Chapter 27
Thalia trailed behind the paramedics, still dazed. Charlotte and Victoria Darwin rushed over. "What on earth happened?" Charlotte asked.
Thalia shook her head. "I'm not sure. Grace asked for a lesson; everything was fine, then Snow suddenly… and Grace fell. It looks bad."
Victoria frowned. "That's odd. Snow had a vet check this morning—perfect health. Something must have spooked her."
Charlotte's voice sharpened. "Right after Grace insisted only Asher could teach her? Now suddenly wanting Thalia? She's been horrid to you from day one."
Victoria said gently, "The staff have sedated Snow for examination. This isn't your fault, Thalia."
Grace's pre-incident smile nagged at Thalia. Her instincts screamed foul play. But why would Grace do this? Then Asher's expression clicked into place. Grace had risked injury to cause trouble between them—on only their second meeting. She was utterly mad.
In the ambulance, Grace played her part flawlessly—pale, tearful, helpless. "Asher," she whimpered, "it hurts so much…"
He soothed, "We're nearly there. Let's see what the doctors say."
"I was so scared," she sobbed. "When I fell—I thought—I'd never see you again." Gripping his hand, she continued, "I've ruined everything, haven't I? Everyone was having such a lovely time before I… I always make such a mess of things."
His eyes softened. "Don't be silly." He loved her, not as his blood sister, but just the same.
"Almost there now," he murmured. "Hold on."
"It doesn't hurt as much when you're here," she sniffled. He gently stroked her hair. "Still my little sister, aren't you?"
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed a fractured coccyx, soft tissue damage, a slightly dislocated elbow, and scrapes. No internal injuries. A month's stay for the fracture was prescribed. After painkillers, Grace quieted.
Thalia arrived at Grace's room just as she heard Grace's voice: "Asher, I can't manage with this cast. Won't you help feed me?"
Thalia hesitated at the door.
Asher said firmly, "I'll get a nurse."
Grace's voice turned sweet. "No, please. I want my brother to help. Why won't you?"
"You're not a child anymore," he said gently but firmly, "and I'm engaged—about to marry Lia. We need to be appropriate."
Thalia's heart leaped. She hadn't expected him to refuse Grace for her sake.
Grace's sweetness vanished. "Appropriate? Between siblings? Is she really that insecure? She causes my accident and you're worried about her feelings?"
Thalia turned to leave. She wouldn't stay where she wasn't wanted.
Asher warned, "Grace, we've talked about this. Thalia will be your sister-in-law. Show some respect."
A nurse appeared with an IV. "Excuse me," she said. Both spotted Thalia.
Grace's eyes flashed hatred. "What are you doing here?"
Asher said warmly, almost simultaneously, "Lia."
The nurse started the IV as Grace glared at Thalia.
"Are you suggesting I did this to myself?" Thalia met her gaze steadily.
Grace expected panic or guilt—not this calm assurance. She recovered quickly, turning to Asher with fresh tears.
"I know our first meeting wasn't good," she said tremulously. "I wanted to make it right today. She'll be my sister-in-law… I thought we could be closer. That's why I asked her to teach me."
"I didn't know she hated me so much," she continued. "She kicked Snow when I wasn't looking—the horse went wild. I was terrified. I understand if she dislikes me, but why hurt me? What have I done wrong?"
She watched Asher carefully. His brow furrowed slightly, but his voice remained gentle. "Lia, what actually happened at the stables?"
Under her blanket, Grace's free hand clenched. He didn't believe her.
Why was he so gentle with her? Where was his anger? The memories fueled her rage. At school, when girls bullied her, he'd had them expelled. When boys harassed her at sixth form, he'd had them beaten and hospitalized. At university, when a stalker photographed her, Asher ensured he'd never hold a camera again. Now she lay injured, and his first concern was Thalia's story?
Pure jealousy consumed her. Grace wanted nothing more than to strike Thalia.