Since there was an extremely good chance that any child of Charlotte’s, was his.
* * *
Perry awoke later that afternoon to the most beautiful sound drifting in his ear. A song. The most melodic little voice he had ever heard. His mouth curved into a smile as his eyes opened. Hegasped as he spotted the young girl with a pair of steely blue eyes staring at him as he slept.
Reluctant to startle the child, he cleared his throat. “Pardon me, I must have fallen asleep.”
“T’is quite alright, I’ve heard Mother and Aamina whispering about you, and I was eager to discover who they were speaking about. Are you a pirate? You look like one.”
Perry snorted. “Alas, no, I am not a pirate. I am simply recovering from a grave injury.”
“Ah,” the young girl said with a nod. “Your hair is very long. My nurse says a proper gentleman maintains his appearance. Are you not a proper gentleman?”
Giving his head a shake, Perry grinned at her words. “Is it proper to ask impertinent questions of your guests? We must ask your nurse.”
The girl gave him a sheepish look. “Pardon if I have offended you. I was merely curious. You look like a pirate from one of my stories. Very dangerous. Though…” The young girl swept his hair from his face, leaning closer. “You have kind eyes. Blue, like mine. Mother says my eyes are the most beautiful she has ever seen. I do say she might like yours as well. Have you met my mother?”
Sitting up in bed, Perry adjusted with a grunt. “May I have some water?” he asked. “Who is your mother? Did she give you permission to come visit me?”
The young girl produced a glass filled with water. “My mother is the mistress of this house, Lady Charlotte, of course.”
She shrugged, giving him an impish smile.
After taking a long drink, Perry handed it back to her. “Thank you. I am grateful to your mother for allowing me to stay here and rest.” A heavy weight settled in his stomach, and he released a slow breath as he absorbed the new information. He gave an encouraging nod, hiding his shock at the young girl’s innocent revelation. He watched her with renewed interest, looking for signs of familiarity. Signs that she might be…his.
“Yes, my mother is the best person. Though I believe she is lonely. Perhaps you might be her friend?” The young girl drew her finger along the lines of the pattern on the coverlet, then flicked her gaze to lock with his.
Perry smirked. “Perhaps. Now tell me, how did you get here? Does your nurse know you’re visiting me?”
The girl pressed a hand upon her chest. “Oh, good heavens, no. My nurse left me practicing my arithmetic while she went to arrange for our luncheon, which got terribly boring. I decided to take a little wander. I should probably return. Ann must not know I have been exploring, and I’m getting hungry. Our cook, Jane, makes the best honey cakes. Have you had one?”
“Sadly, no. I’ve been eating broth and tea. My appetite hasn’t been what it used to be. Will you let Jane know that when I am feeling better, I would like a honey cake?”
The young girl warmed at the request. “Of course, you simply must have one. I insist. Will you tell me your name, or shall I just call you the pirate?”
“I am Peregrine Spencer, though my friends call me Perry. Would you like to call me that?” His shoulders relaxed as he waited for her reaction.
Her mouth pressed into a mischievous smile. “Perry the pirate has a nice ring to it.” She giggled into her hand. “My name is Aurelia, and my friends call me Aurelia.”
“It is lovely to meet you, Aurelia. How old are you?”
“Oh, such an impertinent question,” Aurelia said with a grin. “I am nine years old. How old are you?”
Perry laughed softly. “I am one and thirty. Thank you for tolerating my poor manners. I shall require some lessons from your dear nurse, I am sure.”
Aurelia cast a glance around the room. “I think I hear someone coming. I must leave before I am discovered.”
“Thank you for visiting me. It does get terribly lonely here inbed. I hope to be well again soon.” He smoothed the blanket, saddened by her sudden need to depart.
She gave him a winsome smile.
Something fluttered in his chest.
“I will visit you as often as I can,” she promised, as she skipped from the room, peering in the hallway to ensure no one would see her. Aurelia turned and escaped, giving him a small wave as a parting gift.
Perry’s heart stilled. He swallowed with difficulty, his throat thick with emotion. His mind was working, coming to conclusions he could hardly understand rapidly enough. Hurrying to the door, he watched as Aurelia disappeared around a corner, safe from being discovered. His heart raced in his chest from the effort, or from the possibilities, he wasn’t sure.
Chapter Nineteen
