Enticing An Earl

Part 13

George paced outside William's door as she worried her lower lip. She shuddered as the image of William pale and broken came to her mind. It had been the breathtaking to see a virile man like him lying deadly still. She forgot about all the uncharitable thoughts she had before the incident. Thank God for small miracles, they were near William’s country seat when his horse threw him.

The doctor had been in William's room for more than an hour. Brandon was searching the road where the accident happened to see if it was actually an accident, he didn't want to lose the evidence by being late. Emma was with Lady Hamilton as she recovered from her fainting spell. George was the only one left in the corridor and with no one to talk to, her imagination had a lot of time to come up with the worst possible scenarios. She thought of how she would feel if something fatal happened to William, she knew she would be devastated and something essential would be missing from her life.

Despite the fact that George was recently introduced to William, he had been an important part of her life for a long time. First he had been an enemy that Max had felt afraid of then an admired friend. He had shaped her mind by teaching Max to invest and manage his finances. George learned through her friend and was thankful for all the benefits she gained since. William also served as a moral compass for Brandon and Max as he would often stop them from making decisions they would later regret.

The doctor came out of William's bedroom and started looking around for a family member. He was a young men, barely older then George herself but Emma insisted that he was the best physician in England. Brandon's jealousy had been apparent for all but he was ignored.

"Ah! My Lady, it was nothing serious. He has a broken bone and nothing else. My Lord lost consciousness because of the pain he felt, his head was saved in the fall. I have placed his bone in the original position and placed a splinter for support. He can not walk for a month, to give it time to heal. Everything else will be fine with rest and time."

Brandon heard the last few words the doctor spoke as he returned from his chore. He was confused about his feelings. He felt bad that his friend was in pain but he was also excited that he would get to spend more time with Emma without William hovering and scowling.

George rushed to inform Emma and Lady Hamilton that the doctor was done tending to William. When she heard that her son was safe, the old Lady rushed to check for herself. George followed close behind as she also wanted to calm her heart and reassure herself. Emma was just glad that her over protective brother made it.

As the three ladies entered the room, the first thing they noticed was the state it was in. There were books piled high, on every flat surface and at least three writing tables covered with papers and scrolls. William's bed was rather small, considering that he was a well heeled Earl. The usual curtains and bed posts were missing making it look as if his bed was a mattress on a low table.

George was surprised but not as surprised as she thought she would be. Somehow the room felt like William, comfortable, warm and served a purpose. She realized that he didn't do anything else but work. She never actually saw him enjoying himself.

Now he was laying in bed, immobile, unconscious and still pale with a splint around his leg. Lady Hamilton shed a tear or two while trying to tame William's hair. When his hair refused to obey, she started sobbing. It was almost as if she was crying because of her son's unruly hair. Emma gently took her mother by her shoulders and led her out, all the while she whispered comforting nothings.

Brandon came when Lady Hamilton and Emma were leaving and dropped on one of the arm chairs. The two friends silently stared at William, each lost in their own thoughts, each affected by the tragedy in a different way, each confused about different things.

Butler disturbed the peace and quiet of the room by announcing the arrival of stable master.

"What does he want? Can't this conversation wait till William is better?" Brandon asked rudely. George knew that he was still in shock and was just coming to terms with the fact that William could have died.

"I'm sorry sir but I think that you should hear this." Butler said without betraying an ounce of emotion he felt.

Stable master was called to William's room. Butler did suggest that Brandon move to the study, the conversation apparently was not for delicate ears. Indignant Brandon quickly clarified that women are just as strong as men, if not more. George was positive she heard the butler mutter "suffrage" and "bastard" as he left.

Stable master gave George a stink eye as soon as he entered but didn't comment on her presence. It was as if the butler had already explained to him that she was to stay in the room.

"What do you want to talk about? Tell me and leave." Brady continued being rude

Stable master's glare became more intense but it was now directed at Brandon.

"My master......." the stable master started in the most indignant tone but Brandon cut him off.

".....is unconscious and I'm acting in his stead. Now tell me what you came here to say."

Stable master looked at butler who entered the room with a tea tray, as if asking for permission or confirming if he should say anything. He must have gotten a positive reply because he started telling his tale.

"I checked the horses and the carriage as they arrived to see if they had been damaged somehow. You see, Lord Hamilton is such a good horse rider and his seat......"

"Tell me what happened man? Don't talk about things that don't matter right now." Brandon's nerves must be as fried as George's were because she was about to snap at the man for the same reason. Stable master again looked at butler for permission to speak before answering with a scowl.

"I checked everything thoroughly, the horse had a needle stuck under its saddle. The horse would have been in excruciating pain as soon as Lord Hamilton would have taken his seat, that's why it panicked. The carriage also had its axle weakened by cutting it. If the driver had traveled at a higher speed, I'm sorry to say, but the ladies would have ended in a ditch somewhere. The only person who would have stayed unharmed was you." Stable master looked at Brandon with such hate that it was obvious who he blamed for the whole incident.