Chapter 3
Deborah’s heart soared, then pounded fiercely against her breast.
Oh, she hoped that she had heard him correctly and not heard what she had wanted him to say.
“The only reason I made you promise to dance with me was because I had wanted to dance with you and assumed you would never ask me on your own,” she confessed.
“That way, I would have had at least one dance because, I too, find that I like you, Percy.” She leaned forward.
“But do not tell my brother because I am quite certain that Peter will not approve.”
“Why would he not. He is my friend.”
She nearly smiled at the ridiculous question.
Well, at least the answer was obvious to her.
“Would you allow any of your friends to court your sisters?” She knew Percy and Peter shared a certain reputation that she should know nothing about or even understand.
Besides hearing gossip, she also read quite extensively and nobody had ever bothered to monitor which books she chose, which had provided an excellent education on matters of which innocent misses were sheltered.
Percy chuckled and shook his head because he knew that she was correct in her assessment.
Her knowledge also filled her with jealousy, knowing that Percy was enjoying intimacies with strange women, especially when he and Peter went off to Edinburgh.
Oh, she would be truly crushed if he did so again this summer because it would mean that he had decided that she was to be a friend instead of courted.
“I am still not certain if this is just a deeper friendship or more,” he confessed.
“Nor am I,” she admitted, which was more of a lie, but until she knew his heart, she would not fully confess hers. “But I would like to find out.”
“As would I.”
“If nothing grows from this friendship and liking, then we will not speak of it again,” Deborah announced while secretly hoping that they became far more than simply friends.
Days turned into weeks and then a month with Percy spending every afternoon in her company.
Sometimes her family was present and at other times they were not.
They spoke freely on many topics and each day, she fell a little further in love and hoped that he did as well, yet he never gave any indication that his emotions had changed.
For all she knew, he remained uncertain, much to her disappointment.
While it was frustrating to be stuck on the chaise for so long, and not allowed to move about, it also brought Percy to her side.
There had even been cause for him to be the one to carry her inside from the terrace when Peter had not been about.
She had cherished these moments of being in his arms, no matter the reason, or the deepening frown of her mother.
Unfortunately, that was the only attempt he had ever made to touch her person, and that had only been out of necessity and certainly not desire.
Still, she enjoyed the strength of his arms as he supported her nonetheless.
This was also the first summer that she could recall her mother not visiting Abigail, Deborah’s older sister, who lived only a few hours away.
Her mother had never been concerned about who of Peter’s friends were visiting and would always take a few days each month to visit Abigail, except for now.
Instead, she watched from inside and at other times, would appear and encourage Percy to find Peter, or go riding, or nearly anything to send him away from Deborah.
It was impossible that her mother was privy to their earlier discussions because they had kept the matter a secret until they were certain. Therefore, she could only assume that her mother feared that something may come from the friendship.
But hopefully everything would soon change as she anxiously awaited the doctor to complete the examination of her ankle. The wrappings had been removed, which was such a relief, and now he carefully moved her foot, but only slightly and noting her tenderness.
Deborah was torn between admitting that it still hurt or denying any discomfort because she could not go back to lying on the chase for another month.
“It is nearly healed,” Dr. Parker announced.
“I can walk about?” Deborah asked anxiously. “I no longer need to lay about on the chaise?”
The doctor chuckled. “You may sit in a chair.”
That was somewhat better, especially since she would be able to take her meals with the family instead of eating alone after a tray had been placed upon her lap.
“However, you cannot walk without assistance.”
That was really no different than needing to be carried about.
“I will rewrap your ankle and foot and secure crutches so that you may move about more freely.”
Crutches! That was what he meant by assistance.
Finally, she would be free of the terrace and could visit her favorite place.
Percy waited in the parlor with the rest of Deborah’s family as Dr. Parker examined her ankle. Would she be required to spend more weeks with her foot elevated or would she finally be allowed to walk?
He was so tired of being under the watchful eye of her mother, and of listening to Peter complain that he needed his older brother, Benjamin Storm, the Earl of Kenley, to return to the estate so that he and Percy could make their yearly trek to Edinburgh to enjoy not only the taverns, but their favorite brothels.
Until there was a male relative strong enough to assist Deborah, they could not leave because Lady Kenley forbade the very idea of relying on a footman to carry Deborah when she needed to be moved.
What Peter did not know was that Percy never wanted to visit a lightskirt again. He knew what he wanted for his future and it was one woman.
He nearly came to his feet and started asking questions as soon as the doctor returned but forced himself to remain observant and mildly interested.
“I have given Miss Deborah permission to move about so long as she uses crutches.”
“We can finally leave!” Peter proclaimed.
“Assuming she has someone to still assist her up and down the stairs so that she puts no weight on the injured appendage.”
Crestfallen, Peter fell back against the settee. “Ben did say he was returning tomorrow, correct?” Peter asked his mother.
“Yes.”
He straightened and smiled again. “Then expect Percy and I to be gone the day after.”
“I will not be going with you to Edinburgh,” Percy announced.
Peter narrowed his eyes as if he grew concerned again as to Percy’s reasons.
“My father has written and would like me to return home.”
“Yes, well, you have been with the family much longer than you usually are,” Lady Kenley announced, which was not the truth at all. He had visited about the same amount of time in previous years. He just hadn’t shown Deborah this much attention.
“There are crutches in my carriage since I anticipated the need and will retrieve them.”
“At least there will no longer be a need for someone to be at Deborah’s side constantly,” Peter added with a grin.
“Go up and get your sister,” Lady Kenley ordered as the doctor left to retrieve the crutches.
Tomorrow! The Earl of Kenley was returning tomorrow and when he did, Percy would request a private audience and seek permission to court Deborah.
After a month in her home and spending every afternoon with her, Percy knew that it was love.
However, he did not tell her that his feelings had deepened.
He could not. Not until he spoke to her eldest brother for his permission.
Only then would Percy confess to Deborah that he had fallen in love with her and hope that her emotions had also deepened.