Page 120 of Waking Roslyn

“Out of this room. That is my only requirement.”

“Why not just walk around the bed and then—”

“Because I want out of this room.”

She gave a longsuffering sigh.

“Mother, for the first time in years, I don’t have to worry that someone is going to try to kill me, and I want to enjoy that feeling. I want to go wherever I want, and I want to take up space and not feel bad about it.”

This time she took a steadying breath and then smiled for me. “Very well. Take a few steps and then I’ll get Sterling to carry you wherever you would like to go.”

I knew my parents trusted Sterling, and he seemed like an excellent captain, but I didn’t want a near-stranger holding me. “I don’t want Sterling to carry me.”

“Then who do you want?”

“John. I want John…” Stars, I’d never spoken truer words, but the lift of my mother’s brow told me how they’d come across. “To carry me,” I clarified.

Her pinched lips and raised brows spelled out her amusement. “So it’s like that, is it?”

My cheeks suddenly burned hot.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s clearly smitten with you.”

“Is he?” I asked in a small voice.

“Rosie, the only time he left your side while you were asleep was when someone forced him out.”

“He’s a good man,” I said to the ground.

“He must be to have caught your eye. You’re too practical to fall for a scoundrel.”

I looked up and saw her studying me with her hands on her hips. “I’m fairly certain your John is already waiting in the hall. So I will leave you here in Everly’s care. I think I have something I need Sterling to help me with. So once I’m gone, your maid can help you to the door and then stay out of sight while you go out into the hall. I’m certain John can help you from there.”

My eyes blinked in disbelief. My mother’s eyes were shining with mischief and, dare I say, matchmaking. “I…” I didn’t know what to say. It was a side of my mother I’d never seen before, and I quite enjoyed it.

“It’s a good plan, is it not?” She looked proud of herself.

A short chuckle burst from my lips. “Yes. I think it’s a great plan.”

“Very good.” She kissed my cheek. “Enjoy your walk, wherever you might end up. And don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I won’t.”

John

When the duchess had come out of the room a few minutes ago, I’d stopped my pacing and stood at attention as she spoke with Captain Sterling, and then they left together. Now I was back to pacing. As much as I wanted to rejoice at the fact that Roslyn was safe, I couldn’t. Who was to say there weren’t others out there? Others who would covet her position as much as the earls had?

Her door creaked, and I paused once more, surprised to see that it was Roslyn, all by herself, who opened the door and then carefully took a few steps out into the hallway, keeping her hand on the wall the whole time.

I wanted to run over and sweep her up in my arms, but the doctor had said the more she moved, the quicker she’d recover, so I clenched my fist and held my ground. When she looked up and noticed me, she smiled. “Don’t look so worried,” she chided.

“I’m not.”

“Liar.”

“Fine. I am. Permission to catch you if you start to fall?”

“How about you just walk with me, lend me your arm, and when I get too tired, you can carry me.”