Chapter Nine
Finn’s health was definitely improving. Every day he pushed himself to do a little more, sleep a little less and attempt to return to at least some semblance of the healthy man he used to be.
His headaches were fewer and further between, and his muscles were starting to feel as if they belonged to a human being instead of a useless jellyfish.
But the one thing that was driving him slightly insane was this constant need he’d developed for his hostess.
Every time he thought of her, a bolt of arousal shot through him with unerring accuracy, landing right between his legs. Every time he scented that delicate fragrance she left in each room, he yearned, and when he watched her lick her lips after a tasty morsel at any meal, he ached.
He desired her in all the ways a man could desire a woman, and then some.
But here he was, obliged to her for his very existence. How could he turn around and promptly seduce his saviour?
He was on the horns of a dilemma, without a doubt. But the worst horn was the one that accompanied him everywhere, reminding him that he was a man with a bad case of lust. And that his male parts were now working very nicely, thank you.
She fascinated him, intrigued him and charmed him, simply by being herself. She had a strangely comprehensive knowledge of obscure things, like plants—which to him were things you either ate, sniffed or ignored. Her reading of character was spot-on, even though she’d asked his opinion about the two Hussars. He had a feeling that her request was more for his benefit than hers.
However, the lads themselves were turning out to be exemplary workers, as both Finn and Hecate found out one afternoon when the clouds lifted to give a brief glimpse of sun.
“May we walk somewhere, Hecate?” He stood at the window, staring out. “I would love more than just a quick breath of fresh air, and I believe I’m well enough for such a thing.”
She looked up from her chair and put her book aside. “A good idea. I’ve been wanting to visit our two new farmers. It’s been over a week now, and I’ll admit I’m curious to see how they’re managing.”
So it was decided and a short time later Finn and Hecate set out toward the boundaries of Doireann Vale. Dal had been informed, but judged Finn well able to make sure Hecate didn’t get into any difficulties along the way. She had her cane and Finn’s arm…that would suffice.
He had to wonder if this was usual for the country, since an unattached gentleman walking an unattached lady would give rise to a considerable amount of gossip in London. But then he saw how the few people they passed greeted Hecate with warm respect, and even gave him a friendly nod.
He’d forgotten the difference betweenSocietyand the real world. And now, at this point in his life, he realised which he preferred.
It was a scant twenty-minute stroll to the farm, and Finn was pleased to see a steady stream of smoke rising from the chimney. “It looks like they’re settled in,” he said, pointing to the sight.
“I’m glad,” answered Hecate.
He had kept his pace slow to match her steps, and kept their arms entwined. But that was more for the pleasure of her nearness than anything else, since she was perfectly steady even though her gait was uneven.
Approaching the building, Finn looked it over, noting the repaired roof, the swept porch and the clean windows. There were still one or two with boards across them, but there were signs of fresh stonework around others.
“They have put a lot of work in to this already,” he commented as he knocked.
Hecate nodded. “I think this will turn out to be a good thing.”
The door opened on the worried face of Harvey Woodruff. When he saw who it was, he relaxed into smiles. “Miss Ridlington, Mr. Casey. Please come in.”
He stepped back and they walked inside, Finn’s eyes taking in the simple furniture, the bright fire in the hearth and the wonderful smell of some kind of stew.
“How lovely,” exclaimed Hecate. “You’ve done wonders, Mr. Woodruff. Congratulations…” she turned to notice Digby smiling in the doorway to the kitchen. “And to you too, sir. Well done.”
“We came to see how you were going on,” added Finn. “This is reassuring. We wouldn’t have left you lads if you’d been cold, wet and starving.”
Harvey chuckled. “It wasn’t too difficult to set this place to rights. Good bones to this cottage, Miss Ridlington. You were right. A few repairs and we were snug as can be.”
“And you’re doing all right for food?” She sniffed appreciatively. “Although given what I’m smelling, that is a redundant question.”
Harvey sighed. “We’re doing a littletoowell for food, Ma’am.”
Finn blinked. “Uh…”
Digby put his cloth down and came over to stand by the fire. “It’s like this, you see. We’re two lads who are new to the area. We have a farm we’re going to be working, and no families.” He looked at Finn. “Word got out.”
