Whether it had been agoodsleep had yet to be determined.
His heart seemed to open up when Ailis turned and cast him a brilliant smile. “The snowfall has stopped, Your Grace. Did you see?”
“Yes, I noticed,” he said, striding to her side to join her at the window. “Did you sleep well last night?”
She gave him an emerald-eyed look that did odd things to his heart again. How was he to keep kisses four and five soft when the mere sight of her had his body in a roil?
And she was not eventryingto be alluring.
“Yes, an excellent slumber,” she proclaimed, although he did not believe her because she looked a little pale despite the cheerfulness of her greeting. The pursing of her mouth and shadow of strain in her eyes revealed she had passed yet another uncomfortable night. “Will you take me back to the vicarage today?”
He felt like an ogre in having to deny her.
This had been their constant push and pull, each knowing she had to leave as soon as possible. Yet her need to heal, as well as the dangerous road conditions, required her to stay.
“No, it is freezing outside and the roads will be too slick.”
“Oh, were you out already this morning?”
He nodded. “To check on my horses and yours, and make a determination as to the safety of the roadways.”
She nibbled her lip.
Ah, her lips would be his undoing. They were the loveliest shape, so gracefully curved, and that lower one was enticingly plump.
“But the day might warm up and melt the ice,” she said with a frown.
“It might. However, it hasn’t yet.” He gave a casual shrug, trying not to stare at the face that he found so endlessly fascinating. Ailis was beautiful in a quiet way that snuck up on a man and left him helpless to resist. “Not even the birds have dared come out of their nests yet. They are the harbinger. I’ll consider taking you home once they come out.”
“But you took the horses for their run.”
“They are very hardy beasts and needed their daily exercise. We usually leave them out in the fields for hours, but no animal could handle the deep freeze for long today.”
“I see.”
Ailis did not look pleased, but she was not going to change his mind about this. She would have to accept remaining another day at Langford Hall.
Conversation done. Decision affirmed…or so he thought.
“So, you will reconsider if the birds come out?” she asked, still negotiating with him.
He sighed. “If they come out today, then I will consider taking you back to the vicarage first thingtomorrow. Are you going to stare out the window all day, looking for birds?”
She turned to him, her laughter light as she said, “It had crossed my mind. I do not wish to sound ungrateful, for I owe you more than I can say. You have been so kind and generous to me, but my uncle needs me and there is so much I must do for—”
“For the charity ball, I know,” he said, trying not to sound impatient. She had made her concerns clear. But had he not also made it clear she was in no fit condition to exert any effort whatsoever? “As for your uncle, your return will only be an added burden for him and your housekeeper. I will send you back to him very soon, Ailis. I promise. And you shall also have one of my maids and a footman for extra help these next few weeks. But I am not sendingthemout in these dangerous conditions just to accommodate you.”
“I do apologize. You are right, of course. It is just that I am not used to being idle.”
“Nor am I, but it is foolish to ignore the obvious.” He turned to Martha and asked her to have breakfast sent up for him and Ailis before she went off duty. Knowing Martha, she had stayed awake all night to watch over Ailis and not slept a wink. The less reliable, younger maids would have dozed through the night.They were fine for daytime duties. But he trusted no one other than Martha or Mrs. Fitch for the nighttime hours. “Send Jane or Ruby up here to serve as chaperone for Miss Temple.”
“At once, Your Grace.”
He sighed again and raked a hand through his hair while watching her scurry off. This gave him a few minutes alone with Ailis. “I’ve written out drafts for another two hundred pounds.”
“Does this mean I am to get two more kisses today?”
He nodded. “If you want them. They will not be a repeat of kiss number three.”
