Page 25 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“I’m afraid I cannot give an answer. That will depend on you and your environment, but I suggest you rest for a while before attempting to remember anything. Your head injury needs some time to heal.”
“I’ll make sure she gets all the rest she needs, Dr Kinsey,” the duke promised.
“Good, good. Well, I must be off. I still have my rounds to make before the end of the day.”
“Thank you,” Juliana told him.
“Thank His Grace, young lady,” the physician corrected. “He is the one who called for me. He is your saviour.”
Juliana’s eyes met the duke’s. She was undoubtedly indebted to him. How would she ever repay him?
“She has thanked me enough already,” the duke answered, smiling at her before turning to the physician. “Allow me to walk you out.”
Kitty came in moments after the men left, her brush in hand. “Shall I continue?”
“Yes, please.”
The maid took another pile of hair and brushed it, using her fingers to untangle any knots.
“I heard them say you have lost your memory,” Kitty commented. “I cannot imagine how that must feel, but I would not worry. The duke has promised to help you, and he always keeps his word.”
The woman spoke with much affection in her voice. The duke was obviously a well-respected and adored man.
“I believe that, but I will have to leave this house eventually. The duke has already been so kind and thoughtful towards me, and I cannot take advantage of him.”
“Let him worry about that,” Kitty insisted. “Now, you close your eyes and get some rest.”
Juliana didn’t feel tired at all, but a few minutes of hair brushing changed all that. She fell asleep to Kitty’s cheerful chatter, and despite her stressful predicament, Juliana felt at peace.
The following day, she felt well enough to sit up in bed, but her head still hurt with any sudden movements. Someone knocked on her door, and, thinking it was Kitty, she called out to the person to come in. However, it wasn’t Kitty but the duke.
“Good morning,” he greeted. “How are you feeling today?”
“Much better, thank you. My head does not hurt nearly as much as it did yesterday.”
“That is good to hear. I came to see if you would like something to eat. I’ll have Kitty bring you a tray if you can stomach any food.”
Juliana had not thought about food until the duke mentioned it, but now that he had, her body was crying out for it.
“Yes, please, Your Grace.”
“Capital! Do you have any preferences for breakfast? We always have an assortment.”
Juliana doubted she would recall what she was accustomed to eating for breakfast, but she was wrong. A few words popped into her mind.
“Hot chocolate and toasted brioche with butter and apricot jam.”
The duke raised his eyebrows. “That was quite specific,” he said. “Is it something you recall?”
“I do not know, Your Grace,” she confessed. “The words simply appeared in my mind, but it all sounds delicious.”
“I agree, it does sound delicious. I’ll send Kitty with a tray to your room. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
Juliana wanted to relieve herself, but she could never speak of it to the duke. She would just have to wait until Kitty arrived with the food.
“No, Your Grace— thank you.”
Juliana tried to get out of bed as soon as he left. She had to ensure that she could still walk independently, or she would have some trouble moving about. She couldn’t rely on Kitty to do everything for her.
