Page 14 of The Way We Were

Chapter Six

Lucy lay awake for what seemed like hours, unable to sleep, her body yearning in a way it hadn’t for over a year. She’d somehow let herself forget how Reggie could bring her to life, creating that passion that wrapped around them as if only the two of them existed, as if they breathed as one.

No, she hadn’t forgotten—grief had initially forced those memories into a box, and then anger and betrayal had locked the latch.

But the box had been unlocked upon seeing him again, and his kiss had caused all those suppressed emotions to come surging up. She was feeling overwhelmed and lost, her thoughts battling each other. Should she pretend the last year had never happened, fall back into his bed and let his lovemaking be her only solace?

But that would mean ignoring her grief for their darling Anna.

How could two such different parts of her life ever be joined together?

With a groan, she rolled over and buried her face in the pillow. She would never fall asleep with such whirling thoughts. She had to remember the safe life she’d built and find a way the next day to show Reggie how important her work was to her.

Would he be distracted from his seduction? Could she resist him? Did she want to risk having a child again—or discovering that her body was no longer capable of such a gift?

Her pillow was wet with tears before a restless sleep claimed her.

Lucy was charmed by the small public garden claimed by the local branch of the Female Aid Society. It was not even mid-morning, but the summer sun was shining through the leaves, dappling the grass and banishing the dew.

She looked up at Reggie to see if he noticed, and he gave her an encouraging smile.

“Just tell me what needs to be done,” he said.

She found herself smiling back, before trying to appear more serious. “I’ll need to offer my letter of introduction, but I’m sure they’ll find something for us to do.”

Soon, Lucy was surrounded by a half-dozen women, all pleased to meet her and graciously thanking her for volunteering.

Mrs. Maxwell, their leader, an elderly woman who still moved with spry grace, squinted through her spectacles at Reggie waiting patiently nearby. “And what business have you here, sir?”

He took a step closer and bowed. “Captain Reginald Lawton, at your service, ma’am.”

Mrs. Maxwell looked him up and down, and his red uniform and shiny buttons caught the sunlight. Then she glanced at Lucy. “Is he yours?”

She smiled. “He is, ma’am.”

“And he wants to help,” Mrs. Maxwell continued dubiously, as if Reggie couldn’t speak for himself.

“He does,” Reggie answered.

Lucy bit her lip and tried not to laugh. When was the last time she’d wanted to laugh out loud? She’d been so focused on swimming up from the depths of her grief, and then simply staying too busy to think, none of which allowed thoughts of amusement.

Mrs. Maxwell sniffed her doubt, but said, “I believe you’ll find several of my footmen setting up the display booth for our wares. You may help there.”

Lucy gave a sharp inhale. Many gentlemen would take umbrage at being asked to assist the servants.

But Reggie gave the woman a brisk salute. “Yes, ma’am.” And then he winked at Lucy before turning with military precision and heading to the booth construction.

Lucy stared after him dubiously, then jumped when Mrs. Maxwell elbowed her.

“A good man there,” the old woman said.

Lucy could only nod, even as a warm feeling moved through her.

While she helped unbox all the craft items and baked goods that would be sold to benefit the Society, she found herself glancing Reggie’s way too frequently. He wielded a hammer as they constructed the wood frame, provided support when others needed it, then squatted low when they were all lifting the main display table.

She was not the only one looking. The other ladies of her group watched him with obvious surprise.

Mrs. Cheselden leaned toward Lucy across the cookie platter and said, “My, what a generous man your husband is, Mrs. Lawton. None of our husbands would make time for such an event in their busy days.”