AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He agreed, and she whisked from the room, only to return a minute later with a small volume and seated herself on the chair beside the bed.
She flipped through the pages, then glanced up and blinked, as if startled to see he watched her. “I hope you like Walter Scott’s poetry.”
The name was familiar, but he wasn’t sure he remembered any poetry.
“Scott based the poems on places not too far from here, and this poem was one of your sister’s favorites. Indeed, it’s said that he has stayed in a nearby farmhouse. Perhaps we should see if he is in the area and invite him to come meet you. I’m sure such a man would be delighted to meet a hero. You could provide more inspiration for his poems.”
“Minx.” His heart lifted as she uttered a low-throated chuckle.
She began to read and, as he was surrounded by comfort and stories of legends of old, he soon found himself soothed to sleep by the dulcet tones of a voice he was fast starting to love.
Which was ridiculous, his mind told his heart. But could not be helped. Not when she was proving, time and again, to be of great benefit. Indeed, as if she truly was his gift from God.
Chapter 10
“Thank you, Annie.” Theo collected the tray and made her way up the stairs.
The installation of Captain Balfour in Stapleton’s best guest room had met with grunted consent from Grandfather, flurried murmurs of “Oh, the poor man!” from her mother, and suppressed glee from Becky. The servants had also been sworn to secrecy, and complaint about their extra duties seemed to fall by the wayside when Theo pointed out the honor of caring for so great a hero.
As for herself …
She rounded the landing, carefully balancing the tray. She would have to tread carefully. The captain’s misadventure and her time alone with him seemed to have bonded them more closely, in a way that both thrilled and terrified. Not that she was happy he was injured, of course. But the captain possessed a charm her heart had instantly responded to and had never encountered before. Perhaps that was why she felt so strongly attracted. In the absence of other young men of his calibre, she had found him to be the epitome of all she held dear. Which was sheer folly, and something she would admit to no one. But it meant she’d need to temper his kindnesses with reality and not allow her feelings to hold sway.
A few last steps before she steadied the tray on one arm and warily knocked on the door.
The door was swiftly opened by Mr. Siddons, who had been pressed into service as required, although she suspected caring for an invalid, even one as famous as the captain, might prove rather lowering for that man’s pride.
She nodded to him and carried the tray to a small table beside the bed.
“Miss Stapleton.”
“Good morning, Captain. How are you feeling today?”
“I have felt better.” He winced as he pushed up against the pillows, his bad leg propped on the bedcovers and slightly raised, strapped in a rigid splint made of wood and leather.
“I’m sure you have.” She offered a sympathetic smile. At least six weeks, the doctor had said last Saturday, due to the bad break.
“You are very understanding, Miss Stapleton.”
“I try to be.”
A reluctant sounding chuckle pushed from him.
“I have brought your breakfast. Porridge and eggs.”
“I trust no pockets were involved.”
“As you can see.” She gestured to the tray.
An enquiry was made about his need for tea, which he accepted, and Mr. Siddons murmured that he would see to that immediately, thus prompting his escape.
“I trust the sustenance will prove sufficient.” She moved to the door.
“You are not leaving, are you?” He swallowed. “Forgive me. I’m sure you have many things to attend to which must demand your time, rather than keep me company.”
Actually, no. The misty rain of Saturday had strengthened in past days, and the roads were impassable, thus preventing attendance at services two days ago. Her time yesterday had been spent productively completing what odd jobs required attention, so today she had little to do except check in on their injured guest. And certainly nothing that appealed more. She hesitated, conscious of her decision not to engender romantical notions, yet also aware of the entreaty in his eyes.
“Please. Unless, of course, you think by doing so it may harm your reputation.”
