AS THE GIRLS walked back to the house just before lunch, Emma waved from the back porch. “Rayne! You have a message.”
Rayne rushed to her side and Emma handed her a note.
Angel, I can’t return for a few days. My father has been injured. Stay with Sophie and I’ll collect you as soon as I can. Please don’t leave. Sam.
Rayne’s heart dropped.
“What’s wrong?” Sophie laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Something’s wrong with Sam’s dad. He’s not going to be back for a while.”
Sophie frowned. “That’s terrible. He’s super-close with his family, I think. He must be worried sick.”
Rayne started to pace. “Can I go to him?”
“It will mean you having to get on the train and then more than an hour in a buggy from Camden Station. Are you up to it?”
Rayne nodded. “Yes. Definitely.”
“Okay. It will probably have to wait until tomorrow… we need to sort out train fare and I need to find out if Jamie can take you. He’ll probably want to see the family again.”
Rayne raised an eyebrow. “He knows them?”
“Sort of.” Sophie led her into the house. “Sam’s sister was the one who found Jamie when he got shot.”
“Shot?”
Sophie nodded. “Yes… he was shot as he fell through the portal. He landed on the Powells’ land and they took care of him.”
Rayne drew air in through her teeth. “Wow.”
“I’m forever grateful.” Sophie removed her gloves and slipped them into her skirt pocket. “If Jamie can’t take you, we’ll find someone else. Maybe you should ride from the train station. It’s faster than a buggy.”
“Either way.” Rayne held the note to her chest. “Thank you.”
“We should get Stephen,” Sophie suggested. “If Mr. Powell needs medical attention, he would be able to help.”
“Is there a reason Jamie couldn’t take me?”
“There’s a battle that he’ll need to organize the men for.”
“Oh?” Rayne’s eyes widened in suspicion. “How do you know?”
“I know a lot about the war,” Sophie whispered.
“How much is a lot?”
Sophie pursed her lips. “Battles mostly. I’m a little obsessed with this part of history.”
“Weirdo.”
“Agreed. Most people tune out during history; I couldn’t seem to get enough.” Sophie laughed. “Let’s have some lunch and then we’ll find out who can take you.”
Jamie agreed to take Rayne without hesitation. His men were already deployed and he wasn’t called up for this battle. He sent one of the soldiers to speak to Stephen about accompanying them, and Rayne was forced to wait. By the time Stephen sent a message back that he would in fact join them and that he would procure tickets for the next day’s noon train, Rayne thought she might jump out of her skin.
Her sleep that night was fitful at best, and she woke up tired and worried she’d done the wrong thing. Maybe Sam wouldn’t want her there interfering with family business.
* * *
Night was falling and Sam was losing hope. His father had sustained a nasty break when he was thrown from his horse and it wasn’t healing. His sister tried her best to comfort their mother but wasn’t having much success.
In the midst of the tragedy, Rayne consumed his thoughts. He missed her beyond reason, but he needed to be with his family and he prayed she would still be around when this was over.
“Sam?”
“Hm?” He looked up at his sister.
“What’s wrong?” she asked and then added, “Other than the issue at hand, obviously.”
“Just the issue at hand, Meely.”
Their housekeeper, Della, chose that moment to enter the parlor. “Mr. Powell, you have visitors.”
Sam rose to his feet. “Visitors?”
“Yes, a doctor, suh.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow at her brother, but Sam shrugged. He followed Della into the foyer and his heart stopped. “Rayne?”
“Hi.” She smiled up at him. “I brought Stephen.”
Sam forced his feet forward. “I see that. What are you doing here, Angel?”
Rayne bit her lip. “You didn’t say what was wrong with your dad, but I thought Stephen might be able to help.”
Samuel glanced at the men. “Would you excuse us for a minute, please?” He guided Rayne into his mother’s parlor off the foyer and closed the door.
Rayne frowned. “What are you doing?”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and melted into him. He broke the kiss and stroked her face. “You came.”
She nodded. “I thought your father might need a doctor.”
Sam chuckled. “What are you really doing here?”
Rayne sighed. “I missed you. And I truly did think Stephen could help.”
“Thank you.” He narrowed his eyes. “You look a little pale, are you feeling all right?”
“Just a headache.”
He kissed her palm. “Come and meet my family.”
Rayne shook her head. “What if they don’t like me?”
“They will love you.” He took her hand and pulled her into the foyer. His mother’s face was aglow with tenderness as she spoke with Jamie.
“It is so wonderful to see you again, Lieutenant Ford.”
Jamie smiled. “Thank you, ma’am. It’s wonderful to see you again.”
“It’s Captain now, Mama,” Sam said.
Mrs. Powell smiled. “Congratulations.”
Jamie nodded. “Thank you. May I introduce Dr. Stephen Paxton?”
“Welcome to our home.” Mrs. Powell turned to her son and her gaze raked over Rayne.
Before she could say anything, however, Sam pulled Rayne in front of him. “Mama, I’d like to introduce Miss Rayne Green.”
Introductions were completed and Rayne was exceedingly relieved when Stephen redirected the focus to something other than her. “Ma’am, I understand your husband has an injury?”
Mrs. Powell nodded. “Yes, he broke his leg and it’s not healing. Our doctors in town have been unsuccessful in setting it correctly.”
Stephen smiled in sympathy. “May I have a look?”
“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.