Chapter 46

Tristan paced across the nursery, staring silently at Sophia in her bed. She was pale and sweating, groaning softly every few minutes as her grandmother sponged her forehead with water.

He stood next to the bed and rested a shaking hand on the little girl’s leg. She was so small and fragile, and he gazed helplessly at her as she opened her eyes and stared at him.

“It hurts, Papa,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry, baby.” He swallowed hard and rubbed her leg. “You’ll feel better soon.”

She closed her eyes and groaned again as he crossed the room to the window.

“Tristan, sit down.” Victoria put a cool hand on his arm. “You cannot even see the west field from this side of the house.”

He shook her hand off as Hendrick approached him from the other side, glancing at his sister.

“Lord Tristan, I don’t mean to question your judgement, but should we not be going for the doctor? I do not understand why you have sent for the Red. Sophia needs medical care, n