Page 22 of An Earl to Remember
“Whiskers, get back here,” a soft voice cried. “Your job is to catch the mouse and…though I agree that you should not kill it, itcannotbe your friend.”
It was then Daniel noted atop the cat’s back, a small mouse was perched quite comfortably. He blinked, and the image remained. Miss Heyford appeared and stooped before the cat.
“He cannot be your friend, Whiskers. It will only invite his family to also come inside, and we cannot afford that. Now do not give me that arrogant look as if you are the master here. I will not—”
Daniel must have made some noise, for her words broke off and she whipped her head around.
“My lo…husband!” She surged to her feet, flushing. “I had not realized you were awake.”
“I have been sleeping since yesterday evening.”
She smoothed the flat of her palm down to the front of her dark blue gown that fitted to her curves with mouth-watering sensuality.
God’s teeth. Her voluptuous figure was a sight to behold.
There was a cautious look in her golden-brown eyes. “I…yes, of course, you must be well rested. However, you have been sleeping for two days, sir.”
That jolted him. “Two days?”
“Yes, Albert often explains to me when the body needs to heal it slumbers. I did check on you frequently, and you displayed little agitation and no fever. I also fed you some water.”
He frowned, vaguely recalling soft hands on his cheek, and the feeling of something cool sliding down his parched throat. Miss Heyford had certainly tended to him like a compassionate wife. “I was not aware of the passage of time.”
“I gathered you were…exhausted. Your clothes have been washed and pressed, but I am afraid your boots could not be recovered.” A nervous laugh escaped her. “I feel as if I am rambling.”
He had nothing to say, for he suspected he had always been a man of few words. They stared at each other, an awkward tension crackling in the air.
“How are you feeling now?” she tentatively asked.
His stomach growled, and she blinked.
“You must be famished. I’ve cooked some oatmeal.”
“You do your own cooking?”
That soft flush spread from her cheeks to her hairline. “I love cooking the most, sir. I shall make you some breakfast. I…ah…it will be simple, I am afraid. Oatmeal sweetened with honey and perhaps some toast with eggs.”
“I believe I am a simple man,” he replied, noting the air of anxiety about her and the forced nature of her smile.
“If you would wait in the dining room, I shall bring you something to eat right away.”
Before he could answer, she darted away, her footsteps echoing on the floor. Daniel strolled forward only to falter as running footsteps approached. Miss Heyford once more framed the doorway. Her cheeks were red from the exertions, and wisps of hair framed her cheeks.
“It occurred to me you would not know where the dining room is located.”
“I’ve already explored the house.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh!” Those lush lips curved in a sheepish smile. “My sisters are outdoors with their morning lessons. I shall perform introductions after you’ve eaten. They are most anxious to make your acquaintance.”
He had nothing to say to that, and that awkwardness once more rose between them.
“I hope you are familiar with me enough to shed some light on questions I have, wife.”
“Certainly.” She took a step into the room. “We could meet in the office after the morning chores are completed.”
The expectant way Miss Heyford peered at him prompted Daniel to ask, “Morning chores?”
“Yes. If you feel capable and able to offer any help, we would appreciate it. I have a list with me. Do you feel capable?”
