Page 33 of In Need of a Duke
No, she wouldn’t leave him. Ian wouldn’t accept such a possibility.
Ian tossedanother book over his shoulder, threw his hands on his hips, and squinted in the dim light in the library. He couldn't find what he needed.
“What are you doing?” Nathaniel burst through the door. “You should be sleeping. You need some rest.”
Ian scoffed, ignored his brother, and pulled another book from the shelf.
He flipped through the pages urgently, tossing it behind his shoulder onto the floor.
“Ian?” Nathaniel asked. He slapped a hand over Ian’s shoulder, and he tensed, throwing off the touch.
“Go away,” he mumbled, thumbing through the book’s index.
“You need rest. The surgeon says it'll be a long road, but there’s good chance she’ll recover. All will be well.”
Ian didn't want to hear it. His stomach was sour, his heart raced in his chest, and he couldn't find the damn book. He was certain she must have one somewhere in this godforsaken house.
His brother studied him, his brows pinched with seriousness. Ian could still smell the port waft from him, and that only spurred on his anger.
“Why aren't you in London?” Ian snapped, his posture straightening.
Nathaniel sighed. “I'm here for you. For you and Lottie.”
“Don't call her that.” Ian barked a heartless laugh and glanced off to the side before returning his stare at his brother. Nathaniel’s eyes reminded him of his mother's, the same disappointment ringing hollow in them.
"You can leave," Ian said. “That seems to be a common theme in this family."
As soon as he said it, regret washed over him. He didn’t mean it. Nathaniel more than anyone knew what it was like to be left alone. Ian grabbed yet another book, racing his finger down the table of contents, then cursing under his breath when he saw there still wasn't anything listed about taking care of orchids. He tossed it over his shoulder.
"Jesus," Nathaniel exclaimed. "What are you doing? You're going to ruin the library."
But there was no time, and Ian couldn't sleep. And Charlotte could be lying in his bed at this moment. Dying.
“I can't let her plants die,” he said.
Nathaniel placed his hand over the section of books on the bookshelf, blocking Ian from grabbing another. “What do you mean?”
“Her orchids. I need to take care of her orchids,” Ian explained. “They’re important to her.”
“Susan knows how to take care of them,” Nathaniel said. “She’s usually the one in charge of them when Charlotte goes to Town.”
Ian spun, glancing around the library. Books were scattered all over the floor, the botany section nearly completely upended. “I can't find a damn book on orchids. In the morning, I need to write to the bookstore in London and have them sent here. By that time,” he said, his voice cracking, “she'll likely be awake. She needs time to recover is all.”
Nathaniel looked as if he would say more, but maybe for the better, he shut his mouth. “I'll help you pick these books up,” he said. “Then you need some rest. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her. And I'll wake you if anything changes. Now, come on, give me that book there.”
Ian reluctantly bent down and handed the book to his younger brother.
“I can't lose her,” Ian said. “A book will not fix that, Nate. She’s upstairs, and I’m searching for a damn book, and she could die.”
“The surgeon is caring for her. But you’re right, finding a book on orchids at nearly two in the morning won’t help.” Nathaniel shrugged. “I don't know what will. I know she loves you still. And I know that, whether you wish to admit it, you do, too. For now, you’ll need to trust that’s enough.”
CHAPTER 8
It feltas if she were drowning as Charlotte struggled to inhale. Her body ached, and she felt… foggy. As if she were half in a dream. She struggled to open her eyes. They were too heavy, as were her limbs. Her heart raced in her chest.
She had been on her horse, jumping the wall, and the duke had been furious with her.
The way he had shouted her name…
