Page 102 of Again, Scoundrel

“Aye. It’ll work.”

McGann shook his hand, and Alistair felt for the first time like they were the partners they’d been calling themselves for weeks.

Chapter

41

Violet awoke next to a cool linen draped across her forehead and tea dribbled down her throat.

“Drink that down, dear. Go ahead and swallow. Now there’s a good girl.”

She was propped up in a set of competent, fleshy arms that were feeding her sips of tea. Violet let herself be handled by the quick, dexterous hands of… someone.

She didn’t know who it was. Not the comforting presence she had felt beside her earlier. She missed that presence now that he was gone.

She cracked open an eye.

“Well, now. Hello, there.” A set of warm hazel eyes met Violet’s. “You take it slow now. You’ve been out for a while.”

“Who are you?” Violet asked, confused.

“I’m Jasper’s sister. You requested me.”

“You’re the midwife,” Violet said, relieved. “I’m glad to see you here.”

“At your service, lass, but I wasn’t the only one looking after you. Let me call that lad of yours. He’s been with you night and day.”

Mrs. Weatherington rose but the door burst open before she could get to it.

“Violet!”

“Alistair,” she whispered and knew then it had been him all along—her dark, comforting presence. He’d stayed by her side.

“How is Darius?” she asked as Alistair sank onto the bed beside her.

“He’s recovering.”

“His sores are healing? And no one else is showing symptoms?”

“Violet,” Alistair said, “I do not want to talk about Darius.”

“I’ll just let myself out then.” Mrs. Weatherington hurried toward the door. “But no disturbing her peace, now, lad. Do you understand?”

Alistair nodded. “I do.”

“What is it that you want to talk about?” Violet asked when the midwife had gone. “If not Darius?”

“Well.” Alistair cleared his throat. “The thing of it is, Violet, I never asked you. So, I’m asking you now. Before we do or say anything else.”

“Ask me what?” Violet’s eyebrows furrowed, and Alistair inhaled deeply before he went on.

“Violet, please tell me every single thing you’ve ever wanted out of your future, so I can give it to you.”

Violet tried to interrupt but he held up a single finger for her to wait.

“Let me finish. This must be said as soon as possible because I will never take the luxury of time for granted again.”

“Alright,” Violet said.