Twisted Affection: An Historical Romance Novel (Twisted Games Book 3) by Laurentia McClain

Author:Laurentia McClain [McClain, Laurentia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

After a thorough examination, a physician declared that life still clung to the wounded man, though the injury was grave. Moving him to the nearest hospital in Leesburg, six miles away, would likely extinguish that fragile spark. Instead, they transported him to the closest dwelling, where medical attention could be administered promptly.

While the doctor attended to the injured man and slowed the bleeding, a stranger, an elegant, middle-aged man, appeared at his side.

"I am Bryan Clarke, an old friend of the Williot family," the newcomer announced. "My home is less than half a mile from here, the closest to this spot. He can be taken there if you please."

The surgeon considered the offer briefly and agreed. Emmett was carried gently to the Clarke's cottage and settled into Bryan's bedroom. Anne Whilimena, still sleeping, remained unaware of the unfolding events.

She slept through the commotion, exhausted from the tears of the previous night. Upon awakening, she noticed the sun had climbed high in the sky. Aunt Sarah knocked gently on her door and pried it open slightly to see the girl just waking up. She stepped into the room quietly.

Approaching Anne Whilimena, Aunt Sarah took the girl's hands in her own, her expression grave and anxious.

"Anne Whilimena, I must deliver unsettling news, but I implore you not to react with hysteria. You must face it with courage and composure, like a grown woman. This is not the time for theatrics. A man lies wounded in your father's chamber, teetering on the brink of life. At sunrise this morning, a fight broke out between two of your suitors, John Thomas and Emmett Williot. One came unarmed while the other wielded a knife, plunging it into his adversary's chest. One fled, and the other was brought here clinging to life, Emmett Williot.

At the mention of Emmett's name, Anne Whilimena's lips turned ashen, and her brown eyes fluttered closed, the color draining from her cheeks. Aunt Sarah initially believed the girl had fainted, but eventually, Anne Whilimena's bosom began to rise and fall beneath her white gown.

"My heart is shattered," she moaned.

"Dearest, tell me, did your actions contribute to this tragic incident? Was it your doing?" Aunt Sarah inquired gently.

"I don't know! I can't say." She was clueless about the reasons behind the altercation and feared her own behavior might be the root cause. "Please don't interrogate me, Auntie Sarah. I know I rightfully deserve to feel horrible. And I do." Anne Whilimena sobbed hysterically.

Despite Aunt Sarah's attempts to persuade her otherwise, Anne Whilimena refused to rise from her bed, inconsolably sobbing into her pillow.

"Perhaps her father can bring her solace," Sarah thought, departing to search for Bryan.

But Bryan had embarked on a mission of his own.

Lord Carlson had asked him to deliver the somber news to Green Willows, which he did as gently as possible. Paulina, naturally, was greatly distressed by the news.

After soothing Paulina as best he could, Bryan took his leave and returned to the cottage, fervently hoping that he wouldn't find Emmett's life extinguished as the physician had feared.

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