Nor was she worried about her uncle. The duke had sent young Leo Curtis to advise the vicar that she was safely ensconced at Langford Hall and would remain here until the storm passed. Leo’s mother happened to be the vicarage cook, laundress, and housekeeper all in one, and would see to the vicar’s meals and any household chores.
The Curtis family lived next door to the vicarage, so Ailis knew her uncle would not be abandoned. Leo was there to lend assistance if additional hands were needed.
“You’re finally awake.” The duke’s deep voice slid over her like warm cream.
She turned to the doorway where he stood staring at her. “I slept late again, but I had a decent night’s sleep,” she assured him in response to the questioning arch of his eyebrow. “In truth, I have been doing little other than resting and reading these past three days.”
He strode to her side and followed her gaze out the window. “I’m surprised it hasn’t stopped yet.”
“It is most unusual,” she agreed, trying to remain composed while he stood so close to her. This was hard to do. Her heart was aflutter and her nose was twitching because she wanted to put her face to his freshly shaven jaw and inhale the delicious scent of lather and sandalwood on his skin.
To make matters worse, the duke had not bothered to wear a jacket, waistcoat, or cravat this morning, appearing before her dressed in a crisp white shirt of durable linen, buff breeches that molded to his long, powerful legs, and Hessian-style riding boots.
The shirt seemed to go on for miles across his broad chest and shoulders, and down the rippling length of his muscled arms.
Honestly, was this fair? He was beyond forty now, even graying at the temples. How could he still look this good?
He gave her a knowing smirk and smiled. “You’re looking quite lovely this morning, Temple.”
She glanced down at herself and groaned.
He was jesting, of course. She had on the same bright red stockings that were too big for her feet and that came to a point at the end so that they looked like elf stockings. For this reason, she had refused to wear the matching red cap for her hair that Mrs. Fitch had also found in storage.
She absolutely refused to look like an elf.
It was bad enough she had to wear his big black woolen robe that was enormous for her body, and a plaid shawl whose colors clashed with everything else she was wearing. Not to mention, her arm was in a sling.
“Yes, I’m sure I am irresistible,” she said dryly.
“You are.” He tucked a finger under her chin. “I meant it.”
“I would be tossed into an asylum if I walked out looking this way.”
“Yes, that is also true,” he said with a grin. “By the way, your gown is dry and the mud stains have been washed out of it. Your stockings, too. I also took the liberty of having your boots polished. One of the maids will bring everything up to you shortly. However, I think you ought to wait another few days before you dress.”
“But I ought to go home as soon as the snowstorm clears.”
“I’d like you to stay on for a few more days, Ailis. I want to start you on some very light movement exercises, nothing strenuous because your shoulder is going to take another month or two to properly heal. It won’t fully mend for another six months.”
She stared back at him in dismay. “That long?”
He nodded. “You’ll also need to keep the arm in a sling for another week or two. Believe me, you’ll howl in pain if you attempt to go without it any sooner.”
She let out a deflated sigh.
“However, a little exercise is important. I’ve noticed that keeping the blood flowing through your limbs helps to heal a dislocated shoulder faster and reduces the pain.”
“Whatever you think best,” she said, offering no protest. “I would have spent these past days in agony had you not known how to fix my shoulder. So I am in your debt and willingly remain in your capable hands.”
“Good.” He gave a nod of satisfaction. “Glad to be of help. Have you had your breakfast yet?”
She glanced at the side table that had nothing on it but a few of those gossip rags she had read the night before. “No, Martha went downstairs a few minutes ago to put a plate together for me. Have you eaten yet?”
“No, I’ve spent the better part of this morning checking on my horses and making certain my grooms are all right in their quarters above the stable.”
She glanced out the window at the heavily falling snow. “Are the men not too cold?”
“They claim they are fine with their braziers for warmth. They’ll head to the kitchen if the weather gets to be too much for them. Most have sense enough to avoid frostbite, but some of those fellows are stubborn and would rather sleep in the cold with the horses rather than come inside with the rest of the staff.”
