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Lily widened her tired eyes, joy coursing through her. “Daniel, where did you find it?”
“Rose saw it on Amelia’s finger when she was being taken away by the constables. She punched Amelia in the nose and made her give her the ring.”
“My sweet Rose?”
“Yes, your sweet Rose. Now you didn’t answer my question. Will you be my wife?”
“Yes, Daniel, yes!” With all her strength, she held her hand toward the window, admiring the facets of her gem sparkling in the morning sun. “This is so beautiful, and every time I look at it I see your marvelous eyes.”
“I promise I’ll make you happy, Lily.”
“You are wonderful. “I wish we could make love right now.”
Daniel groaned low in his throat. “God, you have no idea.”
“Maybe later we can. I’m feeling all right, I guess.”
“No, love. We can’t. You’re clearly exhausted and still quite weak. Besides, you have to heal. Blake says I can’t touch you for six weeks.”
“Six weeks?”
“It won’t be so bad,” Daniel said, smiling. “I’d wait six years for you if I had to.”
“If you can wait, I suppose I can.” Lily warmed all over. Then a yawn nearly cracked her parched face. “I’m growing tired, and I want to have a bath before I go to sleep again. I feel all greasy and slimy, and my hair is pasted to my head.”
“I’ll call for a maid to bathe you. Or would you rather have your mother?”
“Neither. I want you to bathe me.”
“I can’t. What would your father say?”
“I wasn’t planning to ask his opinion.” She smiled weakly. “Lock the door.”
“Lily…”
“You said you’d do anything for me.”
“God help me. All right.” Daniel rose and locked the door to his bedchamber. He strolled into the bath chamber and readied a bath. Then he fetched Lily from the bed, removed her nightgown, and carried her to the tub.
“You get in with me,” she urged.
“No, love. You’re too weak. Maybe in a few days.” He lathered her body and her hair with soap and gently cleansed her.
“That feels nice,” she said, closing her eyes.
“Let me know if anything hurts.”
“Everything’s fine. I love the feel of your hands on my body. It’s soothing.”
“It’s soothing for me too. I live for the day that I can hold you and make love to you again. You’re so beautiful, Lily.” Daniel held her and rinsed her hair. “I want you to sit in here and soak for a while. It will help the pain.”
“Mmm. I wish I had my clove oil.”
“Hold on a minute.” Daniel left the bath chamber and returned a few moments later holding the small amber vial. “Here it is.”
“Just a few drops in the water.”
Daniel obliged and then brought in a chair and sat beside the tub. When Lily started yawning, he lifted her out of the tub, dried her gently with a soft towel, and dressed her in a clean nightdress. He helped her brush her teeth, he combed her hair, and placed her back in bed.
