Angel of Mercy

Chapter 11

To Emma's surprise Daisy was quite taken with Lord Salisbury. He would never admit it of course but he seemed to enjoy her company as well.

"Why did you name her Daisy?" Lord Salisbury asked as Daisy slept beside him in bed, her head on his lap.

"We found her in the garden," said Emma, "Do daisies, not grow there?"

"How would I know?"

"They're your gardens."

He shrugged, "I never paid attention."

"Then it's a shame I won't be here to ensure that you do."

Up until that point he had been slowly stroking Daisy's back but at this he looked up at her as she tidied up the room.

"What do you mean?"

Was it her imagination or did his voice just go a bit high?

"The garden will not bloom until spring, and I'll be gone by then."

"How can you be so sure?" he asked defensively.

Emma turned holding a pair of his breeches in her hands. "You are already on the mend my lord. The worst is over, but we don't want you to have any setbacks which I fear may occur if I leave too soon."

"Ethan."

Emma froze as she reached for one of his shirts. Why was her heart suddenly beating so fast?

"Pardon." She turned to face him.

"Call me Ethan."

Emma shook her head, "No, that wouldn't be proper."

"Why? If no one's around, what harm is there?"

"Lord Salisbury –

"Ethan. Come aren't we friends?"

Emma laughed, "No, we are not."

"But we could be." he needled.

"Why would you want to be my friend?" asked Emma, now looking for stockings.

He didn't immediately respond. Daisy sensing a tension in the room raised her head and licked his hand.

"You are honest with me," he finally said, "You care not because you have to but because it is your nature."

"Huxley cares for you," Emma pointed out.

"Yes, he does," Lord Salisbury agreed. "He brought you here. And without you I would be dead."

"Well, I don't know –

He interrupted her, "Miss Rhodes you know it's true. My guess is I'd only have lasted a day or two before the infection claimed me."

"Emma."

He looked at her surprised.

"If I am to call you Ethan then you must call me Emma."

Ethan smiled, "Emma I think I should show you the library today."

She found the stockings, "That would be lovely Ethan."