Suddenly ravenous, she took the bread off him and took a large bite, relishing the sweetness as it hit the back of her throat. She watched him take another slice for himself, then to her surprise, he sat down in the chair opposite. For one bizarre second, she felt as though they were an old married couple. As he sat down, Ruby immediately abandoned her, and went to sit at her master’s feet, gazing up at him adoringly.
‘It’s not me she wants, it’s the food,’ he commented drily, breaking off a bit of bread and handing it to the terrier.
They were silent for a few moments until, at length, Nate leaned forward. ‘Your father…’ he began. Her heart slammed inside her chest at the thought of what he might be about to say.
‘What about him?’ she asked evenly.
Nate closed his eyes for a second, clearly thinking carefully about his next words. In the end, he sighed and simply said, ‘We are in the same house. Alone. Will he insist on me doing the honourable thing?’
Mercy coloured up. She had known this conversation would have to be had. ‘I think not,’ she responded, putting the remnants of her tea on the floor for Ruby to finish off. ‘May I be blunt?’
‘Feel free.’ Nate’s response was wry.
Mercy took a deep breath. ‘Perhaps he would have done if you were a good marriage prospect. In truth, I think he will believe you exactly the opposite.’
‘Ouch,’ Nate drawled, sitting back. ‘And he would be absolutely right, of course. So, what do you think he will do?’
‘I will of course assure him I have not been…’ she hesitated, trying to find the right word…
‘Molested, abused, ravished, ill-treated?’ he suggested helpfully. ‘I’m certain any or all will do.’
‘Just so,’ she sighed, picking at her skirt. ‘It’s my belief he will wish to keep the whole matter under wraps, so to speak. Though what he will do about the man who thought to abduct me, I cannot fathom…’ She paused and frowned. ‘My father does not forget, and I doubt he will rest until the blackguard is found, though in truth, I would prefer to forget the whole matter.’
‘But what if he comes for you again?’ Nate quizzed. ‘Above all, I’m certain your father will wish to ensure your safety, and to do that, he must see that Reinhardt is apprehended.’
‘Oh, I doubt the varmint will try again. I believe he was simply taking advantage of the moment.’ Mercy’s tone of voice was doubtful, despite her words of conviction. Nate knew she was trying to convince herself.’ She twisted her fingers in her lap. ‘I will, of course, insist you are suitably recompensed for your trouble.’
Nate regarded her, his face impassive. For a second, her heart galloped as she wondered if she’d offended him. She had no idea what he was thinking. Then abruptly, he shrugged. ‘As you can see, I’m hardly in a position to refuse charity.’
‘It will not be charity,’ Mercedes protested vehemently, too vehemently perhaps. ‘I could well be dead or worse if it hadn’t been for you.’
He raised his eyebrows at her passionate defence of him. ‘The saga is not done yet. We have to hope that your companions reach the Earl safely, but even in the fastest carriage, that will not be until sunset. Is it likely that your father will act immediately? Will he believe the priest’s version of events?’
‘The Reverend is my step-grandfather, so yes, I think he will…’ She paused and couldn’t suppress a grin at his look of disbelief. ‘My father married his daughter, Chastity.’
‘An earl wedding a vicar’s daughter. You have an interesting family.’
This time Mercy laughed out loud, much to his bemusement. ‘Oh, you have no idea,’ she chuckled, shaking her head.
Nate stared at her. It was the first time he’d seen her smile, and when she did, she was simply breathtaking. To his complete disbelief, he felt an unwelcome stirring. ‘You have an unusual name,’ he observed, his voice gruff as he tried to get his cock under control. ‘Was your mother Spanish?’
Mercy sobered and nodded. ‘I never knew her. She died when I was young.’ She offered no further information, saying instead, ‘I believe my father will not wait until morning before searching for me.’
‘Well, I doubt he will find it too difficult to uncover your whereabouts. I’m known in these parts, and...’ He paused and gave a shrug, ‘I have a face most people remember.’
‘How did you get such a dreadful wound?’ Mercy blurted the question she’d been wanting to ask since she first laid eyes on him. Then she winced and bit her lip. ‘I’m sorry, that was terribly rude of me.’
Nate gave a humourless grin, his fingers reflexively touching the scar on his cheek. ‘In truth, I’m surprised it’s taken you this long to ask,’ he commented ruefully after a second. She stared at him, and the compassion in her eyes nearly undid him. He didn’t want her pity, God damn it.
‘I took a bayonet wound in France, he answered curtly. It was a long time ago.’ His tone made it clear he would say nothing more and after a second, Mercy nodded.
‘So, should we expect your father before sunrise?’ he commented instead.
Mercy frowned, then shrugged. ‘Before noon certainly.’
‘Would you care to make a wager on it?’ he quipped, giving the same smile that had so captivated her earlier.
She cocked her head to one side. ‘Do you gamble often?’
