Page 44 of The Phantom Duke
Theodora’s mouth opened as wide as Anna’s.
“That is just…simply…I mean to say!” she spluttered. “It might have been another woman!”
Given how small the staff was, Maria found that quite unlikely. She supposed that the physician Hale might have undressed her whilst searching for injuries, but Maria also suspected that Damien might be peculiarly protective in that regard.
The others laughed. Maria joined in. Their company was a balm that soothed her pains and her anxieties. She thought of being undressed by Damien. He had shown how gentle he could be. He would have taken great care when stripping the gown from her and then making her comfortable in the bed.
The idea of being looked upon nearly naked made her bite her lip. Her cheeks flamed. Evelina seemed to notice, but beyond a secretive smile shared with Maria, she said nothing.
“So, it seems an overture has been made,” Anna said, after the exclamations had died down.
“Do you think so?” Theodora asked.
“I should definitely say so. The duke did not have to summon us to be by Maria’s side,” Evelina pointed out.
“I agree,” Maria said. “It is the first time he has shown me any sign of… well, the kind of care one expects from a husband.”
“I do not recall any care from my late husband. But he bestowed a great deal of care on the bottle,” Evelina declared.
“I do not know what my husband bestows his care upon,” Anna said. “As I never see him. I assume he is real, and I did not dream our wedding. I am living in his house after all.”
“I honestly do not know that I will ever want a husband, hearing all the terrible stories the two of you tell. And now you as well, Maria. First, the Marquess of Landsdowne and now the… the duke!” Theodora exclaimed, obviously stopping herself from saying the Phantom.
Maria was glad of her restraint. She found herself disliking the silly moniker more and more. After her friends had left, Maria summoned Sally with the bellpull beside her bed. Maria’s ankle was swollen and painful, making movement difficult, and she cursed her own desire to prove herself.
Damien did warn me that the woods were dangerous. And he has made concessions in welcoming my friends into his house for my sake. I do not want to reject that overture. I just hope I have not done irreparable damage by needing to be rescued once again.
Sally arrived quickly, her pale face flushed and a few strands of her blonde hair curling from beneath her black cap. The young woman looked as though she had literally run to Maria’s room.
“Your Grace!” Sally exclaimed, dipping into a curtsey. “I am pleased to see that you are well.”
Maria arched an eyebrow. “Did you have reason to believe that I was not?”
“Yes. His Grace said that you were injured in the forest, and you asked not to be disturbed,” Sally said. “We were all terribly worried.”
“That is kind of you,” Maria said. “But you need not worry about me. I am resilient.”
Sally’s lips twitched into a small smile. “So it seems, Your Grace! Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Actually, yes,” Maria said. “Would you carry a message for me to the duke? I assume he is still in residence?”
“I believe so, Your Grace. I have not seen him all day, but then he often spends time alone where I am not permitted…”
She stopped, cheeks flaming, mouth clapping shut. Maria thought she knew what the maid had avoided saying.
Where she is not permitted to go. The forbidden wing, for example.
Maria put aside her curiosity for a moment.
“He spent some time in your room, while you were injured,” Sally added hastily. “I do not want you to feel as though you have been neglected, Your Grace.”
“Did he?” Maria asked, a little surprised.
She imagined Damien seated beside her in place of Evelina, Anna, and Theodora. Maria shivered, thinking of his dark eyes fixed upon her motionless body. What had he thought, as he looked at her? Guilt? Anger?
“He spent at least two days and nights at your side,” Sally said. “Perhaps, longer.”
A lump lodged itself in Maria’s throat. What was she to think of that? It could not be that he was growing fond of her. Maybe it was merely a penance, Damien trying to make amends for treating her so coldly. “Will you tell His Grace that I would very much like to dine with him this evening?”
