Page 68 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

Garrett slipped his right arm about her waist and together they slowly walked toward the sanatorium. “I am sorry you were pulled into this never-ending drama.”

“There…there is…or was…something between Aidan and Delaney.”

“Yes. As you’ve heard, Sutherhorne has been banished. But he did fire off a final volley. Gossip about Aidan is making its way about London, concerning his behavior at one of those debauched affairs certain peers like to attend. I will tell you more later. You are shivering, and the cut on your cheek needs attention.”

“Why did you come to Standon? Because of Aidan?”

“In part.” Samuel rode up, holding the reins to the other horse. Garrett halted the young man. “I imagine he is long gone, Samuel.”

“Shouldn’t we try, sir?”

“We live to fight another day. Return the horses to Mrs. Hughes’s residence. We will follow you there directly.”

Samuel touched his forelock, turned, and trotted away.

As soon as the young man was out of earshot, Garrett said, “I came to see you, Abbie, as soon as I well enough to withstand the trip. We need to talk.” Garrett pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, causing much needed warmth to roll through her once again.

The clinic came into view, and Abbie breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes. But not today. I am utterly exhausted. Where are you staying?”

Garrett looked disappointed, but after this latest drama, she could not fully engage in an emotional conversation and give it her full attention.

“The George Inn. Jonas is there, along with Laddie. We came straight from London and the meeting with Prince Albert.”

“Jonas? And Laddie, how wonderful. Well, Megan will be happy. She returns from school the day after tomorrow. Will you still be here then?”

“That is entirely up to you,” he murmured sensually. “Jonas was the concession my family allowed for me to travel here, for you are correct, my love: I am not fully recovered. And the puppy? He is my constant companion. The loveable imp hasn’t left my side since I was gifted with him.”

Gethin rushed toward them from the rear entrance. “Thank God, you are both safe. I will send for the parish constable at once.”

“The man, Delaney, has vanished, and our family would prefer if this incident was kept quiet. If you would inform your staff, and ensure their discretion, it would be greatly appreciated.”

“Your family name is not Black then, I take it?” Gethin remarked.

“No, Doctor. Between you and me, it is Wollstonecraft, and I, and my father, the Earl of Carnstone, and the rest of my family, would prefer we kept it between us. To everyone else, including your daughter, the name is Black. Agreed?”

Gethin escorted them to a private room. “Agreed. Allow me to treat your cut, Abigail.” Both men helped her to take a seat.

“May I see Aidan?” Garrett asked.

Gethin reached for a bottle of antiseptic from the nearby shelf. “Ah. He fell unconscious briefly when Delaney released him. When he woke, he immediately became agitated, so I gave him a liberal dose of laudanum. He will be sleeping soon enough. Also, he asked that he be left alone the rest of the day. I must defer to my patient.”

“I must talk to him, Doctor, at some point. It is important, and to do with what happened today,” Garrett said, his voice firm.

“Then come by tomorrow morning, and I will convince him to give you a brief audience.” Gethin blotted her cheek with a clean cloth soaked with the antiseptic. “It is fortuitous, your arrival. I was about to post my first report to you. Come to my office later, and we will discuss it. I also wish to know of this man and what he wanted with my patient.” Gethin placed a small plaster on her cut. “As for you, my dear, I recommend rest. Are you injured anywhere else?”

Abbie shook her head. “No, he did not harm me. I did this running through the forest.” She looked between the two men. “Delaney asked me to look after Aidan, and said he would see him soon. Strange as it may sound, I believe he cares for Aidan in some inexplicable way.” She placed her hand at her forehead. “Perhaps I should head home. My head is pounding.”

“I will escort you,” Garrett stated in a firm voice. He would accept no argument, it seemed.

Gethin held out an envelope to Garrett. “Headache powder. Add it to a hot cup of tea.”

Once they collected her cloak and gloves, Garrett gently took her arm, and escorted her outside. A carriage stood by the entrance. They remained quiet during the short journey, but his intense and heated gaze never left her, which made her tingle all over.

Garrett entered her house, filling it with his masculine presence. “Where is your bedroom?”

“Down this hall, first door to the left.”

Again he took her arm, and slowly led her to the door. Abbie wasn’t certain who was leaning on whom. With tender and deliberate care, he assisted her with the removal of her coat, then her wool skirt and blouse. Every brush of his fingers caused her skin to heat. Lastly, he loosened her stays, then laid her on the bed, pulling the quilt over her. Leaning down, he kissed her on the forehead, then a soft kiss on the lips. “Rest. Before I leave, I will fetch you that cup of tea. Samuel will be nearby, and will send for me if needs must. After I speak with Aidan tomorrow, I will come straight here.” He smoothed her forehead with the tips of his fingers. “I love you, Abbie. Never doubt it. Never forget it.”