Chasing the Heiress by Rachael Miles

She let her tone convey all her dismay and concern. Fletcher—that traitor—would pay if Colin fell or overexerted himself.
    â€œ We are going. I believe games with balls are on your list. Yesterday, I looked out the window into the garden and saw a fine bowling lawn.”
    â€œNo, no games with balls.” Lucy looked out the window and grimaced. The bowling alley was plainly visible. She should have realized that Colin was not a man willing to rest long in bed and spoken to Nell in advance about keeping Colin from it.
    â€œI believe that marbles are balls, so by extension, either bowling is on the list or balls are just especially large marbles. I’ll leave you to choose which.” He was teasing and playful, obviously feeling well for the first time since the attack.
    â€œUnfortunately, whether balls or marbles, the bowling alley is in the family garden. Guests aren’t allowed there,” she explained, without any hope it would make a difference. He was charming and headstrong, this patient of hers.
    â€œNell has graciously allowed me to purchase the garden for the afternoon,” he gloated. “She says I’m her favorite guest.”
    â€œIf by favorite, you mean most lucrative, then yes.”
    â€œAh, unkind, my sweet. But true. At least when my brother arrives, we will have occupants to fill all the rooms I’ve reserved.”
    Lucy had noticed that the inn was especially empty, but she hadn’t realized why. Gratitude warmed her belly. By letting all the rooms, Colin had unknowingly protected her from her cousin’s men.
    â€œNo one enjoys losing sleep when an infant cries in the night,” Colin continued expansively. “I’m just ensuring that all Nell’s guests have a good night’s sleep—at other inns. Now, help me down the stairs.”
    â€œIt is still too early for you to be roaming about—much less play a game of lawn bowls. Your wound isn’t fully knit yet.”
    â€œSweet nurse, I was shot more than a week ago. Men returned to the battlefield with less convalescence than I’ve had.”
    â€œWellington’s adjutants made those decisions, not me. And you only awoke day before yesterday. Besides, a walk isn’t on your list.” She crossed her arms across her chest and stared at him. “I can refuse to do it.”
    â€œRefuse all you like. I can walk on my own.” From the edge of the bed, he pushed himself up, his face paling only slightly. “I’m feeling quite well.”
    â€œYou are a stubborn, difficult man.” She tucked her shoulder under his arm to support his weight and protect him from falling.
    â€œSays the nurse who refused to let me die.” He curled his arm around her, then pulled her closer to his side, whether for support or amusement she didn’t know.
    â€œI’m reconsidering the wisdom of that position.” She held the waistband of his pants to hold him up as she had the night they first met. “If you are foolish enough to break open my carefully sewn stitches, I might just call down St. Peter to carry you away.”
    â€œAt least you think I belong with the saints. That’s something at least,” Colin led her out of the room and into the hall. “I was sure you had me for a reprobate and a sinner.”
    â€œI’m sure St. Peter can deliver you to whatever place you are bound,” Lucy retorted, pleased that, despite his wound, his mind remained agile and quick.
    â€œAh, but you tuck so nicely under my arm, and you fit so perfectly next to my side. Perhaps I just want you next to me, caustic wit and all.”
    â€œWhen you are well, I will make you regret that comment.” Lucy felt the warmth of a blush bloom on her cheeks.
    â€œCould you make me regret it now?” He gave her a slow wink. “I might still die, and I’d hate to miss that pleasure.”
    * * *
    Colin loved taunting her, watching the way her