Too Bruised to Stand, She Collapsed at the Ballroom—Until a Duke’s Gentle Hands Changed Her Fate
Chapter 2
“Stand aside.”
The duke’s voice was quiet.
That made it more frightening.
Several gentlemen immediately moved.
Julian knelt beside Eleanor, ignoring the polished floor beneath his knees.
“Lady Vale?”
She did not answer.
Her breathing was shallow.
Her face had lost nearly all its color.
Julian looked toward the nearest servant.
“Fetch the house physician.”
Then he noticed the bruise near her temple.
His jaw tightened.
A woman in a pale blue gown approached.
“My lord, perhaps she has simply overexerted herself.”
Julian looked up.
“Perhaps.”
The woman’s smile faltered.
“But she did not fall as a healthy woman falls.”
He carefully slipped one arm behind Eleanor’s shoulders.
When he lifted her, she made a small sound.
Pain.
Not surprise.
Pain.
Julian froze.
His gaze lowered to her face.
“Where does it hurt?”
Eleanor’s eyes fluttered open.
For one moment, she seemed frightened by the man holding her.
Then she whispered something so softly that he almost missed it.
“Please…”
“I am listening.”
“Don’t send me home.”
Julian’s expression hardened.
Behind him, the orchestra had finally stopped.
The ballroom had become silent.
Everyone was watching.
Eleanor’s fingers closed weakly around his coat.
“Please.”
Julian looked toward the entrance.
A tall man was already approaching.
Sir Reginald Vale.
Eleanor’s uncle.
His face was furious.
“My lord duke,” Reginald said, bowing stiffly. “I apologize for this unfortunate scene. My niece has always been delicate.”
Julian looked at him.
Then at Eleanor.
Then back at Reginald.
“Has she?”
“Yes.”
“How unfortunate.”
The physician arrived.
Julian handed Eleanor to him only after the man assured him he could carry her safely.
Reginald stepped forward.
“I shall take her home.”
“No.”
The single word silenced the room.
Reginald blinked.
“I beg your pardon?”
“She requested that I not send her home.”
“She is confused.”
Julian stood.
For the first time, the duke’s full height seemed to fill the space between them.
“She appeared confused before I heard her say it.”
Reginald’s face reddened.
“My lord, this is a family matter.”
Julian’s gaze remained calm.
“Then I suggest your family learn why she is afraid to return to it.”
A murmur traveled through the ballroom.
Reginald looked around.
“This is outrageous.”
Julian turned to the physician.
“Take Lady Vale to the blue withdrawing room. Have two female attendants remain with her.”
Then he looked directly at Reginald.
“And no one takes her from this house until I have spoken with her myself.”
The duke walked away.
But before he did, Eleanor opened her eyes again.
She watched him go.
And for the first time in months, she wondered whether someone might actually believe her.
