The Heart's Companion - By Holly Newman Page 0,81

Conisbrough went to her side and led her to a chair near the fire. Then he went to the sideboard and poured a healthy dose of brandy into a glass and brought it to her. The smile she bestowed on him in thanks held the glimmer of her usual expression. They all took cheer.

Jane rose from her chair and crossed to her aunt’s side. She gently touched her hand in mute inquiry.

"She lives," Lady Elsbeth said on a long expelled breath. "The cuts were not as bad as all the blood would have us fear. We discovered after cleansing the wounds that only one required stitching. My greatest fear is that we did not get all the glass out. It would have been worse had not the window already been broken. As it was, only the right side of her body bears cuts. Most will heal nicely. A few, like the slash across her cheek, will scar, leaving a vivid memory of today."

She sipped the brandy, coughing a little as it burned its way down her throat. She took another sip, prepared for the sensation, and leaned her head against the back of the chair. "We gave both her and Millicent laudanum. They’re sleeping peacefully." She looked at Jane. "What shook me the most, I think, was her docility. I don’t know if she has any memory of today’s events. It’s like Serena isn’t even here anymore." She shook her head in wonder.

Elsbeth looked down at the glass in her hand, her voice distant when she spoke. "The doctor says that from now on she’ll need constant care and supervision."

"No!" The single word, loaded with anguish, burst from Lord Conisbrough. He went down on his knees beside Lady Elsbeth’s chair. "No," he repeated softly. "She will not win. I will not allow her to ruin my life a second time. You will not sacrifice our happiness for her!"

"Excuse me, Lady Elsbeth, I shall see that Lady Serena gets the care she needs," said a humble Mr. Burry, standing in the shadows by the bookcase. When it looked like Lady Elsbeth would protest, he came forward into the light and forestalled her. "I know I ain’t much to look at, and I’m often the butt of jests, but I love Lady Serena. Have for years. I ain’t blind to her faults, either, though I do act it. Fact is, I knew she was up to mischief when we come here, I just chose to ignore it. "

"But Mr. Burry—"

"I’m a rich man. I can afford to pamper her. Take care of Mrs. Hedgeworth, too."

Lady Elsbeth looked at him helpless, uncertain what to say.

"It might serve," offered Jane. "And everyone knows he’s devoted to her."

"But she may never be the same again. She may never be that woman you love. La! She is such a dissembler, I doubt she ever was!" Lady Elsbeth said, her soft hazel eyes full of doubts.

Mr. Burry rocked back on his heels, his expression grave. "I told you I love her. You could call me a liar if that mattered. I’ve been willing any time these past years to take her in sickness and in health. Well, I ain’t going to change my mind now. Mayhap love can guide her back to health."

The Marquis of Conisbrough squeezed Lady Elsbeth’s hand. She looked at him.

"Should it really ruin your life?" she asked whimsically.

"Yes. You know it would."

She turned back to Mr. Burry and nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Thank you, Lady Elsbeth. I should like to go up and take a peek in at her now."

"Yes, of course," she answered, exhaustion creeping into her tone.

A frown creased the marquis’s brow. "Hold the door. Burry," he ordered. He took the brandy glass out of Lady Elsbeth’s hand, setting it on the table. Then he picked her up out of the chair.

"John! What—?"

"Hush. You’re near to falling asleep. I’m taking you to your room and placing you in the hands of your woman. Then I don’t want to see you until at least noon tomorrow. "

Despite herself. Lady Elsbeth chuckled. "How romantic," she said dryly as she laced her arms about his neck, content to let him carry her.

He scowled at her fiercely; but Lady Elsbeth didn’t mind, for there was something in his expression that told another tale.

When the door closed after them. Sir Helmsdon cleared his throat and approached Jane.

She’d almost forgotten his presence and looked at him in surprise.

"Miss Grantley—" he began formally.

"Do you wish me to