The Dutiful Duke by Joan Overfield

Author:Joan Overfield [Joan Overfield]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance, Regency Britain, Regency England, Historical Romance, Romance, Love Story
ISBN: 9780380774005
Google: MZBwShiU-cwC
Amazon: B00K8DYTO2
Barnesnoble: B00K8DYTO2
Goodreads: 4205657
Publisher: Ten Talents Press
Published: 2014-05-07T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

"Please, Your Grace, you must get some rest,"

Dr. Carlysle's voice was filled with concern as he peered at Wyatt over the rims of his spectacles. "You'll do the wee lass no good if you fret yourself like this. Get on with you, now," he added.

Wyatt gave the little girl lying on the bed an anguished look, torn between the desire to stay and the knowledge that two men were waiting for him in his study. Here there was little he could do to help Amanda, but downstairs . . .

"You'll send for me the moment she awakens?" he asked, laying a trembling hand on Amanda's cheek.

"The very moment," the physician promised solemnly. "But I warn you, it may not be until very late tonight. That was a bad knock she took to her head."

Wyatt closed his eyes, knowing he would never forget the sight of Amanda being hurled to the ground. Nothing had ever frightened him more—unless it was the sight of the madman rushing at Nia with the knife still in his hand, he added, his eyes flicking toward the white-faced woman sitting on the other side of the bed.

"Very well, Doctor," he said, straightening to his full height, his eyes still resting on Nia. "Should you require anything, you have only to notify one of the servants and they will fetch it for you. Also, if there is any change at all, I wish to be informed at once."

"Of course, Your Grace." Dr. Carlysle inclined his head.

Wyatt held out a commanding hand to Miss Pringle. "Ma'am, if you would be so good as to step out into the hall for a moment, there are some things I need to discuss with you."

Nia opened her lips to protest, but quickly closed them at the weariness and pain evident in the harsh lines of his face. She gave Amanda's hand a reassuring squeeze, then followed him out into the hall. The door had scarcely closed behind them than he took her hands in his.

"I know you won't leave Amanda," he said, his thumbs drawing small circles on her knuckles, "but if I send up a tray, do you promise you will eat?"

That he could think of her comfort when she knew he was worried to distraction over Amanda touched Nia's heart. "That would be very considerate, Your Grace," she said, lowering her eyes to hide their suspicious brightness. "Thank you."

Wyatt stared at her bent head, fighting the sudden urge to draw her into his arms. She'd been so brave, he thought, his fingers tightening on hers. How many women would have possessed the courage to face an armed man like that? he wondered. How many men? She'd kept the man distracted long enough not to use his knife on Amanda, and he knew he would never be able to repay her. She had restored his niece to him not once, but twice.

"You still haven't given me your word," he teased, his voice light to hide the emotion burgeoning in him.

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