Page 37 of His Godsent Duchess
"I'll ride back on Toro and send for help," he suggested.
But Christina shook her head. "No. I once twisted my ankle, and it didn't take long for the swelling to worsen. Angelique needs care immediately, and we're not too far from the castle. She can limp back with us."
Victor couldn't deny the logic of her argument. And yet, something in him resisted. He strode toward her without warning and scooped her up in his arms. Christina gasped, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders.
"You fell, Duchess," he said, his voice low. "I'm not convinced you're entirely all right."
She laughed softly, her breath warm against his neck. "I assure you, I am quite well."
Ignoring her protest, Victor set her atop Toro and handed her the reins. Then, taking Angelique's reins in his hand, he began walking the mare back toward Kilton Castle, leading the small procession with steady, deliberate steps.
By the time they reached the stables, the worry that had gnawed at him earlier had not fully subsided. Christina dismounted gracefully, her concern still fixed on Angelique.
"I'll stay and help with her," she offered.
Victor's eyes darkened. "No. You're seeing a physician." She opened her mouth to argue, but he wouldn't hear it. Before she could protest further, he swept her off her feet again, cradling her in his arms as he carried her toward the castle.
"Your Grace!" she laughed, though she soon surrendered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Smith!" he called as they entered the grand foyer. The butler appeared almost instantly, and Victor barked an order for the physician to be summoned at once.
Suddenly, a flurry of voices and footsteps filled the hall. The girls, with Lady Annabelle in tow, rushed toward them, their anxious chatter filling the space.
"Mother!" Amelia cried. "Are you hurt?"
Agnes tugged at his coat, her face pale with worry. "Put her down, Father! Let me help her!"
Victor tried to call the girls to order, but their panic overwhelmed him. The children surrounded Christina, all speaking at once, their concern like a storm battering against him.
"Young ladies," Christina's voice rose above the chaos, gentle yet firm. Instantly, they fell silent.
She smiled at them reassuringly. "I fell, yes, but I am quite unhurt."
Amelia furrowed her brow. "Then why is Father carrying you and calling for a physician?"
Christina's gaze flicked to Victor's, warmth and amusement dancing in her eyes. "Your father is very protective, and… very charming."
Victor felt a strange tightness in his chest at her words, and though he tried to dismiss it, the feeling lingered.
The girls, still uncertain, stepped aside to let him pass, though their eyes followed him as he carried Christina up the stairs and into her bedchamber. He set her down gently on the bed, watching as she winced when her right shoulder brushed against the pillow.
"Ah," he muttered, sitting beside her. "Youarehurt, Christina."
Christina's eyes widened a fraction. Perhaps she was surprised at his deliberate use of her Christi name. A slight smile played on her lips. "You sound so certain, Victor."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I am."
Their eyes met, the distance between them narrowing, and Victor felt that familiar pull, the one he had been trying to resist for days. He leaned in, his gaze flicking to her lips, but just then, a soft giggle behind him shattered the moment.
Victor turned sharply, spotting Annabelle and his daughters whispering and stifling their laughter. Clearing his throat, he stood abruptly.
"We should allow your mother to rest," he said, ushering the girls out of the room with a firm yet gentle hand.
As Victor closed the door behind him, he was immediately met by a flurry of voices. The girls swarmed around him, their faces alight with worry and curiosity. Amelia, ever the bold one, was the first to speak, her voice quick and breathless.
"Father, what happened to Mother? Is she hurt?" Amelia's wide eyes locked onto his, demanding an explanation.
Cassidy, not far behind, echoed her sister's concern. "Tell us, Father! Is she all right?"
