Rising swiftly, she went to phone for help when a groan emanated from Alexei. Quick as a flash, she rushed back to his side. He was sitting up, clutching his head.
‘Alexei? Are you all right?’
‘Billie?’ He focused on her with clear difficulty, a dazed aspect to his eyes. ‘What happened?’
‘You tripped and fell.’
Alexei levered himself upright, brushing down his clothes, and even though he was swaying he began walking back in a wavering line towards the main house.
‘You should lie down for a minute.’ She hurried ahead of him to open the door he was heading for and rested her hand on his arm before he could pass her. ‘Let me call the doctor.’
‘The doctor? What are you talking about?’ Alexei c
ountered flatly, frowning down at her restraining hand. ‘I don’t need a doctor.’
‘You knocked
