The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney

tired to go home and we were on the verge of toppling like trees. Your wonderful staff managed to find us all places to lie down before we fell down.”
    Abby made a mental count. “There should have been enough beds.”
    â€œI was worried about you,” Judith said bluntly. “I’ve never seen anyone pour out as much magic as you did last night. I thought you should have someone nearby. Just in case.”
    Abby gave her a puzzled glance. “It was just a healing circle. There was no need to be concerned. We’ve done them often enough.”
    Judith smiled wryly. “I’ve never been in a circle which lasted for three hours, nor one which performed such a miracle.”
    â€œThree hours!” Abby stared. “Was it really that long?”
    Her friend nodded. “Everyone was so drained that I was on the verge of closing the circle myself before one of us collapsed. I’m amazed that no one broke down. It was a very near thing.”
    Abby frowned as she thought back over what had happened. “I lost track of the time. Now that I think of it, I’m not surprised that it took hours. There was so much repair work to be done.”
    â€œWhich is why a healing on this scale is so rare. Having enough power, patience, and skill almost never happens.” Judith smiled. “You did well, Abby. I hope your noble patient is worth it.”
    â€œI think he is.” Abby began finger-combing knots from her hair. “What happened last night after my maidenly faint?”
    Judith covered another yawn. “I splinted our patient’s broken leg so he couldn’t ruin your good work if he thrashed about. At my suggestion, he was moved into that downstairs room that was your grandfather’s after he became ill. I asked the housekeeper to provide a substantial breakfast all morning so people could eat whenever they woke. After such a long circle, everyone will be ravenous today.”
    â€œThank you for taking care of all this.” Abby made a face as she worked a large knot in her hair loose. “You must be as tired as I, but you managed much better.”
    â€œTired I was, but not so much as you. After all, I’m not pouring life force into the patient,” Judith said tartly.
    She should have guessed that Judith would notice. “I won’t do it for very long, but Lord Frayne needed extra vitality to survive the healing process. He’ll continue to need a little extra until he regains some of his own strength.”
    â€œI suppose you’re right,” her friend conceded. “But don’t keep this up very long. Life force energy is fragile and not unlimited. You could damage yourself. Or…worse.”
    â€œI’ll be careful.” Abby swung out of bed. “It’s time I got dressed and found out what my guests are up to. I’ll see you in the breakfast room.”
    She prepared for the day swiftly, very aware of her failings as a hostess. But before heading for the breakfast room, she stopped by Frayne’s room to see how her patient was doing. From the doorway, she studied the firm planes of his face and thought how much more alive he looked today than yesterday. When he had been carried into her house, he had been a dying man. Now he was merely sleeping.
    A tired, unshaven Ashby was watching over his friend. He rose at her entrance. “Jack was awake for a bit earlier. According to Ransom, he was very much his usual self. Aching and tired but sensible.”
    â€œI assume Ransom is taking his turn to rest. You look like you could use some sleep yourself.”
    Ashby gave a lopsided smile. “You’re right, but I didn’t want to leave Jack alone. With his valet seeing to Jack’s house and Ransom off to London, that left me.”
    London? She supposed that men of the world were accustomed to tearing around like mail coaches. “Get some sleep, your grace,” she ordered. “I’ll