Borderland Bride Read Online Free PDF

through the windows and realised her injured eye had improved. She inched it open, blinking as it ached from the invasive light. Her ears, however, had shown little improvement and, although she was becoming accustomed to the rushing sound, they still hurt. Her body was stiff and her head still fuzzy. Shadows encroached on her vision, in part probably due to the vile tonic Winnie had forced her to drink during the night.
    Winnie tottered over to her bedside and Isabel found herself smothered by Winnie’s ample bosom as she helped her up to sitting. It was a struggle, particularly with her broken rib, but they managed to prop her up enough so she could eat.
    Sitting firmly on the bed, Winnie offered her a spoonful of broth. Isabel scowled and shook her head. She would not allow her to feed her like a child.
    Winnie shook her head. Ye’ll not manage it yerself, milady, she said slowly .
    Isabel snatched the spoon from her and held her hand out for the bowl. Winnie reluctantly placed it into her hand with a smile of resignation.
    Her hand shook as she raised the broth to her mouth. She wasn’t sure if she could yet manage the hot liquid. Her throat still felt as if it was on fire and merely swallowing the tonic had been a battle. The spoon touched her lip after what felt like an age and she hastily poured it in. With the liquid gone, the spoon dropped from her shaking hand and her arm slumped to the bed. Lord, she was tired.
    Winnie picked up the spoon and took the bowl from her limp fingers. Well done, milady .
    Isabel tried not to appear sullen at the women’s words, after all, she had not intended to be patronising, and she offered her a hesitant smile. The maid beamed back and shifted closer with the bowl.
    Isabel barely managed a few spoonfuls before exhaustion and pain stole her appetite entirely.
    The door opened slowly, and Isabel’s heart picked up as she waited to see who it was. Would it be Jake? Her heart sank as the long-haired man popped his head around the door.
    He looked her over with a smile before stepping into the room and walking confidently over to her bedside. Isabel shrank under the bedclothes, acutely aware of her unbound hair and thin chemise.
    She observed him as he conversed briefly with Winnie, their mouths moving too fast for her to catch what they were saying. He was handsome enough with clear blue eyes and a strong jaw. His tied back hair showed off his classic profile, but she could not help wish it were Jake that stood before her instead.
    He faced her, offering her a slight bow. Her mouth twisted in amusement at his gallant manner - she hardly warranted such behaviour in her bedraggled state. His eyes glinted in return and she wondered if he thought the same.
    He spoke to her, his mouth moving quickly, and she struggled to catch all he was saying. … Lord Dominic….home…
    So he was the lord of this keep? Isabel nodded as graciously as she could manage before mouthing her thanks. Hopefully she could convey her gratitude for his hospitality.
    Dominic began speaking again, and she failed to understand anything this time. He must have noted her blank expression as he moved his mouth more deliberately and she was able to distinguish most of his words.
    We have caught one of the outlaws…
    Isabel suppressed a shudder at the thought of one of the men so close by.
    We shall catch the rest, I promise you, Isabel.
    Thank you.
    Can we send word to anyone? To let them know of your whereabouts?
    What could she say? She could not let them know she had run away, for they might send her back. If not, her father would surely come and drag her back home, should he discover where she was. Her one hope was to remain hidden until she was well enough to move on. Winter would be upon them soon and with that, snow. There would be no way of her father journeying this far north in the hopes of finding her.
    Nay, there is no one.
    Dominic frowned. No husband or father that will be worried for you?
    Nay, no one,