Page 81

Catherine winced, for Hannah’s high-pitched voice cut through her like a knife. “Well,” Catherine said delicately, “I find that both are equally important. If the physician or William decide that I need to remain in bed for a few days, maybe you should both read to me. I do not imagine that one of you could read to meall day, so you could take turns. Both of you read your favorite books to me.”

Hannah nodded, obviously satisfied with the answer. “And then, you can tell us who chose the better books!”

“I can try,” Catherine said, already knowing that she would declare that all the books were equally good. “However, I cannot promise that I will be able to decide which books are best. I am afraid that my knowledge of literature is not particularly expansive.”

“That seems fair,” Hester said, her eyes alight with excitement. “ I will make certain that I give you my favorite books—the very best that His Grace has in his library!”

“Perhaps, avoid the ones about head wounds,” Hannah said.

“Ha!” Hester exclaimed, crossing her arms. “I think it is important that young ladies know how the human body works. We are human beings, too. How will we keep ourselves healthy if we do not know about ourselves?”

The bedchamber’s door opened, and William entered. “Hannah, Hester, leave her be. Catherine needs her rest.”

Catherine gave the girls a sympathetic expression as they hurried from the bed.

“Rest well!” Hannah declared as she left.

“We will make certain that you have the best books!” Hester declared.

As they left, William pulled a chair beside Catherine’s bed and collapsed into it. He let his forearms rest over his thighs and heaved a deep sigh. “Why did they mention books?”

“Because they are going to read to me tomorrow,” Catherine said, tipping her head back and sinking into the soft comfort of her pillow.

William’s jaw clenched. “You do not need to tax yourself given your current condition.”

“William, I struck my head,” Catherine replied, “but it is not some mortal wound.”

He grimaced. “It does not hurt to be careful.”

“Right.”

She sighed and closed her eyes. “I will rest, if that will set your mind at ease.”

“Good.”

Catherine curled her fingers into the counterpane and listened to the sound of her own breathing. “Unless the physician says that I do not need rest,” Catherine said. “Then, I expect you to stop treating me like this. I am not fragile. You knew that when you married me.”

He did not answer. When Catherine chanced a look at him, she found that he had lowered his head. His expression was hidden from her, and Catherine’s chest ached. She almost felt guilty for arguing and teasing so much, for it was obvious that he was genuinely concerned about her.

He cared for her. Very deeply.

Catherine’s breath quickened. Was it the pain in her skull and the disorientation sweeping over her that made her thoughts all scattered, or was it something else? She felt suddenly that shelovedhim.

Truly and deeply loved him, despite everything.

CHAPTER27

“Her Grace seems fine to me,” the physician said. “I do anticipate that there will be some pain for a day or so, and I suppose it would nothurtif she was to remain in bed or refrain from anything particularly strenuous for the next few days.”

“I see,” William said, a wave of relief sweeping over him.

Catherine was fine. He looked at Catherine, lying in her bed across the room. She was fine. The physician had said so.

William cleared his throat. “I suppose that I may have reacted a little too strongly to her fall.”

The physician chuckled. “Just a little. However, I understand your concern, Your Grace. No man would blame you for being overly concerned about the welfare of your wife. Indeed, I would venture to say that your devotion to her is quite exemplary. Admirable.”

“Yes. Well, thank you for your time.”