“It wasn’t a bogeyman,” she whispered, burrowing against his shoulder. “It was the fog and I thought the banshee was coming again.”
Zeke had no idea what a banshee was, but he tried to soothe her, “Shh. Forget about it. You’re awake now.”
“Yes, but it was so strange. When I peeked beneath the hood, it wasn’t the banshee at all.” Here she tipped back her head topeer up at him with troubled eyes. “It was your friend, Mrs. Van Hallsburg.”
That startled Zeke a little. He had never thought Mrs. Van H. to be the stuff of nightmares, but he conceded, “I guess she must have come off seeming like a shrew to you, but?—”
“No! She’s an evil woman.”
“Sure. Sure she is.” Zeke patted Aurora on the shoulder. “But you don’t have to worry about her. She’s gone now and so are the police.”
This assurance calmed her a little. She relaxed, resting her head against him once more. She was every bit as soft and warm as he had imagined. Her womanly curves molded against him as though she were made to be in his arms. Once again he felt his blood quicken. It had been a long time since he had embraced a girl like this one, smelling of springtime and fresh Sunday mornings.
He was beginning to enjoy holding her, consoling her, a shade too much. Perhaps she sensed that because she tensed and pulled free. She bolted off the bed, clutching the robe tightly about her.
She eyed Zeke in a wary manner, which annoyed him. After all, he wasn’t making any effort to come after her. He was no masher, and she was the one who’d been caught snuggled up on his bed.
“How long have I been asleep?” she asked. “What time is it?”
“Nearly seven.”
She winced and stole a look toward the windows, the pool of darkness beyond. “And Tony hasn’t come yet?”
“Your assistant? I’m afraid there has been no sign of him. But I am sure I can make other arrangements for you.” Zeke started to rise from the bed, but she seemed so skittish, he remained where he was, leaning back, propping his weight against his elbows.
She nervously fingered the edge of the robe. “Your maids haven’t brought my clothes back yet.”
“No, I guess they haven’t. How’s your ankle?”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to look at it,” she said in a rush as she retreated another step. “I’m just still a little groggy. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“I’m glad you found my bed so comfortable.”
“Your bed! This is your room?”
“Yep.”
She appeared ready to bolt for sure, either that or grab up the poker from the fireplace to defend herself.
Zeke didn’t know whether to be amused or irritated. “I have only been trying to show you a little hospitality after your accident.” He levered himself to his feet. “So I would appreciate it if you would stop looking as though you thought I was about to rape you.”
“I’m sorry. But this is all a little embarrassing. I usually don’t hug strange men.”
“Or steal into their beds?”
His teasing comment only added to her discomfort.
“I never meant to cause you such trouble,” she continued. “You have been really nice, letting me use your bathtub and not turning me over to the police and all.” She fretted her lower lip. “And I’m sorry that I shouted at you earlier.”
“If it comes to that, I guess I wasn’t exactly speaking in dulcet tones either. It’s refreshing for a change to meet a woman who bellows back at me instead of bursting into tears.”
This coaxed a smile from her. Zeke thought that he might be able to risk moving a step closer. “We got off to a bad start with this acquaintance, didn’t we, Miss Aurora Rose Kavanaugh? Maybe we could just start over again.”
“Sure,” she said, but she ignored his outstretched hand and took care to keep the dressing table chair in between them.Zeke didn’t know what to make of her. She seemed as shy and innocent as his stepsisters had been, all those good girls who trooped off to mass, carrying their missals and rosary beads. And yet as a circus performer, Miss Kavanaugh could hardly be that naive, lacking in experience of the world.
Before Zeke could say anything more, a knock sounded at the bedchamber door. He opened it to find Wellington on the other side, bearing Miss Kavanaugh’s gown. The butler’s poker expression was more annoying than if he had been wearing a smirk. Zeke took the gown from him and closed the door in his face.
He carried the dress over to Aurora. She snatched it from him with an expression of real relief. She inspected the peach silk folds briefly and exclaimed. “Why, it looks almost as good as new. Your maids did an incredible job.”
