Page 56 of To Heal a Broken Earl
“Yes, that is exactly right,” the doctor said, nodding enthusiastically.
“Indeed,” Wright said, looking at Michael. “You used to be a pretty good dancer. I might have to brush up on my skills if I’m to continue to outshine him on the dance floor.”
Armstrong nearly choked with laughter. “Yes, that might be a good idea.”
Michael laughed too. “I don’t know if dancing at balls is in my future. But rest assured, I won’t be vying for any of the ladies.” The only woman he wanted was a few doors down the hall.
As the doctor finished sewing him up, Armstrong and Wright updated Michael on Morgrave and Simms. Morgrave was in bad condition, so they would have Dr. Bianchi patch him up, just enough to transport him under guard to Newgate. Simms’s wound wasn’t as serious, as the bullet had passed through his side and didn’t hit any organs. He told them what had been going on, and Armstrong planned to verify as much as he could and check on Simms’s background. If what he told them was true, the man didn’t have any prior knowledge of Morgrave’s evil deeds and was trying to get out from under the viscount’s thumb.
Michael agreed that it would be wrong to turn Simms in to the authorities. They would figure out how they could help him reclaim his life and make up for what he’d done.
An hour later, Michael was at Emma’s bedroom door, knocking softly.
Celia opened the door and ushered him in.
“She’s resting. She was very upset and wanted to know how you were, until we explained that you were fine and would be in to see her soon. I’ll be downstairs if you need me,” she said.
“Thank you,” Michael said.
“My husband and Lord Wright stopped by ahead of you and then went downstairs to have a hearty meal. I’m sure both he and Wright are being fussed over by Lady Beadle, AuntChippie, and Mrs. Peppers,” Celia said with a wink as she left the room, closing the door with a soft click.
Michael stood at the foot of Emma’s bed for a few moments, taking in the heartwarming scene.
Katie was sound asleep next to Emma with her thumb in her mouth, and at the foot of the bed lay Finn, who had a large bandage wrapped around his torso. Poor fella. Finn was a true hero today. Michael gently rubbed his head, and the dog let out a sigh in his sleep. “Good boy,” Michael whispered.
He sat in the chair next to Emma’s bed and watched the woman he loved as she slept, her head wrapped in a bandage. She looked so frail. He swallowed a sudden lump in his throat, wishing he could take her in his arms and kiss her. He’d come so close to losing her…
But he would never let that happen again.
He would tell her how he felt.
When she opened her eyes.
“I’ll tell you then,” he whispered, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it. “I’ll tell you how much I love you, Emma…”
And then he, too, fell asleep.
~*~
Chapter Twenty-Two
Something was making an awful lot of noise.
A whirring sound.
And talking.
“Auntie, it’s me, Katie. You must wake up. Finn’s worried, too. Except right now, he’s sleeping, like you. Finn got hurt, Auntie, but the doctor said he’s going to be as good as new. I’ll bet he tells you the same thing.” Katie crawled up on the bed to kiss her aunt on her closed eyes before sliding back down to the floor. “Just like you always give me, Auntie.” The little girl stepped back.
Emma, still feeling very tired, opened her eyes to see her niece standing next to her, and suddenly realized what was making that noise.
Finn!He was sleeping at the foot of her bed, snoring loudly.
She giggled.
“Auntie Emma, we were so worried about you. That bad man took you. Finn tried to save you and got hurt, but the doctor said he’s going to be fine. Thank goodness I brought Polly in here to watch over Finn and you,” Katie whispered, holding up her doll.
Emma nodded. “Thank you, Polly, for watching over us. And Finn is most definitely a hero.” She placed a gentle kiss on Katie’s forehead. “And don’t worry, I’m here, sweetheart. I’m just a little bruised, but I’ll heal quickly. I’m not going anywhere without you, Katie. Don’t worry.”
