‘No,’ she whispered.
The tin of basilicum powder was brought in and placed on the small table beside them. She picked it up and opened it, and dusted the wound carefully with some of the contents.
‘You know, I always dreamt that the man I loved would be tall, taller than me, I mean, but I have found a man I can look up to whilst also looking him straight in the eye, even when not in odd positions such as this one.’
‘That does save getting a stiff neck, Sophy, my darling, and also makes it far, far easier to do this.’
He leant slightly and covered her mouth with his. She quivered, and gave herself up to the intoxication. His injured shoulder was forgotten until she drew back to catch her breath, and realised that she was still holding the tin of basilicum powder in her hand.
‘I am not a very good nurse, I fear, for I am so easily distracted from my duties.’
‘But you will be an excellent wife. This, by the way, you may take as your proposal of marriage. It is somewhat unconventional, and several hours later than I promised, but circumstances, you know …’
She dusted the wound again with the powder and took a soft pad of lint.
‘Most unconventional, my lord, but I accept, nonetheless.’
‘Your father and I had a most enjoyable interview, by the way. He did warn me how “managing” you would be, and—’
‘“Managing”? Oh, what a … complete faradiddle,’ Sophy expostulated.
‘Who has taken charge of everything since Biggleswade?’
‘This is different. You are wounded.’
‘Not in the head. I can still think.’
‘Yes, but … Do you really think me like that?’
‘No, and nor does he, but we agree how worthy of love you are. By the way, I am very glad he does not regard my sire’s reprehensible lifestyle as a barrier to my marrying his daughter. You know, I really am not profligate, or like him in any way.’
‘Now there, sir, you are wrong, for you possess a wolfish smile, which I have seen upon occasion, and which I first glimpsed at our initial encounter, when Susan dropped her stockings.’
‘She did what?’ Lord Rothley laughed, seeing Sophy’s expression as she realised what she had said, and then winced, regretting the movement.
‘It was a parcel of silk stockings that she contrived to drop, that day in Bond Street, and I could see you knew just what she had done. I was not sure, from that smile, whether you were a gentleman or a dangerous rake, and if you laugh at me, you deserve to grimace.’
‘I would rather laugh with you, Sophy,’ he murmured, kissing just below her earlobe, ‘and if wolfish, I promise to howl only for you.’
‘Hmm, and not at all like your father, you said. Now, stop that while I bind your shoulder. I have never done anything so complicated with a bandage before and might make a complete hotchpotch of it. I do not want the surgeon tut-tutting over my handiwork.’
‘You may take as many attempts as you wish if it means being so close.’
‘I said you must stop.’ She sounded severe, but her lips twitched.
‘Pity.’ He submitted to her ministrations in silence for a few minutes, taking delight, as he had said, in her proximity. She fashioned a sling for him.
‘There. You look much improved.’
‘I look disreputable. My shirt is in tatters and … Do I need a sling?’
‘I am not sure, but it looks very heroic.’
‘I was thinking more “theatrical”.’
‘Not at all. The surgeon will decide what is best in the case. I do wish he would arrive soon, so I may be easy, and he can give you something for the pain.’
‘I do not need anything. I have you, and that dispels any pain.’
