“Maybe a few bites. I am so tired. How long have I been ill?”
“Since the day after we visited Richmond. About three days.” He eased himself out of the bed, then fixed a bowl of soup for her. She didn’t eat more than a few spoonfuls, but that was enough to convince him she was on the mend.
“Will you hold me?”
He had no doubt that all hell would break loose if Worthington found Richard in Pae’s bed, but he didn’t care. Taking care of her was all that was important. “Yes, my love, for as long as you wish.”
Sometime later, while she was in a healing sleep, Bolton, his valet, appeared with a tray. Richard wasn’t even surprised to see the man. “How long have you been here?”
“Only about an hour, my lord. Word was sent round that you would need a change of clothing. I have arranged everything in the chamber next to this one. Have you eaten at all?”
“Yes.” Richard grinned for the first time in hours, possibly days. Tea had been sent up numerous times as well as breakfast, luncheon, dinner, and the lemonade he’d requested for Pae. “One will not go hungry in this house.”
“Excellent. I shall be in the servants’ hall if you need me.”
Bolton set out the plates and silver before leaving. Richard moved to the table to break his fast, but his attention never left Pae.
Several minutes later, Reid entered, and he put his finger over his lips. “The fever broke and she is resting comfortably.”
“I’ll order a bath for you.”
“There is no need. I shall remain here.”
The maid placed her hands on her hips. “I think you should have a look in the mirror, my lord. There is no reason to frighten her ladyship.”
He glanced over and the man staring back at him had several days’ growth of heavy beard, his clothing was rumpled beyond repair, and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked as if he’d spent last night in a flash house and was tempted to take a sniff of himself, but didn’t. “I see what you mean.”
But bloody hell, he didn’t want to leave Pae. They might not allow him back in her chamber.
Chapter Eight
“Richard?” Patience glanced around her chamber, but the only one present was her maid. Had she dreamed him? She’d had so many strange dreams. Most of which she couldn’t remember. Yet he, his presence, had been so clear she could have sworn he was with her.
“Lord Wolverton has just gone to bathe and change, my lady. He’ll be back soon.”
“Bathe?” she repeated stupidly. If only she did not feel so weak.
“After spending the last two days and nights taking care of you, he looked like something the cat dragged in.” Reid stopped what she was doing and looked at Patience. “No need to worry. He’s in the next room over. Have some lemonade. His lordship had it made for you.”
She had a memory of him pressing her to drink lemonade, and she took a sip. “I’m hungry.”
“Now that’s a good sign.” Her maid fluffed up her pillows and helped her to sit up a bit. “I’ll get you some soup, and as soon as you’re done eating I’ll comb your hair and re-braid it. That will make you feel better as well. As soon as you’re able, I’ll call for a bath.”
She sniffed and caught a sour odor that must be coming from her. “If you can help me, I think I’d like one now.”
Reid stood, her hands on her hips, seeming to evaluate Patience’s request. Finally she gave a sharp nod. “I’ll call one of the maids. We’ll remake your bed while you’re in the tub.”
An hour later, she felt much more the thing. Although still fragile, at least she was clean.
Richard strolled into the room looking more handsome than ever, and she held out her hand to him. “I thought I had dreamed you, but Reid said you nursed me.”
He lowered his large frame onto the chair next to her bed. “If I had my way, I would always be here to care for you.”
She should be blushing or embarrassed, but the love they had shared at the inn had seemed so right. It still did. “If only you could.” She turned away, not wanting him to see the tears filling her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“No.” He moved to the bed, causing it to dip as he pulled her into his strong arms. “We’ll find a way. I don’t know how yet, but we will.”
He pressed his warm lips to her cheek and she rolled into him, caressing his lean cheeks. “Kiss me.”
