Page 55 of The Highlander’s Improper Wife

She wanted nothing more, but would fall flat on her face in the attempt. Caroline pictured Taran, naked, scooping her off the floor and carrying her to her room. She blushed at the thought of Doctor Blakely witnessing the event and responded to Taran’s stare with another vigorous shake of her head. The room around her blurred.

“I am fine,” she replied, though it sounded as if she’d said I am thine.

What was wrong with her ears? Her muddled thoughts blurred from one memory into another. She couldn’t recall what had started this whole mess tonight. Taran’s sister had married, but there was something else. Distorted memories of a blue domino searching for Aphrodite flitted through her mind. Caroline grimaced. She was going to have to do something about that domino.

Chapter Seventeen

Taran looked at Blakely. “How much laudanum did you administer?”

The doctor smiled. “Enough to ensure she would not interfere with my doctoring of your leg.”

Taran scowled. “I see the good reverend filled you in on the details of tonight’s events.”

“I understand a duel and jumping from balconies was involved.”

“I would appreciate it if you did not repeat that business.” He halted. “Where is Reverend Gordon?”

“Downstairs. I doubt he will leave until he learns what has become of you and your wife.”

“I will speak with him.” Taran finished removing his britches. Pain sliced outward from the wound.

“Turn that chair.” The doctor nodded towards the bench behind them at the foot of the bed.

He got the clean basin of water from the table near the window and placed it on the bench as Taran fetched the robe laid out for him on the foot of the bed and put it on. He moved the chair then sat. Blakely retrieved his bag from beside the bed where Caroline slept, and the remaining bandages, then seated himself next to Taran.

“Prop that leg up here.”

Taran did as ordered and leaned back against the seat cushion.

“Your sister is a tolerable shot,” Blakely commented.

Taran barked a laugh. “It is my fault for teaching her.”

“I remember she pestered you until you gave in.”

“I should have coddled her more. Seems to have worked for Horatia.”

The doctor began cleaning the wound. “Horatia demanded to be coddled. Oh, congratulations.”

Taran shifted his attention to Caroline. Asleep, she looked as harmless as a mouse. “I cannot yet say congratulations are in order.”

“Huntly is a good man.”

“Ah, you refer to my sister’s marriage.”

“Felicitations on your marriage, as well.”

Taran winced at the burn of alcohol on his leg. A shame Caroline had fallen asleep. She would have enjoyed seeing him receive the same treatment he’d given her. She had taken it well, he realized with some pride.

Blakely worked in silence, cleaning the wound for a moment, before saying, “What have you decided about Darby?”

Taran jerked from his concentration on Caroline. Darby was a notorious cattle rustler, who had yet to be caught red-handed. “Darby has been dealt with.”

“Are you certain he knows that?”

“What has happened?”

Blakely set the bloody rag on the edge of the water basin and picked up a clean one from the stack. “Unwise of you to ignore this wound for so long.”