Chapter Four
The gentle, rhythmic sound of rain against the window glass reminded Rose that it was autumn and that this was typical weather when she groused to herself about it. However, the atmosphere was cozy and she relished this time, for autumn was her favorite season.
I really could have used the exercise.
Promising herself time outside later in the day, she made her way to the morning room to have her customary breakfast before she went in to see Captain Danbury. When the footman brought her a cup of tea and a plate of her usual favorites, she nodded.
“Thank you, Jimmy.” Where John the footman was stalwart and large, his younger brother was slight and thin, but no less eager to please.
She hadn’t spoken to him since she brought the breakfast tray yesterday. For the remainder of the day whenever she popped in to check on him, he’d been asleep. No doubt he was exhausted, but she’d thought about him in the interim.
Oh, he was quite handsome, even more so disheveled from his illness and sleep.
His image danced through her mind. Hair as dark as a raven’s wing.
Eyes like fresh-brewed coffee. Strong features, broad shoulders, a few scars on his back and chest, a heavy mat of hair that spread over his chest in an abstract butterfly pattern, callused hands.
He was a man that, even though he held a title, had been no stranger to hard labor.
He was quite appealing, and she appreciated that, for far too many men of the ton were soft and weak… and liars.
I mustn’t let myself be taken in by his charm.
Though she hadn’t discovered much about him, the one thing that was abundantly clear was that he’d lived an honorable life, a proper life, with a reputation above reproach, or so she’d managed to glean.
What would he think about the scandal that had seen her banished here?
She didn’t know but knots of worry pulled in her belly.
Never had she regretted her past more than she did right now.
But that was behind her. It couldn’t be changed or erased, and while that was true, what happened had left deep scars, perhaps too big for her to move forward with anyone.
Perhaps that’s my penance.
Then why was she worrying about such things?
This man was nothing to her. Once he regained his strength, he’d no doubt leave for parts unknown, and her life would resume its usual course.
How silly to think of such things. Once the captain was able, he would continue on his path, leaving her here alone again.
That is my lot in life.
“Miss Landry?”
The sound of the housekeeper’s voice yanked Rose out of her thoughts.
She glanced over at the woman who wasn’t quite matronly but no longer slim, probably in her mid-fifties with a few strands of gray in her brown hair.
“What might I do for you, Mrs. Henderson?” The carriage-style clock on the secretary desk across the room softly chimed the ten o’clock hour.
“I thought we might have a bit of a chat.” The older woman was a marvel at keeping the household running.
She’d been with the family at least for all the years Rose at been alive, and that was twenty-six years.
In many ways, since Rose had been banished to the country, Mrs. Henderson had filled the role of a mother to her.
“I’m always happy to talk with you.”
Mrs. Henderson came into the room then slipped into one of the chairs at the table. “Also, the captain is awake and asking to see you.”
A slight twist of excitement went down her spine. “What is his condition today?”
“Better, but he is still weak.” The housekeeper shrugged. “I think he is bored. He looks like a man who is more used to action or keeping busy than enjoying leisure.”
Rose nodded. “I thought that too. Is he well, though? Is there an emergency and that’s why he’s asked to see me?”
“I don’t believe so.” Mrs. Henderson shook her head as Rose sipped tea. “Perhaps he merely wants company.”
“He has John.”
“Oh, my duck.” The housekeeper pointed her gaze briefly to the ceiling before focusing it on Rose again. “I think he wishes for female company.” A chuckle escaped her. “He’s easy on the eyes, miss. And you have been alone far too long.”
What was this? Surely the housekeeper wasn’t looking to matchmake. Rose frowned. “There’s a reason for that.”
“It shouldn’t hold you prisoner for the rest of your life.” Mrs. Henderson’s eyes were kind. “You have grown as a person.”
“Have I, though? I’ve been thinking for the past few days that I need to recapture the time when I was a hoyden, when I had joy, when I looked forward to things.”
“That doesn’t mean you haven’t grown. You merely have a new perspective on life.”
One of Rose’s eyebrows rose. “Are you trying to match make? To the only man who has shown up in recent years?”
“Not necessarily, but there is nothing to say that you can’t have a bit of company for a few days.
It will do you good to talk to someone who isn’t employed here.
” When Rose remained silent, the housekeeper continued.
“You shouldn’t make shame the only interesting thing about yourself.
