The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1) by Lindsay Downs

Author:Lindsay Downs [Downs, Lindsay]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: TouchPoint Romance
Published: 2016-04-04T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Simon watched Emma sweep from his suite then focused his attention on his mother. Unfortunately, it went unheeded as she was talking with two footmen. He did catch a few words- “let him collapse, pick him up, tie him onto the bed”. He could feel his anger mount at her words but knew she meant every one of them.

Granted, he thought to himself, he may be the duke, but first and foremost he was not only a man but a former soldier who’d been injured in battle. Even then, he’d not been one to lie around while others did his job, being the company commanding officer. Simon waited until his mother had left to aid in greeting their guests then tossed off the covers, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and stood. That was the last thing he remembered.

The next thing he knew he was back in bed covered up to his chest with the sheets. He tried to move his arms and legs but found them restrained by strips of bedding. Now he wasn’t only mad but totally furious, but at whom? His mother for ordering the footmen to tie him onto the bed or himself for being stupid enough to push himself faster than needed. If he was to guess it would be him.

Glaring at the two smirking footmen, he wanted to terminate them on the spot but realized that would be wrong since they were only following his mother’s directions. Feeling like a fox trapped by hounds, he tried to relax. In the corridor he heard Emma’s angelic voice as she made her way to his suite.

Where was his mother? That’s when he remembered the doctor’s wife was accompanying him. Knowing his mother, she’d probably waylaid the lady so her husband could examine him without her at his side.

He turned his head toward the door as he watched Emma glide in. The physical excitement of her in his presence, in his suite no less, was something he’d never felt before on seeing a young lady. Of course, being totally naked under the sheets didn’t hurt his reaction to gazing upon the red gown she wore. Not only did it hug and caress every curve of her delicate body, but it was the bodice and the way it emphasized her breasts that tormented him. Turning his attention from her to the grumpy, aged man beside her, he gave Doctor Sydney Stone a nod to acknowledge him.

“Good afternoon, Sydney. It’s been a long time since you’ve had to treat a wound on me,” Simon declared, in the hopes of getting the upper hand with him and Emma.

“And you also, Colonel. From where I’m standing it does my heart good to see someone has had the forethought to make sure you behave. If I remember correctly, the day after you were struck down by a French saber you insisted on returning to the fight.”

Simon tried to laugh, but when he did a shooting pain in his shoulder stopped him.

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