“I suppose,” she said skeptically.
“Mama, Dr. Paxton really is the best,” Sam assured her.
* * *
Rayne saw a young woman standing in the doorway of the parlor. She was beautiful. She looked like Sam, so Rayne surmised it was his sister. Rayne tried to pull her hand from Sam’s, but he refused to relinquish it and she saw the girl hide a smile behind her fingers.
Sam’s mother led Stephen upstairs and Sam ushered Rayne and Jamie into the parlor. Sam pulled Rayne forward. “Amelia, this is Rayne.”
Once again, Rayne tried to pull her hand away, but Sam held fast.
“Sam,” Rayne hissed.
He chuckled, but didn’t comment.
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Green,” Amelia said.
Rayne swallowed and forced a smile. “Please, call me Rayne.”
“Dinner will be served shortly.” Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Would you like to freshen up before we sit down?”
Rayne nodded. “I would love to. Thank you.”
“Sam?” Amelia enquired.
Sam still stared at Rayne. “Yes?”
Amelia tapped her brother’s arm. “Will you please let go of Rayne’s hand so I can show her to the guest room?”
Rayne’s face blushed red. “Let go. Please, Sam.” He gave her his crooked smile as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. She tugged and scowled up at him. “I’m going to kill you,” she whispered.
He let go of her hand, but not before he’d given her a slow wink that made her want to remove her clothes. Rayne forced another glare. “Stop it.”
Sam chuckled and Amelia led her from the room. Amelia became quite chatty as they made their way upstairs, and Rayne was relieved. “We have a nice guest room close to mine. I think you’ll be comfortable there.”
“Thank you. I’ll probably just be here overnight, so please don’t go to too much trouble.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble.”
Rayne smiled. “Thank you.”
Amelia pushed open a door and led her into the spacious and bright room. “Here we go.”
A four-poster bed pushed against the far wall was covered with a green and yellow floral quilt, and a small table sat next to it with fresh flowers in a vase. The opposite wall held the fireplace and a bureau with porcelain bowl and pitcher. A chair sat next to the fireplace, and there were two large windows flanking a large freestanding wardrobe.
Rayne scanned the room. “This is beautiful.”
Amelia smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Why don’t you take some time to rest and I’ll come and get you before dinner is served.”
Rayne nodded. “That will be perfect. Thanks.”
Amelia closed the door on her way out and Rayne took a few minutes to freshen up and then settled herself on the bed. She hadn’t realized how exhausted she was and quickly fell asleep.
* * *
“Angel?”
Rayne tried to force herself out of the fog. “Mmm.”
“Wake up, sweetheart.” Sam kissed her gently.
Rayne rubbed gritty, sore eyes.
He sat down on the bed and stroked her cheek. “Dinner will be served in just a few minutes. Are you hungry?”
She opened her eyes and looked up. “Not particularly, no.”
He swept her hair away from her forehead and leaned down to kiss her again. “You’re warm.”
“I am?” she asked distractedly. “I’m so tired.”
“Are you unwell?” he asked.
“I don’t think so.” She pushed herself up. “How’s your dad?”
“Dr. Paxton believes he can fix his leg so that it will heal.”
“Really? That’s great.” Rayne frowned. “Why don’t you look happy?”
“Mama’s raising a ruckus.” Sam sighed. “Stephen will have to perform surgery.”
Suddenly realizing where they were, Rayne looked up at him in reproof. “Sam?”
He grinned. “Yes, Angel.”
“What are you doing in my room?”
Sam chuckled. “Waking you.”
“Right. What would your parents think?” she whispered frantically. “You should leave.”
Sam shrugged. “My parents are otherwise engaged.”
Rayne groaned. “If you continue down this road, your parents are going to think I’m a whore.”
He sat and stared at her for a few minutes. “All right. I’ll step outside. But don’t be long.”
