Page 22 of The Lyon’s Last Gamble (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #80)

W hitney leaned against Christopher’s side, careful not to lean too much weight on him. He’d finally fallen asleep, and she was thankful for that.

He looked a mess, but the relief she’d felt when John had called out to her letting her know he’d been found was immense.

In such a short time, she’d grown to care for this man sleeping beside her. He’d accepted her faults without question. Amazingly, he didn’t see them as faults. Instead, to him it was human nature. She supposed he wasn’t wrong about that. She only wished everyone else could be as understanding.

She shifted, trying to get off the bed without waking him. “Lass,” he mumbled, eyes still closed.

“I’m here,” she said quietly, brushing his hair off his forehead. His poor face was bruised and swollen. Practically unrecognizable. With his injuries, there was no way they could leave for Scotland in the morn. His trip back home would have to wait until he was able.

For now, she would take her place as mistress of Colthrop Hall and do the very best that she could while she took care of her husband.

She still couldn’t believe they were married. But she was happy about it. Whatever problems came about, they would face them together. Of that, she had no doubt.

“Lass,” Christopher mumbled again.

“Shh. You need your rest.”

He cracked an eye open, watching her movements. “I love ye.”

Her eyes rounded.

“I ken ’tis been but a few days. But I dinna need more to ken what I feel.”

Heart bursting, she smiled. Because she felt the same way. And this time, she knew the feelings were genuine. She didn’t know what the future held. But one thing was for sure. It included them together.

“I love you, too.” She bent and kissed his forehead. “Now rest. I need you better. We have a honeymoon to finish,” she said with a wink.

He smiled, the movement causing him to wince. “I promise ye the most exciting honeymoon once I am better.”

“I’ll hold you to that promise. Now sleep. I’ll be back in a bit.”

After she left Christopher to rest, she sought out the head servant, Patricia. They had a long talk and the pleasant woman was more than willing to assist Whitney with getting her bearings when it came to running the household.

“I appreciate all your help with this, Patricia. I just have one more inquiry.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“Lord Campbell’s brother in Scotland. Do you have his address so that I may send a letter? I feel that he should know that his brother has been injured. And that he has a wife.”

The woman nodded, her eyes crinkling with an approving smile.

“I am sure his grace would appreciate such news. Once you’ve written your letter, I’ll ensure it makes it to the Duke of Argyll.”

Whitney’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head as she choked on the sip of tea she’d just taken.

“The Duke of Argyll?”

“Aye, that is Lord Campbell’s brother. Did he not tell you?”

Whitney smirked and shook her head. “No. He appears to have left that information out of our conversations. Thank you. I will have that to you shortly.”

Patricia left and Whitney sat alone with her thoughts for a long moment. Wow. Her brother-in-law was a duke. That was unexpected.

But she knew what she had to do.