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Pressing her lips together, Aurora gave a tight, though rebellious nod

“Good” With that, Slayde dis open the door “I’ll summon you when Miss Johnston awakens After I’ve had an opportunity to prepare her for you”

It was midafternoon when Courtney stirred She felt less disoriented this ti her whereabouts almost immediately—as well as the incidents that had preceded them The ache in her head had subsided so effects of the laudanu process, she wasn’t certain

She wished the wounds of her heart would be as easy to heal

“How are you feeling, Miss Johnston?”

It was the housekeeper, Miss Payne, who entered, carrying a tray of tea and toast

“Better,” Courtney replied, her voice an unfamiliar wisp of sound

“The slash above your eye is healing nicely Matilda changed the bandage while you slept She also said you’re weak as a newborn babe And she’s right,” Miss Payne assessed, laying out the refreshment with a purposeful air “But it’s no wonder You’ve eaten nothing for days and drunk only as e that” So saying, she poured a cup of tea, then placed it on the tray next to Courtney’s bedside “Shall I help you sit up?”

“Thank you veryat the sharp pain in her ribs that accompanied her movements

After what seeht, two pillows propped behind her back

“Is that comfortable?” Miss Payne inquired

“Yes, very”

“Good Now it’s tith”

It was more an order than a state Clearly, Miss Payne was not as soft-hearted as Matilda and had therefore been chosen to administer her meal Well, Courtney would try not to disappoint her

“It looks delicious” She took the proffered teacup and drank, stunned to find she was nearly parched with thirst Twice, Miss Payne refilled the cup, and twiceat the edges before taking her first normal bite