She nodded and watched him leave. She tried to shake off her exhaustion as she climbed off the bed and made her way to the bureau. She splashed cold water on her face and took a deep breath. She really didn’t feel well. “Sam!”
* * *
Sam heard the panic in her voice as she called his name, and rushed into the room to find her gripping the bedpost. “What’s amiss?”
“I don’t feel—”
He caught her just as she passed out. “Rayne?”
He lifted her and gently laid her on the bed.
It took several minutes before she started to stir. “Sam?”
“Sweetheart, are you all right?”
“Maybe I don’t feel well.” She grasped his arm. “I’m so tired. I can’t keep my eyes open.”
“I’m going to get Stephen.”
She nodded and rolled onto her side.
Sam found Stephen in the parlor, discussing his father’s condition with his family. As he rushed into the room, his mother’s eyes flew to him. “Dr. Paxton? Rayne is not feeling well. Could you check on her please?”
“Of course.” Stephen stood and addressed the group. “Excuse me.”
“How do you know she is unwell, Samuel?” his mother accused.
“She told me,” he said, perhaps a little harsher than he needed to, however, it did censure her, which was his intent. Sam led Stephen upstairs and into Rayne’s room. She appeared to be asleep. Sam sat down next to her and stroked her cheek. “Angel, wake up.”
She groaned. “I don’t want to.”
“Let me have a look.” Stephen forced Sam from the room in order to do a thorough exam. Feeling as though it took a lifetime, Sam’s relief was visible when Stephen finally opened the door and ushered him inside. “She’s breathing much easier without the corset. Nothing to be concerned about.”
Sam frowned. “What exactly does that mean?”
“It means she needs to stay in bed until she’s feeling better. I don’t see signs of anything more than a virus, but we’ll need to wait and see.”
“What should I do?” Sam asked.
“Watch for fever.” Stephen turned to Sam. “She’s warm now, but not dangerously so.”
When Stephen left them, Sam leaned over and stroked Rayne’s cheek. “I’ll send Amelia in to help you undress.”
Rayne leaned into him. “Sam?”
“Hm?”
“Will you stay with me, please?”
Sam chuckled. “Of course. Right after Amelia has tended to you.”
He went to fetch his sister and then waited in the hallway while she got Rayne into a nightgown. Amelia opened the door and smiled at her brother. “She’s much more comfortable now.”
Sam pushed away from the wall. “Thank you.”
“I’m going downstairs to get her some broth.” Amelia smiled gently. “Can I bring you a tray?”
Sam nodded. “That would be appreciated, Meely. Thank you.” He stepped back into the room to find Rayne leaning over the bowl on the bureau.
“Rayne?” Sam closed the distance between them and wrapped an arm around her waist. “What are you doing up?”
“I felt sick to my stomach.”
Sam gave her a gentle squeeze. “All right, Angel. Back into bed.”
“I hate being sick,” she grumbled as Sam pulled the comforter over her. “Everyone scatters… even Shaye. Maybe because I’m not a very good patient.”
Sam stroked her forehead. “Well, you’re not alone now. I’m here.”
Sinking further
down into the bed, she smiled. “‘K.”
He sat in the chair next to the bed and stroked her hair.
She suddenly sat up. “I’m going to be sick.”
He grabbed the bowl and handed it to her. Amelia opened the door and guided two of the house staff into the room carrying trays. Rayne groaned.
“She’s sick to her stomach,” Sam explained in a whisper.
Amelia nodded and had the staff set the trays down and then they left them alone. Sam grabbed a glass of water and sat by the bed. Once she sat up again, he handed her the drink and took the bowl from her. She started to gulp the water as though she hadn’t had a drink in a week. “Sip that, Angel.”
“But I’m thirsty.”
“I know, but you don’t want to shock your stomach.”
Rayne handed him the glass and snuggled back down in the bed.
“Feeling better?” Sam asked.
“No,” she grumbled and closed her eyes.
“My poor angel.”
She flew upright. “Bowl!”
