Page 30 of A Daring Desire

“Going already?” Cat said, uncertain whether to be disappointed or relieved.

“Yes, I’ve so much to do before Christmas, but it’s been lovely seeing you both.”

Kilbane grunted at this, but Aggie only laughed, embracing Cat warmly. “Merry Christmas,” she said, adding in an undertone: “I’ve left a present for him with Jefferies. See he gets it, please.”

Cat smiled, nodding. “Of course I shall. But, Aggie, Berrycloth told me what you did for my husband, about Franklin and… my word, you shot him! And—”

“Yes, yes,” Aggie said, waving this away. “And I was glad to do it. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you, but at the time I thought it was for the best. You do see?”

Cat nodded, too grateful to be cross. “I do, but, Aggie,” she said, taking her hands and holding on tight. “Thank you so much, my dearest friend.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Kilbane demanded, narrowing his eyes.

“Never you mind,” Aggie told him tartly. “Now, do as you're told and get better, and don’t drive poor Cat to distraction. Merry Christmas to you, brother.”

“Merry Christmas,” Kilbane said, a touch grudgingly. Cat sent him a sharp look, and he sighed. “Thank you for coming.”

Aggie beamed. “You’re very welcome. I shall visit again after Christmas to see how you go on. Goodbye. Goodbye, Cat, darling, and do stop fretting. Merry Christmas.”

She kissed Cat on the cheek and hurried away.

The door closed, leaving the two of them together, and Cat took Aggie’s seat by the bed. The tea tray had been set on a table beside the chair and she prepared a cup for him. Strong, with sugar.

“Thank you,” he said, taking it from her.

She felt his gaze upon her as she prepared her own cup but did not turn to meet his eyes. Once the tea was made, she lifted the plate of sugar biscuits for him to choose from. “Look, they’re in the shape of Christmas trees, and the little piece of angelica in the middle is even cut to the same shape. Aren’t they pretty?”

“Adorable,” he said darkly, but amusement lurked in his eyes as he took one and ate it in one bite. She watched him chew and smiled, pleased, when he took another.

“Your appetite is returning,” she observed.

“Now I’m finally allowed proper food and not sick room fare,” he grumbled.

“I know it was very tedious for you. You needed to build your strength but not overburden your system after being so ill. You are looking far brighter today, though. There’s even a little colour in your cheeks.”

He was quiet for a long moment and then took a breath. “Thank you, Catherine.”

She looked at him in surprise. “What for?”

His dark eyebrows drew together, and he folded his arms. “For… For looking after me,” he said, irritation in every word. His jaw tightened, and he added: “Jones has been speaking to the staff and… he says I owe you a great debt. He says I owe you my life.”

He sounded so indignant at this that Cat was forced to hide a smile, but he glanced at her and must have seen laughter in her eyes, for he tsked with annoyance.

“I beg your pardon,” she said in a choked voice. “I know how much you must have hated saying that, and you did it so nicely, too.”

“It’s bad enough owing my sorry hide to Aggie, but now you too. It’s… I don’t like being beholden to anyone,” he said in frustration.

“I know,” she said, sympathetic now, for she knew he was unaccustomed to being cared for. “But you need not feel beholden to me. I was glad to do it.”

“So, you’re not going to hold it over my head and tell me I owe you that much every time you want something from me?”

Cat returned a scathing look. “Certainly not! What kind of female do you think I am?”

“I wish I knew,” he grumbled.

She laughed at that, and then added with a sly smile. “However, I shall ask—once and once only—that as you are somewhat in my debt, that you spend Christmas with me.”

He shifted slightly, studying her. “Opening presents and singing carols?” he said, with that familiar sneer of derision on his lips.