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Rayne was warm, intelligent, witty, compassionate, and innocent in a way one did not expect a woman who had been educated in the medical field to be. The fact that she was beautiful and possessed a form that made his hands itch to run over her curves was a bonus.
However, he could not honestly ask her to marry him without telling her first about what had happened to Lydia. His part in the disaster. She deserved to know what a cad he’d been before he became the cad she knew. He honestly did not believe he was good enough for her, but if she were able to listen to his story and he did not see the condemnation in her eyes, there might be a chance.
The sound of the front door opening and her cheerful greeting to Walter, despite how very tired she must be, only raised his respect for her. He could tell by her walk down the corridor that she was struggling to make it as far as her bed. Perhaps he should wait until another time.
No. If he did, it would not be in consideration of her fatigue, but a way to get out of what he wanted—yea, needed—to tell her. “Good morning, Rayne.” He offered her a bright smile and was granted one in return.
“The babies are beautiful.” She laid her medical bag on the counter and rubbed her eyes. “And the mother and father are doing just fine.” Her eyes filled with tears. She covered her eyes with her hand, and he reached out to pull her against his chest.
These were tears of exhaustion. No sobbing, no wailing, just tears slowly trickling down her soft cheeks and landing on his chest, the wet spot on his shirt growing. “I am such a silly one.” She took the handkerchief he handed her and wiped her nose.
“Come, sit down for a minute. You look weary.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the sofa in the office connected to the infirmary.
“How is everything here?” She took in a shuddering breath.
“Only two patients left. Your assistant, Miss Kincaid made a list that’s on your counter of those requesting a visit from you. She told everyone on the list that it would be tomorrow before you will get to them.”
Rayne wiped her nose and looked at him with red-rimmed eyes with dark circles underneath. “Were there any emergencies among the requests?”
“No. Just the usual coughs, fevers, aches and pains.” He pushed back the hair that had fallen onto her forehead.
She nodded. “Good.”
“I suggest you find your bed. Miss Kincaid and I can stay here until you’ve had some rest and wake you if there is an emergency.”
“Why would you do that?” She eyed him curiously. “I am sure there are other things to which you must attend. I’m afraid I’ve taken up much too much of your time of late. Truth be known, I’m feeling a tad guilty.” Her slight smile twisted his stomach.
He hopped up to begin pacing again and had to grab the back of the sofa to keep from falling over. Damn the broken leg. “Don’t feel guilty. I am doing this of my own free will.” He sat back down and took her hands in his. “I owe you so much, rather than the other way around.”
She covered her mouth to stifle a yawn and guilt assailed him. This was not the time to have the conversation he wanted. It was not fair to her. He stood again and pulled her up. “Come. You need some sleep. There are things I wish to discuss with you, but not in the state you are in now.”
“I agree. Please send one of the maids to awaken me by early afternoon.” She walked with him to the staircase as he limped with his cane. “Will you be here later?”
“Yes. I have tasks to perform in your ledgers. And I am working on a project I would love to present to you when you’re feeling up to it. But all these things can wait until you’ve had some rest.”
As much as he’d like to scoop her into his arms and carry her upstairs, his leg and the presence of Walter at the door prevented any such show of gallantry. Instead, he kissed her hand and waved at the stairs. “I will see you later.”
* * *
He spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon going over the books, sending notes to medical suppliers who he suspected had been charging far too much for Rayne’s supplies.
He then continued with sending out dunning letters to those who owed Rayne quite a bit of money for her services. He was annoyed with the ones he knew had the blunt to pay the bill but ignored the notes he’d already sent. Members of the Upper Crust were notorious for neglecting their bills.
He was not against making in-person visits.
“You are still here.” Rayne stood at the doorway to the office, looking immensely better than when he’d sent her upstairs a few hours before. She’d braided her hair and wrapped the thick strands around her head like a crown. Her dress was clean and wrinkle-free.
But nothing beat the warm smile on her face, and the glow in her eyes. “I believe I will send for tea. And perhaps some sandwiches, I find I am quite hungry.” She walked to the small bell on a table by the door and rang for a maid. “Have you had luncheon?”
“Yes. I was just going to find one of the maids to awaken you. My dear, you are looking much better.”
“Thank you. I feel much better, too.” One of the maids he remembered as Mary appeared at the doorway. She curtsied at Rayne’s request and hurried away.
“I must say I enjoy having the maids about. It does make life easier.” She dropped onto the sofa next to where he sat. “No emergencies, I assume?”
“No. Everything was quiet.” He cleared his throat and decided to delve right in. “Once tea arrives, I would like to present an important issue to you for your consideration.”
“Well, you certainly have my curiosity now.” She smiled and smoothed out her skirts. “Need we wait for tea?”