Sam grabbed the bowl and placed it under her chin again. He massaged her back as she retched until there was nothing left. She flopped back onto the bed with a groan. Sam put the bowl away and found a washcloth. He soaked it in ice water and then laid it on Rayne’s forehead. “Rest, Rayne. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
She nodded and closed her eyes. She fell asleep immediately and Sam took the time to eat. There was a knock on her door and he went to answer it.
“How is she?” Stephen asked.
Sam sighed. “She’s been vomiting.”
Stephen nodded with a frown. “She might have a touch of the stomach flu as well. I’ll check on her again in the morning, but wake me if anything changes. Especially if her temperature spikes.”
Sam nodded and closed the door.
“Sam?” Rayne whispered.
He made his way over to the bed. “I’m here. What can I get you?”
“Can you get your sister for me please?”
Amelia wasn’t far, so he retrieved her and paced the hallway while he waited. Amelia finally opened the door and chuckled. “You may come back in.”
“Thank you.” Sam closed the door behind him and went over to Rayne. “Can I get you anything?”
“Can you ask Stephen for painkillers, please? I’m hoping he brought some with him. My head is throbbing.”
Sam rubbed her arm. “Of course.”
She licked her lips. “And can I please stay here for a few days? I don’t think I could ride back tomorrow.”
Sam chuckled. “What would ever make you think you’d need to ride back tomorrow?”
She squeezed her eyes shut. “Because that was the original plan.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
Rayne bit her lip. “Okay, but only if I’m not a burden.”
“You are not a burden.”
She nodded and closed her eyes. Sam blew out the candles and quietly left the room. He arrived downstairs to find his mother pacing the parlor.
“Mother?” he asked concerned.
She turned with a huff. “Has the girl allowed you to get her with child, Samuel?”
Sam stomped down his anger. “Excuse me?”
“It’s a simple question,” his mother snapped. “Have you gotten her with child?”
He crossed his arms and tried to control his anger. “Why would you think that?”
“She is sick and the two of you seem close.”
“So you automatically assume she is pregnant? What kind of a man do you think I am?”
“It’s not you I’m concerned about,” her mother hissed. “She’s inappropriate with how she touches you.”
“How is she inappropriate?” he snapped.
“Outside of the fact she uses strange and foul language?”
Sam snorted. “Mother, her speech is unusual, but that does not make her inappropriate.”
“Only harlots speak that way.”
“And how many harlots do you know, Mother?”
She made a sputtering sound, but recovered quickly. “There’s also her strange name. What kind of a name is Rayne, anyway?”
“You have issue with her name, Mother? I happen to think it’s beautiful. As is she. Inside and out.”
She settled her hands on her hips. “That woman took your hand and held it as soon as you were close.”
“Let me clarify something, Mother. I’m the one who took her hand and I’m the one who refused to relinquish it.”
His mother clasped her hands in front of her. “Girls like that often beguile men like you.”
Sam fisted his hands at his side… more in an effort not to commit matricide. “Girls like what, Mother?”
Despite the fact she was almost seven inches shorter than Sam, she still managed to stare down her nose at him. “Never mind. We’ll discuss it later.”
“No, Mother, we’ll discuss—”
“Mama? Sam? The doctor is ready,” Amelia walked into the room, interrupting their conversation.
“Very well.” He turned back to his mother. “This conversation is not over.”
Stephen had discussed the requirements for surgery, and they needed to sort out the particulars of when and how it would take place. Sam spent the next hour with his mother and sister as they heard Stephen out. It was the only way to truly fix the leg and give his father full use of it. The decision was made and Stephen informed them he would return with Jamie in the morning, gather supplies and his wife, and be back in two days.
RAYNE WAS BEDRIDDEN for three days, not entirely certain she’d actually recover. During that time, Sam spent every moment with her. He read to her, nursed her, and shared stories of his childhood with her. She told him things she’d never told anyone else, not even Shaye.
