She looked him over again. “You had better not let Brigsby see you, if he is still here. He will insist on bathing and grooming you within an inch of your life if he has the chance.”

“That is why I came right here. That and so I could make sure you were not being disobedient. Which you were.”

“Was it your intention to stand watch all night to make sure I did not move from here?”

“My intention was to stay here all night and lay cool compresses on your head. I did not expect to find you so recovered.”

She looked at her body making hills in the bedclothes. “You don’t have to sit in that chair. I have been ordered to stay in bed. I have not been ordered to stay in bed alone.”

He laughed a little. “Unfortunately, I was ordered not to impose on you. It was the last thing the physician said before going out the door.”

“Sleeping beside me is not imposing. I am sure I will recover all the faster if you hold me.” She moved over in the bed. “It isn’t big, but you should fit.”

“I’m sure I will.” He stood and shed his frockcoat and waistcoat. He untied and pulled off his cravat. After removing his boots and turning out the lamp, he lay down next to her.

“You could get under the sheet with me.”

“Beth is sure to arrive at dawn to take my place by your side. Better not to.” He did turn and slide his arm under, so he could embrace her. That felt unbearably good, as if his hold made the whole day’s ugliness go away.

“I realized something today,” she said. “When it was happening, I remembered something I had forgotten. It was just there in my head.”

He yawned, and turned on his stomach. “What was that?”

“That day when I was given that money, he said something to me. The boy who brought it. I forgot it almost at once. But when he handed that box over, he said something. ‘I was told to tell you, next time, fight back.’ I heard that in my head today. And I wonder—”

“Wonder what?”

“I wonder if whoever sent that money knew what was happening in our house.”

“I think he did know. I even think I know how. He had to know.”

“Because otherwise he would not have given me that money?”

“Because when he died he left you enough to take care of yourself.”

She stared at the ceiling. The notion did not shock her as much as it should. “It was the duke, you think.”

“I am almost sure of it. It is the only possible connection between the two of you that I have found.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this?”