Life happens to all of us, my dear. Mistakes were made.
Lessons were learned. And you are not dead yet, so why not live your life? ”
Why not, indeed? Truly, she didn’t need to court another scandal. “I shall think about it. Thank you for the lovely words.”
Mrs. Henderson nodded. “I told the captain I’d send up a breakfast tray. Would you like for me to include enough tea for two?”
“What could it hurt?” After all, he was her guest and convalescing in her home. She, at the very least, could be a good hostess. “That is a good idea. I’ve not truly begun my own breakfast.”
“Very well.” With a slight smile, the housekeeper rose to her feet. “I will have Cook tuck a few of your favorites onto the tray as well.”
“Thank you. It’s appreciated.” With a sigh, Rose dusted her hands together then dabbed at her mouth with the linen napkin. Once she laid it on the table next to her plate, she stood, looked at Jimmy. “I suppose I’ll check in on the captain.”
“Very good, Miss Landry.”
Then she made her way to the room where the captain was staying. At his door, she dismissed John.
“Go find some breakfast, John. I can manage the captain while you’re away.”
“Are you sure, Miss Landry? I don’t mind staying here to protect you.”
How grateful was she for the staff? With a soft smile, she nodded.
“Quite. He is an invalid yet. Perhaps that will change once he acquires more strength.” Then, as the footman ambled along the corridor, Rose knocked on the wooden panel.
When bid to enter, she pressed the latch and pushed the door open. “Good morning, Captain.”
Oh, dear heavens, it is so unfair the man is such a sight after being so poorly.
“Good morning, Miss Landry.” At her raised eyebrow, he cleared his throat. “I mean, Rose.”
She nodded while she let her gaze rove over his person as she approached the bed. The whiskers and messy hair were more than a bit arousing. “You’re looking a bit more alive than yesterday.” Being quite stern with herself, she tamped the reaction to him. Had she learned nothing from her past?
“I feel like it.” A spark of interest lit his eyes, causing tiny gold flecks to dance in the dark irises. “I’m glad you came to visit me.”
“Were there doubts since you were the one who asked me to drop by?”
“One never knows.” The man shrugged and struggled into a sitting position against a mound of pillows. “I’m sure you’re quite busy and much in demand with callers of your own.”
Oh, if only he knew.
“I have time for my guest.”
“A patient, really.”
“So it seems.” She couldn’t help but chuckle as she sat in the chair near his bedside.
“You are in good spirits.” Then she leaned forward and placed the back of her hand on his forehead.
“And your fever hasn’t returned. That’s promising.
” However, being in such close proximity to him made her far too heated.
“In all honesty, I feel like a new man… with the exception of being weak, and at times lightheaded, and having the tendency to fall asleep frequently,” he said with a quirky grin that didn’t reveal too many teeth.
Sometimes, such a thing bothered her. When people resembled marionettes, it was odd. “You need time to recover your stamina. Perhaps if it isn’t raining tomorrow, you can go out and walk a couple of times.”
For long moments, he held her gaze before nodding. “Only if you consent to accompany me. You know, in the event I tumble onto my face due to fatigue.”
Unexpectedly, Rose laughed, for he had a delightful sense of humor, but she didn’t comment, for a footman brought in the breakfast tray. “Thank you, Bobbert.” He was another of the footmen employed at the hall. They only had three, and she truly didn’t have a favorite; they were all quite lovely.
He set the tray on the bed beside the patient. “Of course, miss.” With a slight bow from the waist, the young man exited the room.
She glanced at the captain. “Are you hungry?”
“My appetite is returning.”
“Another good sign.” Needing something to keep her hands busy, Rose poured out tea for him and handed it off.
When their fingers brushed, the tingles left behind had the power to steal her breath.
But she tamped that reaction too. It was vital to do so.
“Where do you believe you contracted your illness?”
“It’s difficult to say. I was burning the candle at both ends getting the manor ready to sell and felt guilty letting the servants go.
For weeks I’ve done odd jobs throughout the countryside, merely to pay for room and board.
Some were physically taxing. I could have caught it at a tavern, in a village, renting the odd room. ”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” At least he wasn’t a layabout. Rose poured her own tea and took refuge in it while carefully avoiding his gaze. “Well, you should look after yourself better in the future. If a man doesn’t have his health, he has nothing.”