Memories

Chapter 4-1

Chapter 4

Dearne watched Will retreat with rigid shoulders, looking like he had a poker up his arse, and once he was out of sight he let himself slump onto the bed. Good Christ, he felt like he was about to pass out. He was so ridiculously weak, and the pain which coursed through him was taking him to his knees. Pulling rank was the only way he could think of to get the man out of the room fast with any sense of his dignity intact. He had no doubt had he asked, Will would have had rendered any assistance he might need. After all, he had cared for him all this time, but hell, a man had his limits.

He sat on the bed and waited, breathing steadily, until the tremors wracking him subsided a little. His head throbbed and when he moved the whole room swam unbearably. He lay awkwardly against the pillows in an attempt to stem the dizziness and managed to still the movement. He closed his eyes. What in God’s name had happened? He probed his memory, but nothing emerged. Will had said Holbrook was to blame and Araminta had brought him to the Manor, but he couldn’t remember anything. He searched his memory of the last few days and all he could recall was spending the night in the bed of a handsome young Hussar with fair hair. He concentrated, and could recall waking in the bed alone. The man, he couldn’t recall his name, was not there and he had a thick head. He recalled struggling into his clothing and then leaving. He squeezed his eyes shut and remembered leaving before any of the household were up and about, and then…nothing.

He moved his head, but his entire body rebelled. The pain in his leg was staggering in its intensity so he adjusted his position and allowed the exhaustion to overtake him.