Page 61 of A Matter of Time
Angelina’s gaze fell on Richard, who seemed to be sleeping deeply again, so she agreed. “Alright, that’s a good idea. I think we could all use some nourishment. Nick? Edward?” She motioned toward the door and the two men took one last look at Richard before leaving with her.
Asoft, cool hand brushed across Richard’s face, followed by a damp cloth. He struggled to open his eyes and when he managed the feat, he was shocked to see it was Ashley sitting beside him. She had turned her face away as she dipped the cloth into a basin by the bed, and when she turned back, she smiled warmly. “You’re awake.”
He opened his mouth to speak, not certain if he was dreaming. Ashley was the last person he would have expected to be seated by his bedside. He finally managed to rasp out a word, “Yes,” before he struggled to sit up.
Placing a firm hand on his chest, Ashley held him in place. “You shouldn’t strain yourself. You’ve had a bad injury and you need to take it easy while you recover.”
He relaxed back onto the pillow, exhausted by the simple act of trying to sit up. “Where is everyone?” His gaze darted around the room, in search of another familiar face. He desperately wanted to know where Angelina was, to ensure she was all right.
“Angelina, Nick and Edward went downstairs for a meal. They’ll be back soon, I expect. They haven’t left your side for more than a few minutes at a time since you were injured.”
“Is she alright? Was she hurt?” Richard questioned anxiously.
“She’s fine, but she’s very worried about you.”
Richard assumed he was at Breaghacraig, because it seemed the only explanation for Ashley being here. “The sword? What happened to the Twin Sword?”
“Edna took care of everything, just as she always does.” Ashley proceeded to repeat the stories she’d heard from Cailin.
Richard was relieved to learn Malcolm’s attempt to obtain the Twin Sword had been thwarted.
There was a knock at the door and Ashley got up to see who it was. “Yes, Helene?”
“I came to see if you needed anything,” Helene said.
“Could you tell everyone Richard is awake?” Ashley requested.
“Aye. ’Twill be a pleasure,” Ashley closed the door and Richard could hear the sound of Helene’s feet as she hurried down the passageway.
Ashley returned to sit beside him and to his great surprise, she took his hand in her own. “Richard, I’ve done a lot of thinking and I want you to know that I do believe you have changed for the better. In fact, I’m convinced of it. The Richard Jefford who was abusive to me, was a man possessed by the demons from his past and I believe you have successfully exorcised them.”
Richard gazed up at her in wonder. “Thank you, Ashley. I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I am grateful to have it.”
The door burst open and three people tried unsuccessfully to push through it simultaneously. Angelina won the battle and ran over to him, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Richard! Thank God!” She put out a hand to touch him, but pulled back at the last instance, as if afraid to do so.
“I will not break, my love.” He reached up to grasp her hand, and pulled her down to him. The smell of roses assailed his nostrils with the most wonderful of scents. He hadn’t thought he’d see her angelic face ever again, nor be able to run his hands through her silky locks, but here she was and he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“We’ve been so worried about you,” she sniffled, pulling back to look into his eyes.
“Aye, we have. Angelina has barely slept, she’s been by yer side almost constantly.” Nick leaned over Angelina to place a hand on Richard’s arm, as if he weren’t convinced he was real.
“Edward. My brother. You’re here as well.” Richard smiled broadly at the sight of his younger sibling.
“When I heard you were in trouble, I joined Nick and Angelina to search for you. Mother wasn’t happy I was going, but I insisted.”
Richard smiled warmly. His baby brother was becoming a fine young man and Richard was very proud of him. “I’m happy you’re here.”
“I wanted to stay until you awoke. Edna told us you’d be all right, but I had to see it with my own eyes so that I could travel home to tell Mother that you are well. She will be very relieved.”
“When will you leave?” Richard asked.
“Tomorrow morning. I’d like to get word to her as quickly as possible. You’ll need to stay here a while longer, I think.” Edward moved around to the other side of the bed, where he leaned in and hugged Richard. “I am happy you’ll be coming home Richard. I’ve missed you greatly.” He coughed and cleared his throat, vainly trying to conceal the emotion everyone could hear in his voice.
Angelina flicked her gaze from Nick to Edward. “Would you mind if I had a few minutes alone with Richard?”
“Of course not. We’ll see you later, my friend.” Nick escorted Ashley from the room and Edward followed them.
When the door closed behind them, Angelina made herself more comfortable, sitting on the edge of the bed. Richard hadn’t let go of her hand for a moment and he was watching her warily. “Richard, I want to apologize to you for my behavior.”
