Page 38 of Regency in Color

Blinking, Thomas realized he’d been lost in his thoughts. He hoped Mary would not realize it was her he thought about. He cleared his throat. “I’m fine. Just had a bit of a twinge down my leg and took a while to go away.”

She looked from his face to his legs under the blankets. “I think it is a good idea that you go outside. Perhaps being in bed so long is affecting your ability to move your legs.”

“I can move them,” he demonstrated by bending one and then the other.

Mary seemed delighted. “Good. I am glad.” She took the tray and empty bowl from his lap. Taking a small cloth from the tray, she went to the basin and wet it. Then she returned to him and wiped his face.

This time his body went on full alert. His stomach tumbled, chest tightened, and his throat went dry. “You don’t have to do this.”

Once again, she smiled at him, this time the effect was hard to hide. He shifted and rearranged the blanket across his lap so that it bunched.

The beauty’s lips parted as she continued with tasks that kept her much too close. “I am well aware, but I feel badly that you have no one to care for you. I will be available until you can do for yourself.”

His gaze fell to her full lips, the thought of pressing kisses to her pillowy mouth made it hard to keep from reaching for her. “Thank you.”

“I enjoy it. Now, I will fetch Harold so he can help you.” Mary then leaned forward and kissed his left cheek. Thomas turned his head and kissed her fully on the lips. The kiss lingered just a moment longer before Mary pulled away with an unreadable expression.

“It’s best I go see about fetching Harold.”

* * *

“You certainly have better coloringthis morning,” Harold said as he walked in. “Moira insists that I get you up and out of this room.”

Thomas nodded. “I like the idea. There’s nothing wrong with my legs, no reason, other than it hurts to move.” He chuckled when Harold laughed.

It was a slow walk to the stables, which gave Thomas pause as he entered. Despite bothersome aches, he managed to help feed the horses.

In the distance a buggy neared and he knew it was Father Matthews. A part of him didn’t want to talk to the man that day. At the same time, it was best to get counsel from the priest, who’d always been kind to him.

Harold neared. “He sure is persistent.”

“What do you mean?” Thomas asked, meeting the older man’s gaze.

“I understand you are exploring the idea of priesthood. However, a decision as important as that should be yours and yours only. I know he means well, but he should give you more time to think on it without his constant influence.”

“He means well,” Thomas replied.

They waved as the priest neared and Thomas stood from the stool he sat on. Father Matthews smiled broadly, making quick inventory, his eyes moving from his face down to his feet. “I am certainly pleased to see you out,” Father Matthews exclaimed as he climbed down from his seat.

“There is much to thank our Lord for today,” the priest continued as he neared and held out his ring for Thomas to kiss. Harold grunted and went back into the stables.

“You didn’t accompany your wife to church on Sunday,” the priest called after Harold, who ignored him.

Thomas motioned to the house. “It’s much warmer in the kitchen.”

“Before we go in, I wish to have a word in private.” Father Matthews pursed his lips. “The reason I am here today is that the constable wishes you to return to the village with me. It seems they’ve captured the pair who beat you.”

The news caught Thomas by surprise. “What will happen to them?”

“If you identify them as the assailants, they will be jailed or hung. They did leave you for dead.” The lack of empathy in the priest’s tone took Thomas by surprise.

“They are misled in their thinking, and yet acted maliciously. I do not condone them to be killed. I have known the men since childhood...”

“They allowed grief to lead them astray to commit a sinful act,” Father Matthew’s interjected. “It is out of your hands either way as you have already told their names and they’ve been caught. You coming to the village is only a formality.”

Thomas closed his eyes and let out a breath. “Very well. Although I am not sure I can travel so far yet. The constable will have to wait a few more days, I’m afraid.”

It was much later that Thomas was able to get away from Father Matthews, who needled an invitation to remain for the night. The priest was currently in the parlor, in a chair before the fireplace, snoring contently.