Page 60 of The Duchess and the Beast
“I don’t...” Her head throbbed like nothing she had ever felt before. And her body was weak, such that she tried to shift in her bed but could barely move. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s all right...” His voice broke, tears streaming down his face—a sight she never thought she would behold. “I’m here now. I’m here. Just rest for now.”
Summoning all her strength, Virtue turned her head to look at him. He was not wearing his mask, but that wasn’t what caught her attention. It was his eyes she could not look away from—they were bloodshot red and swollen, as were his cheeks. Somehow, she managed to lift her spare hand and reach for his face.
He welcomed her caress, leaning into it, closing his eyes, and offering a weary smile.
“How did... what happened? What of Lord Wellington?”
“Don’t worry about that now,” he reassured her, his smile broadening despite the tears. “Ralph shall tend to those details himself. You are safe with me. That is all you need to know. And I will never leave your side again.”
Hearing those words, feeling the sincerity in his voice, Virtue felt a profound sense of relief wash over her. Her eyelids grew heavy, the effort to keep them open too great. With a faint smile gracingher lips for her husband, she allowed her eyes to close, and once more, she drifted off to sleep.
“There you go…” Sebastian offered gently as he steadied Virtue. “Just like that.”
“I am perfectly capable of managing on my own,” Virtue retorted with a sharp click of her tongue. “There is no need for such coddling, Sebastian.”
“I am well aware of your capabilities,” he soothed. “I merely wish to ensure your comfort.”
“You do more than ensure—yousmother,” she countered briskly.
At that, he laughed. “Call me pedantic.”
“I call you overprotective.”
Another bout of laughter. “And I accept that title. I shall wear it as a badge of honor, in fact.”
She side-eyed him as they continued their slow walk, letting him see the glare she shot his way, how tight her lips were, how irked she was with the way he was treating her. Except, most frustratingly, he took it in stride, almost proud that he was annoying her so. No anger from him. No frustration at the wayhe was being treated. He was the perfect husband and carer, a true gentleman in every way.
Truthfully, Virtue was not angry at Sebastian. It was herself who her rage was directed at. The fact that she needed him at all in this way, that she was reduced to a babe who could not take more than a few steps without tumbling, was beyond maddening. A body that was betraying her, a weakness that would not leave, and an over-reliance on a man whom she was happy to rely on but wished that she didn’t need to quite as much as she did.
“Shall we turn back?” Sebastian inquired gently. He walked carefully beside Virtue, one arm resting under her elbow as he guided her.
“No,” she hissed, trying to shake him from her elbow to no avail. “I am quite capable of walking further.”
“I never suggested otherwise.”
“You implied it.”
He chuckled softly. “At least you have your spirit back.”
Another side-eyed glare. “Do you find this amusing?”
“Quite the opposite, my dear.”
“I don’t think I have ever seen you so pleased. Perhaps it was you who poisoned me. Anything to make it so that I rely on you so—” Her accusation hung abruptly as Sebastian came to a sudden halt, causing her to falter in her steps. She turned to see a pained expression cross his face. “I didn’t mean...”
“I would never do such a thing to you, Virtue.”
“I know,” she sighed and ducked her head. “I was just voicing my frustration… and I took it out on you. I apologize.”
Seeing her genuine contrition, Sebastian’s features softened into a forgiving smile. He gently guided her elbow back under his arm, offering his support once more. “I could never stay mad at you,” he assured her, placing a tender kiss on her cheek.
She pouted. “I am beginning to realize that. The one advantage to being ill.”
“Well, that, and all this time you get to spend in my delightful company,” he quipped.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, how could I forget?”