Will stripped off his coat and waistcoat and then removed his shoes and stockings and his breeches. He sat on the bed beside Dearne and unwound his cravat, and then slid beneath the coverlet so he could lay beside him. He laced his fingers with Dearne’s and held his hand. When they had been at Denton and Dearne was insensate, he had been able to hear. Will recalled he remembered his name so he must have at some level been able to hear.
“Can you hear me?” he said, softly. Will turned his head to look at him. Dearne lay on his back, unmoving. His red hair was dark against the white of the bed linen, and his features soft in repose.
“I’m sorry.” Will lifted his hand and kissed his fingers. “I am sorry I accused you of stealing, sorry I hit you and sorry…well, I’m sorry.” Will waited, but th
