Princess in Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

of it as it touched her lips, put
     Rose in a reflective mood.
    A carriage pulled up outside the window just then, and a man got out. Leopold stood
     up and pulled a white lace curtain aside. “That must be the doctor.”
    A moment later, the door to their private dining room swung open and the doctor was
     shown in. He was an older gentleman with white hair and spectacles.
    Rose set down her cup. Introductions were made, and the doctor joined them at the
     table. He ordered a glass of claret and conversed with them for a few minutes before
     inquiring about Rose’s accident.
    “I am sure it is nothing,” she explained as she rubbed at her arm.
    He peered at her over the tops of his spectacles. “May I?”
    “Of course.”
    He adjusted his spectacles on the tip of his nose, then turned her arm this way and
     that while pressing on her wrist bone with the pad of his thumb. “Any pain here?”
     he asked.
    “No.”
    “Here?”
    “No.”
    “Does it hurt when I bend it like this?” He flexed her hand and straightened her wrist.
    “Ouch. Yes. That is quite painful.”
    The doctor removed his spectacles and sat back in his chair. “Well, madam, I do not
     believe anything is broken, but you did some damage. It is as you thought, a mild
     sprain, and you are sure to experience some discomfort over the next few days. I should
     like to wrap it if you don’t object, to provide you with some support and comfort.
     Try not to move it more than absolutely necessary and it should heal quickly. You
     will be right as rain before you know it.”
    Rose smiled at him. “That is a relief, I must say. Thank you, Doctor.”
    He opened his leather bag and withdrew a rolled-up bandage along with a small bottle.
     “I suspect you may have some trouble sleeping tonight, but a few drops of this before
     you retire will help ease any discomfort.” He handed it to her.
    “Thank you,” she replied.
    He began to wrap her wrist.
    A short while later, Leopold escorted him to the door and thanked him for venturing
     out on such a terrible night, then returned to the table and sat down.
    “That was good of you to send for him,” Rose said.
    Leopold shook his head as if it were nothing. “Say no more about it. I am honored
     to be of service.”
    He picked up his brandy and swirled it around in the glass before tipping it back
     and finishing it.
    Rose watched the movement of his throat and couldn’t seem to pull her gaze away from
     his beautiful mouth as he swept his tongue across his lips to taste the last few drops.
    For a moment, she felt as if she were floating in a dream, yet she wanted desperately
     to shake herself awake.
    Thankfully, the dowager gathered up her gloves just then and stood.
    “What a delightful evening it has been,” she said. “You have been most generous and
     hospitable, my lord.”
    Cavanaugh stood and bowed to her. “The pleasure was all mine, and please rest peacefully
     this evening knowing that I have sent assistance to your coachman. In the morning,
     we will evaluate the condition of your vehicle and make a decision about the rest
     of your travel arrangements. Needless to say, I am at your service and would be delighted
     to escort you the rest of the way to London, if need be.”
    He kissed the dowager’s hand. She smiled blushingly, then left the room and waited
     at the stairs for Rose to join her.
    Rose held out her good hand and Leopold bent forward to kiss it. His lips lingered
     hotly upon her knuckles, and a delicious pulse of awareness skirted down the length
     of her body.
    “Join me for another drink after the duchess has retired,” he suggested as his seductive
     eyes lifted. “I will wait for you.”
    Clinging to her good sense, she pulled her hand free. “That is not possible, my lord.
     I must bid you good night.”
    As she passed him on her way to the door, he spoke in a low voice that was edged in
     command. “But there are things that must be said.”
    More than a little