“I am glad, and I am glad, too, that you seem none the worse for it in spirit.” If anything, he seemed better for it, cordial in every way this morning.
“No, indeed. I’m still obstinate. It will likely take another spill or ten for the Lord to humble me and put me in my place.”
Beatrice wasn’t certain how to respond to that. If she agreed with him, it would be calling him stubborn and arrogant—which she rather felt he was, given their interactions this week. But it would be impolite to point that out. If she argued that he was not in possession of such traits, she would be lying.
Lord Hughes leaned forward, his face near hers as he whispered, “You were supposed to inquire about what kept me awake much of the night.”
“Oh.” Beatrice brought a gloved hand to her mouth to hide her smile, though he would not have seen it. “Pray tell, milord. What kept you awake during the long hours of the night?”
He leaned back against his seat once more. “I spent the night on the hard floor of my bedroom, seated beneath a drafty window where I was both uncomfortable and cold.”
“That seems a rather poor choice of sleeping accommodations,” she said, both amused and curious at the direction their conversation had taken.
“Aye, well...yesterday, I had walking bars installed in my room. I can brace my hands upon them and take steps. The goal is to exercise my legs until they are strong enough to move on their own without assistance.”
“That is wonderful.” Beatrice clasped her hands together joyfully. “I did not know your injuries were not permanent.I am so happy for you.”
“Congratulations are a bit premature.” He frowned. “I was able to manage a dozen or so steps but had not the strength to turn around and return to my chair. Hence, I was stuck for the night, as the bell pull was nowhere near me.”
“How dreadful. I am sorry.” How galling that must have been for him, not to mention miserable.
“It is all right. I have come up with a solution. Today, the bars are being relocated to the ballroom. I intend to hire an assistant to be with me at all times—both to aid in moving my chair as needed when I am at the bars, to read and write correspondence for me, and to walk with me in the garden each day. Logan has been helping with all those tasks, but he already has far too many responsibilities.”
“I see. Is that why you are going to Inverness today? To find an assistant?”
He shook his head. “I believe I have already found one, but I need to persuade her to stay.” He turned his face toward hers again, as if he could see her through the bandages covering his eyes. “What say you, Miss Worthington? Will you consider staying on as an employee? That is different from a houseguest. Your reputation would not be in jeopardy.”
“Would it not?” Hope rose within her, light and soaring and threatening to lift her from the seat. Hehadcome this morning for her.To persuade me to stay.It was only because he needed help, of course. But still—he had chosen her when he might have employed any number of other people.
“Other women of a similar age are employed in my household. And their reputations are not in question. Yours would be no different.”
“I would have to be treated as an employee,” she insisted. “I would keep my room downstairs and take my meals with the staff as I have been.”
“Hmm.” His lips pursed as he considered. “I do see yourpoint about the location of your room. But part of your duties would require you to take your meals with me. I cannot locate the items on the table as needed; I cannot tell you how many times I have knocked over my glass in the past week alone. In short, I am a nuisance and a burden to my already overburdened staff. They were all overjoyed to have your help this past week, but I believe you will give even greater assistance to me and them in this new position.”
He spoke as if she had already accepted his offer. She supposed she had. Itwasa good solution. It would allow her to stay here, in this lovely, peaceful place, and to spend time with him. All while under the protection of employment.
“There is the matter of your salary—”
“Room and board would be plenty,” she assured him.
Lord Hughes shook his head. “It will not. I pay my other employees well. In fact, Mrs. McNeil was given a raise just this morning. You will also be paid, beginning with last week’s wages, which, as they will not be spent on train fare to London, should be used to purchase the things you need. I’ve instructed the driver to take us to what I have been told is the best modiste in Inverness, where you may purchase dresses and other garments as needed and desired. It is likely you will get messy at times, as you assist me—as I suspect you did yesterday, bracing my fall as you did—so you will need several dresses in your wardrobe.”
“Several?” Beatrice laughed. “I haven’t even agreed to this yet.”
“But you will, won’t you?” He reached blindly for her hands as he had done before, and she took them in her own again, at once savoring the warmth and humanity of his touch. She felt certain this was not usual behavior for an employer to engage in, but nothing was normal about their situation. He’d been wounded grievously, both in war and matters of theheart, and he needed someone to help him find his way again.And I need him.
No.She banished the thought immediately. She needed this summer, a few magical months in which to restore her soul after the years of battering it had endured. That was not too much to ask, to wish for, was it? Not too self-indulgent when, at the same time, she would be helping him.
“Yesterday, I felt a compassion from you, an understanding that none other has shown me thus far. Doctors have done all they can. My staff has been most patient, butyouknow what it is to have a body incapable of normal function. You understand the frustration and embarrassment that comes with such a challenge.”
Beatrice nodded her silent understanding.
Lord Hughes continued, “You also know what it takes to overcome. You have suffered your own pain and humiliation and have not forgotten what it feels like to be in the throes of each.”
“That is quite a lot you sensed in me yesterday when I am not certain I did much other than failing to prevent you from exiting your chair prematurely.”
“My fault entirely. We have already established that I am most obstinate and often arrogant. You should know I am also moody as of late and melancholy frequently.” His expression was that of a wounded puppy.
