Page 37 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

He faced Lady Lavinia.

“I would advise that you find a way to get your friend back home immediately instead of staying to attend this. She would be verily tempted to use that foot inside, and it is much better if she just rests while the foot heals,” Dr Frederick said.

“I should go back home?” Miss Helena said.

Her tone was obstinate and angry like Dr Frederick had told her something unacceptable. She shook her head and laid the foot flat upon the ground. She grimaced and bit in the pain, but Dr Frederick only shook his head.

“I think if you stay, you would only injure the foot more. Rest is what you need,” Dr Frederick said.

“No.”

Her rebuttal was sharp and definite.

This is the Miss Helena I always hear of, a woman with a strong will unyielding to the opinions of another man. He knew she would not go home. Dr Frederick shook his head.

Sometimes it’s not a man versus woman contest. It’s just more sensible to listen to your physician.

He said nothing.

“Well, I need to answer my call,” Dr Frederick said.

He pointed forward, signalling the young steward to lead the way. He followed her. When he got to the top of the stairwell, he turned back and saw her trying to walk gingerly on both feet. She would not have made it if not for Lady Lavinia’s supporting arms. Dr Frederick shook his head.

This is a really stubborn woman, and enticing to the marrow.I must see her again before she leaves the ball.

The steward didn’t push the big entrance open. Instead, she walked down the balcony till she got into a corridor, and Dr Frederick followed her.

Chapter 8

A Visit Promised

Helena watched as the doctor disappeared into the building. Lady Lavinia was telling her something. Her ears were working well, but she did not hear a word. She was still trying to calm her heart rate down. Just seeing the doctor was enough to stifle her throat and make her feel hot all over. When he grabbed her leg to massage, Helena felt herself become wet. There was an uneasy moistness still at the junction of her limbs. His hands had not travelled without propriety, only wandered along the precipice.

His calloused fingers were a torture weapon.

That is probably from his holding hard surgery tools.

They were enough to trigger her skin and make her breath catch. Maybe if his fingers had been smooth and soft, she would not have been so enticed. But she felt every ridge in his skin, every bump that grazed her skin and tickled the underside of her knees. She had leaned into him several times, unable to defeat the temptation of pressing his head against her bust. And the few times her eyes had caught his, she could swear he wanted her just as much. His blue eyes had become the sea, what was once clear, foamed and rippled with primal emotion. He had quickly removed them, just as she had.

Everyone hiding their emotions.

Helena looked around her. Lady Lavinia upon seeing her friend wasn’t listening to what she had been saying was now talking to Prince Drew. The cousins were speaking quietly to themselves. Only Miss Justina had her eyes on Helena, very knowing eyes. Helena matched her gaze, and Miss Justina broke into a grin.

“Why do you stare at me so?” Helena asked her.

“Nothing much; you need to go back home. Let me get Mr Booth. I’ll be with you, of course,” Miss Justina said before walking closer to Helena.

Helena looked back down at the left ankle that caused her to rest only the front of her foot on the floor. It had really reduced in size. It wasn’t looking so bad anymore.

“It isn’t looking so bad anymore,” Miss Justina said, staring at the foot.

“My thoughts exactly,” Helena answered.

“You do not want to return and rest it,” Miss Justina said.

Helena shook her head.

“I want to attend the ball. We are late already. I’m very sure the hosts have had their dance,” Helena said.