ring in its box, sitting near the front of the desk. It had moved further forward. Was he moving it so I couldn't fail to notice it?
"Perhaps I wish to sample the goods before I buy."
The corners of his mouth kicked up. "You drive a hard bargain."
"Take off your shirt."
He hesitated then put out his injured hand. "This first."
I sighed. And he thoughtIdrove a hard bargain. I ached to touch him, even clinically, butheseemed able to resist. He always was a man of iron self-control.
The doctor had left bandages and splints to keep Lincoln's fingers from moving. I gently positioned each splint beneath the fingers then firmly wrapped up the hand, fingers and wrist. It must have hurt but he made no sound.
