Dr. Sampson must have noticed, for he’d interrupted the discussion. “The young lady has had a very trying day. I have given her a healthy dose of laudanum and I recommend that she be put to bed immediately. I will check on her tomorrow and bring a crutch with me.”
The following days were paradise for Angelica. She spent nearly the entire time writing, with no Almack’s, no balls, no callers, no suitors, and no lectures from Margaret to take her away from her muse. When she wasn’t writing, she enjoyed meals in bed and reading her favorite novels, taking every available opportunity to look out the window at the Burnrath mansion and daydream about her encounter with the vampire. Over and over she replayed her adventure with him in her mind, relishing the tingle that ran up her spine with each remembered detail.
Angelica shook her head and fought to remain practical. She would miss having the duke as a neighbor when she moved to a modest flat and embarked on her career. Perhaps she could call on him sometime when her career was more established. Then maybe she could ask him about vampires… and maybe he would kiss her! She frowned. Practical, she must be practical. And yet her belly fluttered as she imagined his lips on hers… and the sight of his bare chest beneath his unbuttoned shirt.
To be truthful, her ankle had felt fine since the day before. She merely wanted more time to finish her story and enjoy her peace away from the social whirlwind.
Only moments after Liza departed with her letter and manuscript, Margaret marched into Angelica’s bedchamber with Dr. Sampson. It was time for another examination. Unfortunately, this time he pronounced her healed. Angelica bit back an unladylike curse.
“Then we may go to the Cavendish ball tonight?” Mother asked him, wringing her hands.
“Just so long as she limits her dancing,” he said, closing his medical bag.
Margaret beamed. Angelica groaned.
***
John Polidori awoke to the sound of a soft soprano singing a haunting melody. A blissful sigh escaped his lips when he felt the soothing sensation of a cold cloth bathing his forehead. He opened his eyes, and his blurred vision took in the sight of the figure before him. The cropped hair and masculine attire led him at first to believe that he was being tended by a young man. But the lilting voice and smooth luminous skin gave him pause. Was he being nursed by one of the famed castrati singers of his home country? The notion was dashed as he felt a pair of soft breasts pressing against his shoulder.
“John, you are awake.” Her voice was cultured and gentle as an angel’s.
“Where am I?” he croaked, forcing his heavy eyes to focus. “How long have I been asleep?”
She handed him a cup of water and he drank greedily. “I found you unconscious in the alley behind your usual club three nights ago.” Her full lips pouted as she ran a gentle hand through his hair. “I brought you to my home and have been caring for you since. I think you were sick from drink.”
He could see her clearly now. He knew this woman. How could he ever have mistaken her for a male? And how could he have forgotten her lovely voice? Her exquisite face had stayed in his memory for all time. Lord Byron and his friends had mocked him when he spent weeks searching the Swiss countryside for her. But if Byron had seen her, he would have stilled his wagging tongue.
The rich fabric of her waistcoat and cravat looked coarse against the silken glow of her face and hands. Her dark eyes were as large as a doe’s, fringed with lashes impossibly long and thick and framed with thin black brows. The lady’s fine-boned face was as delicate as porcelain, with ruby lips that made him groan with desire for a taste. John reached up and touched them with his finger to make sure she was real.
Excitement warred with dizziness. “It is you! Rosetta, my darling, what are you doing in England? I searched for you for months after we met. I set your leg. Do you remember?”
She nodded, smiling. “I will never forget your kindness. My heart is filled with joy that you remember me.”
“But how did you find me?” he asked, frowning as he took in his surroundings. “And why is this chamber without windows?”
She ran a hand through his curls. “First you must eat while I heat water for your bath. I’ve brought you clean clothing. When you are comfortable, I will tell all.”