The Earl and the Highwayman's Daughter by Maggi Andersen Read Free Book Online

“You’re a funny one. No leeches shall attach themselves to my body.” He sighed. “Now go away.”
    “I’m going. Sleep now. Sleep is healing, although there are other good measures I might apply—”
    “I shall sleep when you stop your nattering.”
    She hurried to the door and paused with her hand on the doorknob. His breathing grew heavy again and regular. Nodding, she slipped out and hurried back to her room. On her way, she encountered Jeremy, the friendliest of the footmen. She held her finger to her lips, and he merely nodded and grinned. He had a very dull job and no doubt found her behavior diverting.
    The next day, Eugenia hovered around in the gardens near the front door. She was gratified to see the doctor leave in high dudgeon, saying to Barker that he hoped his lordship didn’t come to regret such a bad decision. “I won’t take responsibility for his demise,” the doctor said, hurrying to his curricle.
    With a sigh of relief, Eugenia was about to return inside when a grand coach arrived loaded down with a trunk and bandboxes. She moved into the shadows cast by a tree and watched the footman in scarlet-and-black livery put down the step. After the door was opened, an elegant lady stepped down, followed by her maid. She wore a wide-brimmed purple hat trimmed with grey feathers, a deep violet pelisse, lemon-yellow gloves, and grey kid half boots. Eugenia stood and gaped as the woman swept inside.
    “Hullo, Barker.” Her ladyship’s pleasant voice was tinged with anxiety. “How is my brother?”
    “Good morning, Lady Beale. His lordship is improving I’m told, although the doctor is displeased with him.”
    “But why?”
    “He refused to be bled.”
    “And so he should. I’ll go and see him.” She removed her pelisse, gloves, and hat, handing them all to Barker. Slightly raising the skirt of her carriage gown, which was the color of butter and embroidered with violets, she mounted the stairs.
    Eugenia watched as Lady Beale went upstairs accompanied by the butler. Her firm comment reassured Eugenia. It gave her hope his lordship’s sister might have more sense than that fool of a doctor.
    ***
     
    Brendan had not been able to sleep after Eugenia left. Frustrated by his weakness, he was eager to recover his robust health and quit his bed. His man of business had come at his request and had been sent off with an important task. Exhausted, Brendan lay back on the pillows.
    The door opened, and his sister hurried over to him. “Brendan!” She kissed his cheek, her delicate scent enveloping him. “My dear brother. What a dreadful business. Are you in pain?”
    “I am feeling a good deal better.” He eased himself up onto the pillows behind him with only a small twinge of pain.
    With a warm smile, she sat beside his bed. “That is indeed good news. As you see, I have rushed to your side.” Tears hung on her lashes, but she dabbed at them with a lace handkerchief. “I was frightened for you, Brendan.”
    He smiled. “I’m relieved to say that you had no need.”
    “Nevertheless.” She sighed. “I’m pleased to have been invited to aid you in your recovery.” She tilted her head. “You must have been very ill indeed to invite me. You’ve never done so before. Even that time when you fell off your horse.”
    She meant well, but he suspected if she did nurse him, he might not recover. “I didn’t fall off my horse. My horse fell and took me with it.”
    “If you say so.” She laughed. “I am teasing. You’re a known Corinthian. Beale tells me that you hunted rabbits with Wellington in Portugal. And your race to Brighton with your matched bays when you were an impetuous youth is still spoken about.” She gave an outrageous wink. “I know how men are about their manly pursuits.”
    He laughed. “You know how your husband is, Chloe. Have you brought Beale with you, by the way?”
    “No. Did you wish me to bring him?”
    Brendan almost shuddered at the thought of being a captive