She was growing close to Amelia as well. The eighteen-year-old was much more mature than her age, warm and funny. She adored her family, especially her brother, and she treated Rayne as though she were already part of it.
The only time Sam left her was when Stephen and Christine arrived to perform the surgery on his father. Rayne managed to sleep the entire day away, and Sam voiced his concern about her health. She was still feverish and lethargic and Stephen insisted she do nothing.
Rayne felt a cool hand cover her forehead and she opened her eyes to find Sam sitting in the chair by her bed. “Hi.”
Sam smiled back. “How do you feel?”
“Tired, but my head doesn’t pound as badly at the moment. Is Stephen done with your dad?”
Sam nodded. “Yes.”
“How did it go?”
He sat next to her on the bed. “Very well, apparently. He’s resting comfortably and Stephen said he was able to repair the break.”
“That’s great.” She squeezed his hand. “Why do you look so worried?”
“I have some issues back at the prison that I need to take care of.”
“What does that mean?” She sat up slightly. “Do you have to leave?”
“I do.” He pushed her back on the bed gently. “First thing in the morning.”
She threw the covers from her legs. “Oh. I think I feel up to traveling. I don’t have much to pack.”
Sam shook his head and pulled the blankets back over her knees. “Angel, you can’t come with me. You’re going to stay here.”
Rayne sat up again. A little too quickly. “Ouch, my head. I take back my earlier statement.” Sam grabbed a washcloth and soaked it in ice water. He placed it gently on her forehead. Rayne sighed. “Thanks.”
Sam frowned. “You need to rest.”
She mimicked his expression. “I can’t stay here, Sam.”
“Why not?”
Rayne took a deep breath. “Your family is nursing your father; they didn’t sign up to take care of me as well. If I can’t come with you, can you take me to Sophie’s?”
“I don’t have time to take you to the Fords’, but even if I did, you can’t travel right now and certainly not
to Sophie’s.”
“Why not?”
“They’re in Catonsville to attend Richard and Charity’s wedding.”
“Oh, right.” She sat up and took the water he offered, taking a small sip. “What about taking me to Victoria’s?”
“You’re not well enough to travel to D.C.”
She pasted a smile on her face. “I feel great.”
Sam couldn’t stop a quiet chuckle. “Good effort, Rayne, but you’re not well enough, and Stephen has insisted on bed rest.”
Rayne bit her lip. “How long will you be gone?”
“A few days.”
She groaned.
“That’s not a long time, sweetheart.”
“Yes, it is.” Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t want you to go.”
He sat down next to her again and stroked her face. “Why are you crying, Angel?”
“Because I’m sick and entirely irrational.” He pulled her into his arms and held her while she cried. When she began to calm, he handed her his handkerchief. “Sam?”
“Hm?”
“I love you.”
“I’m aware of that.” He smiled and cupped her face. “I love you too.”
“You’re annoying.”
He grinned. “I know that also, Angel.”
“Do you really have to go?”
Sam nodded. “Yes, I really have to go, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“How long?” Rayne flopped back onto the pillows. “I need specifics.”
“Two days,” he said.
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. “Come in,” Sam called.
Amelia poked her head around the door and smiled at the couple. “Good afternoon, Rayne. I was wondering if you’d like a bath.”
Rayne sighed. “I’d love one.”
Amelia went back into the hall and then led some of the house staff into the room. They had a large copper tub, which they set up and poured hot and cold water into.
“All right, Sam. Out,” Amelia said. Sam kissed Rayne’s cheek and left the room. Amelia helped Rayne climb from the bed. “Are you still dizzy?”
Rayne shook her head. “Not as much.”
“Would you like some assistance, or shall I leave?”
“I think I’ll be fine, Amelia. I’ll call if I need you.”
Amelia left the room and Rayne leaned against the bed. She did feel better, just weak. She pulled her nightgown over her head and stepped into the orange-scented water. She sighed as the warm water engulfed her.
The Bride Star Page 13