Chapter 25

It was early evening before I opened my eyes to find that I was on my bed in my bedroom.  Lance was moving about in a worried fashion.  When he saw me lift my head and look around the room with wonder, he rushed to my side.

“I came back to learn that you were overtaken by the heat while strolling with Anton,” he said as he sat on the edge of the bed and took my hand in his.  “The man should have remembered that you are not used to this type of weather.  I am so sorry, my love.”

My mouth moved to speak, but nothing came out.  What could I say but a blatant lie?  Since I’d done enough to wrong him, I had no intention of adding to it by lying to his face.  Instead, I laid back down and rolled onto my side.

“I feel very tired, Lance,” I moaned.  “Please forgive me if I go back to sleep.”

“Should I fetch the doctor?” he asked with concern.

I wanted