She closed her eyes and waited for a sting of pain, shivering when all that she felt was the cool substance that met her skin. Cracking one eye open, she apprehensively watched him rub the ointment over her ankle in circles over the bruised and slightly swollen area. His touch never faltered, but still, it remained consistent with the barest pressure, working over her skin with a gentleness she did not think he possessed.
When the area had been completely covered, she discovered that whatever it was that he had rubbed onto it had a numbing effect, and she could hardly feel any aches in that area.
“That’s… remarkable.”
“I know,” he muttered, covering up the container and putting it into his pocket. “I’ve used it before, and so I know just how well it works.”
She wanted to ask him why he had to use it, but he then rose and told her to get some more rest and left her alone, with her pounding heart and flustered thoughts as company.
He had come on the second day to repeat the same process and check on her well-being, asking her if there was anything she wished for or needed. When she had mentioned a book, just to see what he would do, he had gone to the library himself and retrieved it. His care and concern warmed her heart considerably, but she did her best not to show it or think too much of his actions, worried that he might disappoint her again.
She had gotten her recommended two days of rest and had even added another day to keep her guardians from fussing over her, and now that she was better, she had no reason to rely on him. Agnes felt relieved that she could return to her duties with Scar and finally –
“Aggie, darling!” Arms wrapped around her and pulled her close to an apple scent she knew all too well. “You are up and about again! How wonderful – and not a moment too soon!”
Agnes sighed at her godmother’s theatrics and prayed she would not regret asking what she was about to.
“Why do you think so?”
“Oh, Alexandra and I had been complaining about how hot the weather was for a few days, and today, we thought it would be a splendid idea to have a light brunch outside. And we wanted to bring you and the Duke along, as well – you know, the more, the merrier.”
Agnes knew her godmother well enough to understand that there were two points to this grand idea, the first being thatthere was definitely more to this outing than she was willing to reveal and the second relaying that although the offer had been given gently, Agnes’ attendance was mandatory and there was no room for refusal.
Still, like the brave young woman her father had taught her to be, she attempted to talk her way out of it.
“I do not think that would be a good idea, Godmother. You see –”
“We’ll be leaving in half an hour. If you wish, you can change into something more comfortable.” Lady Anna beamed at her and walked away.
Agnes watched her until she was out of sight, and then she sighed, praying to God that this outing ended as painlessly as possible.
“I said I had work to attend to,” Silas grumbled, doing his very best to mask his annoyance.
“And I heard you – all of the five times you mentioned it,” his grandmother smiled brightly as they walked towards the gazebo a little ways from the mansion, the pretty pale pink and baby blue structure sitting nicely on the luscious green grass. “I’m sure it won't notice you are away for a single afternoon.”
“Grandmother –”
“Silas, save your breath. We have already arrived, and there is nothing that stubborn mouth of yours can say that will convince me to let you return – to your study of all places, goodness. So, smile and behave.”
There was a threat in that statement that told Silas it was really in his best interest to do as she wished, and he conceded, allowing her to pull him closer, inhaling sharply when he realized that Agnes and her godmother had already arrived and were waiting for them.
“Hello, dearest,” the Dowager Duchess smiled at her friend and kissed her cheek, turning to Agnes to do the same, her gaze softening as she said, “I am quite relieved to see that you are up and about again. We were all so worried about you.”
Agnes’ heart warmed at the soft words the older woman had said to her, and she reached out to hold her hand.
“I am so sorry to have worried you. I promise I am feeling much better.”
“You should have still added another day to your bed rest, just to be on the safe side,” Silas grumbled, reaching for a glass of cherry juice.
His grandmother kept her smile on her face as she reached out and pinched him, causing his face to contort in pain as he pursed his lips to keep himself from crying out. Agnes rolled her eyes and folded her arms.
“You would not have been satisfied unless I spent an entire month confined to my chambers. I am fine – and I need to resume training for Scar if he is to win the competition.”
“Scar will do fine, with or without your fussing. You should prioritize your well-being,” Silas stated, rubbing the sore spot on his arm.
Agnes snorted. “We have already lost three days of progress that would have been made. Perhaps you do not see its importance because you have done this several times before and have won, but this is my first time ever being associated with a horse competition. I want to make sure that I do everything in my power to ensure that the horse in my care comes in first place.”
“You are quite passionate about this,” the Dowager Duchess noted with a hint of amusement in her voice.