Page 42 of It's a British Christmas

“I will try the broth, but I’m not too sure of the laudanum. I’ve known those who’ve become addicted to it.”

She finally offered a smile, changing her face from pretty to beautiful. “I do not think you need to concern yourself with addiction, my lord. Mama would never allow that to happen. She is quite knowledgeable in the dangers of addiction.” Two dimples adorned the sides of her mouth.

He couldn’t help but smile back at her sincerity. She was truly a charming, endearing young woman. As much as he would love to banter with her, what he needed more than anything was sleep, to escape. Seeming to sense his change in demeanor, she became all business and sat in a chair alongside the bed and spooned some of the broth into his mouth.

They didn’t talk as she fed him. He hated being so helpless, but there was nothing to be done. He watched every nuance of her face and body as she went about her work. Miss Allen was so open, so easy to read. She did not flirt, tease, or in any way make him believe she was interested in anything except feeding him.

Remarkable.

To his way of thinking, women had always fallen into two categories. The ones who wanted to share his bed, and receive adequate compensation for it in the way of jewels, an expensive wardrobe, carriages, and a townhouse. Then there were those who wanted his title, money, and the power that came with marriage to a duke.

Miss Allen didn’t seem to want anything from him. Only to help make him well. Then, probably, send him on his way. Of course, she did not know he was a duke, but he had a strange feeling that even if she knew, her attitude toward him would not change. If anything, she might be uneasy with his lofty title, rather than conniving on how she could trap him.

“I am glad you were able to take some of the broth.” She laid the bowl aside, and picked up the small brown bottle. “Before I give the laudanum to you, is there someone you would like us to notify of your situation? A wife, or another family member?”

If she was fishing to find out if he was married, it was not on her face, and so far, he’d found her easy to read. “No. There is no one.”

In some ways that was true. If he notified his mother, she would be here within a day, flitting and fussing and causing needless drama. Although he loved her dearly, she was a trial at times.

He should notify his man of business, but then, a short holiday from all his ducal duties would be nice. They hadn’t expected him back in London for a while, since in addition to meeting with Lord Fenster, he would be visiting a few of his far-flung friends. He had promised Mother he would return in time for Christmas, and that wasn’t for several weeks.

“No one?” She looked stricken, which made him smile.

“No wife, only my mother, who is better off not knowing of my injury.”

Her face softened. “I understand. Mama would be quite distraught if one of us were shot, and far from home.”

There was no point in correcting her assumption that Mother would be distraught. If anything, she would be abhorred at the humble abode in which he was recuperating, and would probably embarrass the Allens by dismissing their kindness with a wave of her aristocratic hand. No, he was better off with his mother far, far away while he recovered here with this nice family.

And their tempting daughter.

CHAPTER 2

Eve set the bottle of laudanum on the shelf over the sink and rinsed out the broth bowl. Her thoughts wandered to their patient. Lord Manchester was certainly an eye-catching man. His deep brown eyes seemed to bore into her, as if he could see her very soul. It discomforted her to imagine how that look would affect her if he weren’t injured and lying flat on his back.

Then she chastised herself for her thoughts. He was nobility. Privileged, arrogant, and supercilious, as they all were. At least the one who seduced her best friend, Becky, had been, and she had no reason to believe any of them were different. They all believed they owned the world and the rest of them were fortunate that they were willing to allow them to share it.

Poor Becky had learned that lesson the hard way after she found herself with child and her lover gone. With a dismissive laugh, he reminded her she was not of his class, so marriage was not for them. It was on Christmas Day two years ago that Becky delivered the tiny wizened boy who lived for a mere few minutes. Becky followed her son in death that same day.

Eve rubbed her arms to ward off the chill those thoughts always brought on. How she missed her friend, and mourned her still. With Christmas coming up, she would once again suffer through the pain of those memories. Becky’s screams still echoed in her ears, and occasionally visited her in the form of nightmares.

Once again turning her thoughts to their patient, she dwelled on how odd that there was no one he wished to notify of his wound. Of course, if his mother were the type of hand-wringing and carrying-on sort, as she knew women of the ton to be, it was better if he presented himself at home hale and hearty, to ease any distress on her part.

But no wife. Why that thought even crossed her mind was puzzling. She had no interest in any man from the nobility. As a rule, she did not have to be hit over the head with something to take notice. She had learned enough from Becky’s mistake. Despite the man’s attractiveness, she would stay far away from him until he was healed, and on his way home. Men with a sense of entitlement, with ‘lord’ in front of their names, and sweet words on their lips, were a danger she planned to avoid.

“How is our patient?” Mama entered the kitchen, pulling Eve from her musings.

“He took a bit of the broth, and the teaspoon of laudanum. He should be asleep in no time.” Eve took a cup down, and spooned tea leaves into the worn teapot that always sat on the table, and ladled in bubbling water from the fire.

Mama covered her mouth with her hand as she attempted to stifle a yawn. “That is good. Sleep is the best cure for any injury, or illness.”

“Would you like some tea, Mama?” Eve held up the teapot.

“No. I’m for bed right now. it has been a long day.” She gave Eve a quick kiss on her cheek. “Good night, daughter.”

Eve moved to the table and reached for a biscuit from the plate Mama always kept full. “Do you think one of us should sit up with Lord Manchester?”

“I will check on him throughout the night. I am sure you are quite tired as well, and should find your own bed soon.”