been known to happen with a blow to the head such as this that renders one unconscious. I will return in a few days to check on his progress.”
The servants, along with Shalan and Lord Kiley kept watch over the man for the next several hours. When it seemed he might come to, Addie was told to give him more of the draught to keep him asleep. Shalan dreaded for morning to come, as they could not keep up the dosage. In large quantities, and taken for long periods of time, the draught became dangerous, and they would have to switch to a less potent draught, and he would awaken to intense pain.
Shalan and Addie were with the man when the first words came out of his mouth. “Peyton? Wha... happened?” And Shalan rushed to his side, leaving Addie still in slumber, although it was nearly mid morning. She had hardly closed her eyes, fearful for the man, as she had found him and felt responsible for him.
“You were injured, sir.”
“Judging from the tremendous pain in my side, I am well aware of that, young lady,” and his face screwed up, the pain dulled by the draught, but still quite excruciating. “Will you be so kind as to advise Peyton that I would like to see him?”
“I’m afraid I am not acquainted with this Peyton of which you speak. I am Lady Shalan of Kiley’s Keep. My father is Lord Argus Kiley.”
“I did... did not get to Peyton?” The man seemed confused, addled, not exactly sure where he was, but he did have a ferocious knot on his pate.
“I do not know, sir. I found you on the moor, on my father’s property, gravely wounded, and your guards all dead, I’m afraid. Can you tell us what transpired that you were wounded so badly?”
“I… I think... My head is not exactly clear, but I recall a band of men attacking us and giving chase. I cannot relate to you the why of it. That must be how we came to be on your father’s lands. I was on my way to my cousin, Peyton, who most urgently needs my help. I meant to get him out of the city and bring him to my home where he could be protected.”
“I don’t think you will be going anywhere for a while, sir. The physician left a draught for the pain you must be suffering, but you are to remain abed.”
Never had Shalan seen such translucent green eyes. They mesmerized her as it seemed the irises were nearly devoid of pigment. Long lashes reached up toward his dark brows which were knit in pain at that particular moment.
“You don’t understand, my lady. I must get to my cousin as he is in very dire straits. His life has been threatened. It is most unfortunate that I be laid up. I cannot be!” And the sorely injured man attempted to rise, but was forced to fall against the pillows, his head thrown back, the agony of his attempt registering on his countenance. But he did not shriek, Shalan noted.
Shalan woke Addie, who administered a dose of the draught left by the physician who had attended the stranger. Addie spilled a little, and Shalan took a handkerchief and wiped the droplet from the corner of his mouth. A spark shot through her, and then a tenderness she could not describe. Oh, that she alone could care for this man. She would take the very best care of him, see that he was healed expeditiously, but then he would be on his way… to this Peyton who so concerned him. For some reason, that thought displeased her.
“I need to speak with Lord Kiley, Lady Shalan,” he spoke through gritted teeth, “or perhaps you can help me. I must have someone see to my cousin, as I cannot. Please, can you have your father send someone with a message for Lord Peyton to journey here? He resides in Brittingham Court. By the time he arrives, I should be well enough to return to my home, and not be an imposition on your hospitality any longer.”
“I will have my maid advise my father of the situation immediately, sir.” And she turned to Addie, gave her the message and Addie left posthaste to do as her lady commanded her. It wasn’t long before she was back, having delivered the message to Lord Kiley. He was to send someone immediately to London to deliver a missive asking Lord Peyton to come as swiftly as possible, as his cousin had been sorely wounded and could not come to him.
Three
Lord Kiley walked into the chamber just as Addie had finished feeding the gentleman a little bread soaked in chicken broth. Nothing heavy, but with the draught he had to eat something, or he would be deathly ill. Vomiting would not help the wound in the slightest, Addie was thinking to herself. Would, in fact, be very detrimental to his healing.
“Addie, would you take my daughter to her chamber and draw the drapes so she can rest. She looks to be about dead on her feet. Please take care of her, and do not allow her to return until this evening. You know she is like her mother in that she feels everything has to be done with her own hands.”
Shalan allowed herself to be led away since she had not the strength to resist. Only a couple of hours sleep had she managed, in snatches, as she was up watching the stranger most of the night. She would rest, as her father commanded, and Addie would see to it.
Lord Kiley sat in the chair that Addie had occupied. He could see the stranger’s face, and still be close enough if any change took place. Anxious to find out this man’s identity, he waited patiently until Addie had led his daughter from the room.
“I am Lord Argus Kiley, and you are at present in my home. Do you want to make known your identity, sir? You must be a member of the nobility as you were dressed so. And I would like to be apprised as to what you were doing on my land and evidently in some sort of battle. There has been no fighting here for years, although we are near the border. Perhaps you were waylaid by highwaymen? We have had no trouble with the Scots for an age.”
“If they were highwaymen, why would they murder my guards and leave my mount? The lady informed me that Danube is quite safe in your stables, so I am not aware of the reason we were attacked." He hung his head and nearly whispered, "I understand my guard was not as fortunate as I. Damned shame." His head came up and he addressed Lord Kiley. "I am Lord Jaran Haloran, of Haloran Hall. A missive was to be sent to you that I would not be in residence, as I was expecting a visit from you and your daughter.”
Just what would Shalan make of this turn of events? She had been most averse to even meeting the man.
“I received the message yesterday, Lord Haloran, in plenty of time for us to postpone the visit. I must confess I had not the slightest idea that you would be as young as you seem to be.”
“We, the nephews of the late Lord Haloran are all fairly young, three of us are seven and twenty years, another will be soon, and Hugh is the youngest at five and twenty. I happen to be the eldest of the five, and as such, was mandated to be the heir to the late Lord Chester Haloran.
“As to the postponement of your visit, I was called away to London, as my cousin, Peyton, has been having some difficulty. Someone has made several attempts on his life, and I was rushing to his aid when I was waylaid on the high road. It happened so suddenly and we were not prepared as we had been on the road such a short time. At first, I did not think they meant to attack us, but when I realized we were the target, we attempted to make our escape as we were but four, and there must have been upward of a dozen or more in the group that quickly drew their swords and gave chase. They overtook us, even though Danube could have outrun them easily, but you surely understand that I could not leave my men. And that is how I came to be on your land. I most regret if I have discommoded you in the slightest.”
“No, no, Lord Haloran. I am only thankful that your predicament was not much worse. My daughter apprised me of the fact that you had dragged yourself, evidently to acquire some aid, when she found you unconscious. It is most fortunate that you did, as I’m sure she would have ridden past the place of the conflict, unaware, as it was not out in the open, but in a copse. I’m certainly grateful that she is a strong girl, and not like some, who could not lift a man to save her life. She not only dragged you to your mount, but managed to get you upon it. How, I do not know, as you are no slight man.”
“And I am most appreciative for her efforts. Was the black haired young lady your daughter, sir? I saw hazily during the night and did