Page 133 of Heartbreaker of the Ton
“And what ofmysins, Andrew?”
“You committed no sin,” he said. “You were sinned against. Come back with me—not for the sake of my manly parts, but for your sake—and for the sake of your son. Then, if you are generous enough to consider it, for my sake also. For I fear my life will never be whole without you.”
She closed her eyes and leaned against him. At length, she nodded against his chest. He picked her up, cradling her body in his arms, his heart aching.
How had she got so thin? She weighed almost nothing—her body as fragile as a bird yet, within that slight frame was a heart as strong as a lion’s.
The owl screeched again. But this time, Etty did not startle. Perhaps, if she felt safe in Andrew’s arms, it was a sign that he could regain her trust.
*
As Andrew approachedthe main doors, his hostess appeared, together with the other ladies.
“Lord Radham—you’ve found her!” Arabella glanced at Etty, taking in her disheveled hair, and the torn gown smeared with dirt and stained with blood. “What in the name of heaven has happened?”
“I’ll tell you what’s happened,” Andrew said. “I’ve finally realized what a damned bloody fool I’ve been.”
Mrs. Axley drew in a sharp breath at his profanity.
Lady Arabella gestured toward the footman. “Simon, send for Frances to tend to Miss Juliette in her chamber,” she said. “Then have the fire lit and send for Dr. Long.”
“No!” Etty stiffened. “No doctor—please. What will he think?”
“You’re injured, Juliette,” Lady Arabella said. “Just look at your legs. I must insist. Dr. Long is a ten-minute ride away. Lawrence can fetch him as soon as he’s back.”
“Back from where?” Etty asked.
“He’s out looking foryou, my dear,” Lady Arabella said. “All the men went in search of you after we heard you’d fled. Mrs. Smith said you were very distressed. We’ve been terribly worried.”
Etty let out a soft cry and buried her head in Andrew’s chest.
“I think, Lady Arabella, we should trust Etty to know what’s best for her,” Andrew said.
“But she needs treatment,” Lady Arabella protested. “It’s no trouble if you’re concerned about the expense.”
“Etty?” Andrew whispered. She glanced up at him and shook her head, and his heart ached at the raw plea in her eyes.
It wasn’t the expense she was concerned about—but the diagnosis. In a world where women were judged, and a distressed woman judged most of all, Etty had every right to be afraid. She had run out into the night, believing the world would be a better place without her in it. What might some judgmental Society doctor make ofthat?
“Forgive me, but I must insist also,” he said. “Etty went for an evening walk and had an accident in the forest. There is no reason for troubling a doctor merely for a few cuts and bruises.” He turned to the footman. “Good man, be so kind as to fetch some bandages, hot water, clean cloths, and a jar of salve.”
The footman looked at Lady Arabella, who sighed, then nodded. “Please do as Lord Radham says, Simon. Then would you find my husband and the rest of the gentlemen? Tell them that Miss Juliette has been found safe and well after taking a walk and there’s no further need for concern.”
“Lady Arabella, might you show me the way to Etty’s chamber?” Andrew asked.
“I can walk by myself,” Etty protested.
“No, my love,” he said. “You have been taking care of others for too long. Let someone take care of you for once. Someone who loves you.”
Lady Arabella’s expression softened, and she placed a hand on Etty’s arm. “Perhaps you might indulge a gallant man intent on being of service to you, Juliette,” she said. Then, without waiting for a response, she led Andrew inside.
*
Etty’s chamber wasin the east wing of the house, overlooking the forest. By the time Andrew arrived, his charge in his arms, the footman was already there, setting a tray on the table with a bowl of water from which wisps of steam rose, a jar of salve, and a roll of bandages.
A maid was crouched by the fire, poking the logs while flames curled over the wood, casting an orange glow in the chamber. She leaped to her feet as she saw Andrew, and he set Etty on her feet.
“Oh, sir! What’s happened? Miss Howard, are you all right?”
