“Oh, yes,” Robert said with a grimace. Lisa probably would have fainted and then would have been lying in bed next to him. Not such a bad outcome, he thought wryly. At least that way he wouldn’t have to go look for her.

“Oh, Robert, just lie still and rest,” Christiana admonished when he sat up with a wince and swung his legs off the bed. “You took a good hit. Rest and recover.”

“I have to talk to her,” he said quietly, relieved to find that sitting up didn’t make his head hurt any worse. It even seemed to ease it somewhat and clear his thoughts and vision quite a bit. Strange.

“But—“ Christiana began, pausing when Richard caught her hand.

“Let him go. It’s best if they sort this out,” he said solemnly.

Sighing, she nodded and made no further protests. She merely watched worriedly as he stood up.

Robert didn’t know who was more relieved when he didn’t sway on his feet, him or Christiana, but he offered the woman a reassuring smile. “I think I’m well enough. Other than the headache I feel okay. Lisa has one hell of swing though,” he added wryly.

“That could come in handy what with the way she gets herself into trouble,” Daniel said with amusement, leading Suzette closer to the bed.

Robert smiled at the words and headed for the door, moving a little slowly at first just to be sure he wasn’t suddenly taken dizzy and made to fall flat on his face.

“Good luck with her,” Daniel said and then teased, “Shout if she takes another swing at you . . . I wouldn’t want to miss that.”

“Ha ha,” Robert muttered, but he was smiling. He knew Lisa hadn’t deliberately hit him. He supposed he should have spoken up before touching her shoulder. It would have saved him a headache.

Robert almost shook his head at his own thoughts, but caught himself before he did. The pain in his head was easing a little with every step, but he suspected shaking it about might bring the aching on again.

Robert crossed the hall to Lisa’s door and then paused briefly, unsure what he was going to say. There was a lot to tell her, but he wanted to get it out right. This was important. After aligning his thoughts in his head, he took a deep breath and tapped lightly at the door.