Page 107 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

She tore off and ate a small piece at a time as if she feared what might happen.

Should he pull the chamber pot from behind the screen just in case?

Damian waited, ready to act, if necessary, but Georgie was able to eat the bread without mishap. He then poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her.

“You make a very good nursemaid,” she said after she had drunk half the tea.

“Maybe that is what I should do. Go off to medical school or apprentice under a local doctor.”

She hitched a brow and then grimaced because it must have caused her pain, then grimaced some more until she drew in a deep breath and relaxed all her facial features.

“I have no interest in medicine. I only want to make certain you are comfortable and recover quickly.”

“Why did you bring another blanket?”

“The doctor warned of chills.”

“Oh. I thought maybe you were going to suggest something foolish like sleep somewhere else.”

He hadn’t thought of that, but now that Georgie mentioned the option, perhaps he should so that he would not need to worry about touching her while they slept and causing her unnecessary pain.

“You are not sleeping anywhere else but beside me.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes,” she insisted. “Besides, if I do become cold, I shall use your body to warm me.”

While he liked that idea very much, he assumed she had forgotten that anyone touching her reddened skin would also cause pain.

“As I refuse to move, and I do not want you hovering as if I might expire, why don’t you go explore the ship. I know that you are eager to.”

“I am not going anywhere.” How could she even think that he would leave her when she was ill?

“Damian, I wish to be alone.”

What if she needed something, but Damian could tell by the determination in her brown eyes that he should leave.

“I will not be gone long,” he promised, then exited the cabin and closed the door behind him.

Yes, he had wanted to tour the ship, but should he be so far away from Georgie?

It was a sunburn, and people usually didn’t die from those, did they?

What if she needed him?

Instead of asking to be shown the ship, Damian walked up to the deck then wandered to the railing, checked his pocket watch to mark the time. He would give her thirty minutes but that was all.

*

Georgie wanted Damian to be gone because he was going to hover, which would likely drive her to madness. Hopefully, he would realize that she was not in any danger and seek out the captain then enjoy the tour of the ship.

Given her limitations of movement and clothing, Georgie retrieved Glenarvon. If she were going to be stuck lying in bed, then she was going to see that her mind was occupied.

Unfortunately, before she could read one full chapter, her eyes grew heavy and Georgie set the book aside so that she could sleep. At least she would not have any pain while she slumbered, though she wondered why she needed another nap after having just taken one unless sunburns also caused fatigue.

She didn’t have an answer and when she finally woke, uncertain how long she had slept, Damian was propped on the bed beside her, pillows behind his head, and reading Glenarvon.

“Is it any good?” she asked, surprised that her voice cracked, and how dry her throat was.