Page 91 of Under the Earl's Wicked Spell

Mayfield grunted as he left the room. Victoria stared at her husband.

“Why did you say something to that?”

“It’s just Charlie. He’s harmless.”

“He’s anything but harmless.”

“Argue with me about that later.” Rafe started leaning a bit more heavily on her. “I think I just want to go upstairs and lie down.”

That sounded like a very good idea. And Victoria planned to make sure he stayed there.

***

It took a bit of extra strength to get Rafe up the stairs, and Victoria could feel herself about to buckle under the weight that kept pressing on her shoulders. Even with Manning on the other side, it was still tough. Rafe might have said he was all right, but he clearly wasn’t. He was going to end up passing out and falling down the stairs if they didn’t hurry.

Victoria didn’t particularly want to pick him up off the floor.

They staggered into Rafe’s bedchamber, and Rafe slumped onto the bed. His face was pale, and he was sweating. Victoria almost burst into tears seeing him like this. She didn’t like seeing her husband in such pain.

This shouldn’t have happened. Their stables were meant to be a safe place, and Jessop was very good at keeping on top of things. How had he not noticed that someone had tampered with the saddles? Rafe could have been killed. Victoria knew people could die from falling off a horse.

Calm down. He’s safe, and he’s alive. Things are going to be fine.

But for how much longer?

“I’ll send for the doctor,” Manning said, but Rafe held up a hand.

“Don’t. I’ll be fine.”

“You hit your head, my lord. You should be checked over.”

“I said I’ll be fine!” Rafe snapped. “Don’t fuss so much.”

Victoria frowned.

“Manning’s right. You should see the doctor.”

Rafe glared at her.

“Does nobody listen to me in this house?”

“Well, I’d rather know you’re well instead of telling your dead body, ‘I told you so’.” Victoria turned to Manning. “Send for the doctor. Ignore Lord Blackmore. I’ll take responsibility.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Manning gave her a bow, barely glancing over at Rafe before hurrying from the room. Rafe scowled.

“I wish people would pay attention. I don’t want to….”

“You lost consciousness, so you’re seeing the doctor.” Victoria folded her arms. “What good are you if you’ve taken a head injury?”

“Nice to know you think I’m good for something.”

“People can drop dead after a head injury, Rafe. Do you really want that to happen?”

“Maybe.” Rafe sneered at her. “After all, it would make you happy, wouldn’t it?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

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