The Stand-In Bride

‘I must stress the dangers of surgery on a lady of her age and weight,’ the surgeon explained. ‘But there is no choice.’

‘I take full responsibility,’ Sebastian said at once.

The doctor left. Almost to himself, Sebastian murmured, ‘I have given a promise I had no right to give.’

‘But there was nothing else you could do,’ Maggie said. ‘It was her only chance.’

‘True. But if she dies—when she trusted me—?’

‘She would have died if she had not trusted you,’ Maggie insisted. ‘You did the right thing.’

‘Thank you for saying that. I needed to know that someone—’ He stopped and looked at her with surprise, as though he’d only just realised what he was saying, and to whom. His face became reserved again, but he said, ‘I mean—that I must thank you for what you did for her. It was kind. You have the gift.’

He didn’t elaborate and she looked at him with a frown.

‘It is a gift that some have,’ he said quietly. ‘They calm fear and inspire trust.’

‘It seems that you have the gift yourself.’

‘It’s natural for her to trust the head of her family. She trusts you for yourself.’

Then he seemed to become embarrassed, and looked around for Catalina. They found her sitting in a corner, playing with a small child who was waiting with his mother.

‘I think I’d better be going,’ Maggie said.

‘No,’ Sebastian said at once. ‘Isabella will look for you when she comes round. You must stay here with us.’

Maggie was silent, confused. Despite their truce she still felt an instinctive need to get right away from him. While she hesitated he added gravely, ‘I would be grateful if you would oblige me.’

‘Very well. But only until I know Isabella is safe.’

He gave her a curt nod. ‘I shan’t ask you to endure my company longer than that.’

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