8
Gillian touched her lips, lost in the sudden rush of emotions she felt in James’s kiss. Then a cry from the room behind her had her rushing back inside. Horatia was crouched beside the bed, and groaning in just a nightgown.
Lucien gripped one of her hands, his other arm at her lower back. She panted and puffed out several quick breaths and then relaxed. Audrey hovered nearby, her hands wringing fretfully.
“Does it hurt much?” Audrey asked her older sister.
“Ah!” Horatia clenched down on Lucien’s hand.
He winced. “God’s teeth! Where does a woman find such strength?”
“I think it’s safe to say it hurts a great deal,” Charles said to Audrey. “Why don’t you see if we can’t get some chips of ice or cold cloths soaked in water?”
“Right.” Audrey turned to Gillian. “Did you hear that?”
“Y
