Page 4 of A Midwinter Wager

Alicia blinked at her sister. "Today? So soon?"

"Yes. In fact, he's here right now."

Alicia sat up in bed as he stepped forward, forcing a smile. She was pretty, even with her current pallor and darkly-shadowed eyes. If she could pull herself out of her current torpor, she'd have the world at her feet.

As he bowed over her hand, he felt a rush of pity for Heathcote. The man had been besotted with Alicia's mother and was devastated to lose her so soon. Since then, he'd heaped every gift on his stepdaughter, allowing her leeway on everything and, to sum it up, had spoiled her terribly. Much to Cesca’s detriment.

Thank heaven his beloved had a kind heart. Despite her occasional mutterings, she was completely selfless when it came to her family. Whatever her gout-ridden papa required, she'd fetch it herself. Whenever Alicia wanted anything, Cesca would provide it. It made him love her all the more.

"Oh, Fitz, forgive me not being up," Alicia said.

He inclined his head. "Don't mention it."

"Are you really going today?"

He nodded.

"At what time?"

"I was hoping I might stay for lunch," he answered, quirking an eyebrow at Cesca.

"Of course, you must, Fitz," Cesca said, with a smile that warmed his heart. The more he saw of that smile, the more he regretted his decision to join the military.

"Hmm." Alicia frowned. "I think maybe I could get up for just a little while. I've plenty of time before luncheon, have I not? Even enough time for a bath?"

"Of course, you have," Cesca said. "I'll organize one right away."

"Will you send Millie in to help me, and dress me after? I'll try and join everyone for lunch. I presume Papa will be well enough to come down too?"

Fitz and Cesca exchanged glances. She said, "He's out of sorts today, but maybe I can persuade him. Especially if I tell him you're getting up."

"Cesca, you must brush my hair for me. It barely hurts at all when you do it."

Alicia shifted in the bed, and Fitz realized it was his cue to depart. But there was a strange crackling sound as the girl moved, and the corner of a piece of paper poked out from beneath the mattress.

"What's that?" Cesca asked.

Alicia quickly stuffed the paper out of sight.

"Nothing," she replied.

He halted in the doorway and turned back, arms folded across his chest. This could be interesting. What was Alicia trying to hide?

Cesca tilted her head to one side, waiting.

"Well, it's nothing you'd be interested in. It's, um… poetry. The awful kind," Alicia admitted.

"Ah,” said Cesca, shooting him a coy glance. "Love poetry. The worst poetry on Earth."

"Not at all." There was a hint of steel in Alicia's grey eyes as she looked at her sister. "It's nature poetry, of course. Now, can you ring for Millie so I can get dressed and see Fitz off?"

“Don’t you want me to brush your hair for you?”

Alicia frowned at Cesca. “Not now. I’m in a hurry. Take Fitz away, but don’t let him leave before I come downstairs.”

Thus dismissed, he and Cesca left the room. He took her in his arms and kissed her softly on the top of her head, relishing the lavender scent of her hair. "Did you believe her?"

He felt her smile. "Not a bit of it."