He cradled Cordelia’s head as he slowly rocked forward, shifting her weight so that he might sit with her in his lap. “Grace, is that your name?”
The blonde nodded. He was surprised how much she and Cordelia looked alike when Corde didn’t have her glasses on. “Go to the kitchen and fetch anything cold.” They spun and raced for the kitchen. “Lady Winthrop. Can you carefully take her arm and lift it over my head? I want to see what damage has been done.”
“Oh dear,” Lady Winthrop mumbled. “I’m not sure I can. I’ll have to send for my husband.”
Malice didn’t want to wait that long. “You can do it. Where does she look injured?”
Lady Winthrop nibbled her lip as she leaned over him. He nearly choked because she looked exactly as Cordelia did. “Her hand is terribly swollen.”
“All right. Grab her gently by the wrist and elbow and bring the arm over my head. Nice and easy and she won’t feel a thing.”
“Are you certain?”
Lady Winthrop’s voice shook, but she did as he said and soon the hand was tucked between them. He could see that it was already swollen but the bones looked as though they were still in place. His shoulders slumped in relief.
Gingerly, he got to his knees and cradled her against his body as he slowly stood. He wanted to pepper her face with kisses to wake her. She’d been injured while keeping him safe. He couldn’t quite define what that meant to him, but something inside him shifted. He’d known that he was attracted to her, that he even held some affection for her, but who had ever put themselves in harm’s way to protect him?
“Lady Winthrop, shall I carry Cordelia to her room?”
“Oh, her room. Is it proper?” The other woman had both hands on her cheeks. “I mean, I suppose it’s fine. She isn’t even awake but—”
“Perhaps you can escort me. I don’t know the way anyhow.” He gave the woman an encouraging smile.
She nodded, her hands threading together. “Will she be all right?”
He gave her a quick nod of affirmation. “As far as I can see, it’s a mild break. She’ll be fine.” His insides clenched. This had better be true because he’d only just found her and besides, she’d yet to reply to his offer of marriage.
Lady Winthrop reached out a trembling hand and touched Cordelia’s forehead. “She’s my kindest daughter. Would give every possession she had to make her sisters happy.”
He’d seen that. Last night at the ball, she’d been completely willing to step aside to allow Diana a chance with McKenzie.
“Chad,” she whispered, stirring a bit in his arms. “Is that you?”
“It’s me, sweetheart,” he replied, brushing his cheek to the top of her head.
“Are you all right?” she asked, tipping her head back to look up at him.
He looked down at her half open eyes. “I’m fine. Don’t you worry abo
ut me. It’s you we’ve got to mend.”
“Your head…” she mumbled.
“It’s not my first punch to the jaw. Likely won’t be my last.”
She shook her head. “No, no…the back. I tried to make sure it didn’t hit the floor. I…” her voice tapered off as her eyes squinted to study him.
His insides clenched. She’d gotten injured deliberately to protect him. He’d suspected that, of course, but to hear her say it. “Thank you, Corde, for protecting me. Now shush while I take care of you. How is your hand?”
“It hurts,” she answered, leaning her head into his chest. “A great deal.”
“The doctor will be here soon.”
She tilted her head back to look up at him again. “Did Lord McKenzie leave?”
Irritation sizzled down his spine. That man needed a serious beating. The sort that would remind him to be a gentleman and not go around throwing punches in a lady’s company. “He did. But don’t worry. I’ll take care of him later.”
“Don’t bother.” Cordelia closed her eyes and tucked into his arm again. “He was upset because he knew he wasn’t going to win against you.”