Chapter 305

Ella followed Mr. Boucher through the house as he escorted her to her chambers for the night. Most of the furniture was covered in cloth to protect from sunlight and dust. Many of the tall paned windows throughout the house were shuttered, effectively sealing off the rooms from light and life. This beautiful house had been emptied of people. Closed off, just like its master.

They passed into one of the few more well-lit rooms, a long hall with paintings of fine-faced men and women. She glanced up at more than one of the portraits, seeing Phillip's eyes or chin, even his nose in several of the ancestors upon the walls.

"Mr. Boucher."

"Yes, Lady Ella?"

"Is he in much pain?" She was perhaps indelicate to inquire about Phillip's injuries in such a way, but she needed answers.

Boucher paused to look at her in the moonlight. Whatever he seemed to be looking for he must have found.

"Yes. In the beginning, he couldn't walk. He lay in bed for several weeks, only moving with the aid of oth