Page 36 of Once Upon a Midnight Dream

A stock dove’s coo echoed from the oak copse.

A moment later, another answered.

Hoo’ooh. Hoo’ooh.

“Thank you, Lilly. You shall not regret it. I promise.”

Reluctant to break the connection, he still held her hand.

A connection that went beyond her soft skin brushing against his calloused flesh.

A connection that both terrified and invigorated him.

The first star of the evening appeared in the sky. It winked at him from across the great expanse, almost as if to say, “You need not have fretted, foolish man.”

“I would not make promises you may not be able to keep, Zander.” A shadow passed over her features, and she withdrew her hand. “Remember, this arrangement is temporary.”

Did she already have regrets?

Strangely bereft without her palm in his, Zander twined his fingers together behind his back. Doing so also kept him from turning her into his arms and kissing her until she was breathless and soft-kneed with desire.

A wicked fancy that had taken root several days ago and grew with intensity daily.

“Now that I am on the mend, is there somewhere else I can sleep so that you can have your bedchamber back?” His conscience would not allow him to continue to use her bed while she thrashed about on a hard floor.

“There are no beds available, but if Charles approves and says you are well enough, I shall see if we can find a place for a pallet.”

A furrow appeared between her eyebrows, as it did when she was deep in thought.

“Perhaps, we can clear a section in the attic. The chimneys keep it warm, and you would have privacy.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “It is not luxurious by any means. There are also mice and spiders up there.”

In all honesty, Zander had thought he might have to sleep in the stables.

“That sounds perfect.” Except for the bit about spiders. He loathed spiders.

It must have something to do with the monstrous spiders he had seen in Australia.

I have been to Australia.

Excitement ticked a staccato in his veins.

That must be a useful memory.

“I shall introduce you to the children tomorrow, and you can begin your duties next week.” Lilly faced the meadow again. In the distance, the brook burbled sleepily. “I do not want you to overtax yourself too soon. We must decide on a surname for you too.”

“Brook.” The name jumped off his tongue as if it had been poised there, ready to be spoken. “I know you mentioned Field, but there is also a brook nearby.”

“Indeed, there is.” Her profile serene in the waning light, Lilly nodded. “It is called Hodgson Burn.”

She pressed her lips together for an instant.

Something troubled her.

“Is there something else, Lilly?”

“I am writing Cambridge University. I hope that records are kept of First Class Honors and Second Wrangler recipients.”

“Excellent idea.”