Willa went down to the tap room to order breakfast for both of them. This time she ordered him eggs and a bit of bacon. He might be ready for more substantial food that would help him regain his strength, and she prayed tomorrow he would be even stronger and the swelling down enough to remove the helmet. Mrs. Davies promised to bring the tray up to the room, so she could return to her husband’s side.
He was already snoring softly after her short absence, and she was tempted to lie next to him on the bed, and be close to him for what little time they had left. Willa was so happy he was improving but also afraid of the next chapter of this adventure.
The inevitable moment when she would have to return home and explain her poor decisions. They would never let her out of their sight again, but hopefully they wouldn't deny her time with Knightly. She would beg them to help find out his identity, where he came from, who his family were, and she would make sure her sisters knew above all else… That she was in love with him.
Willa covered her face with her hands. This was madness. How could she fall in love with a man whose name she didn't even know?
But she had. It was undeniable.
Willa wanted things she’d never felt before.
She knew her own mind and was not impetuous or impatient. She was logical and reasonable.
Willa had made a mistake overestimating her abilities on this journey, but look at what she’d accomplished now. She'd made the right decision dragging him from that field. She'd kept them alive. Willa was not so foolish that she could fall for a man blindly. She may not know his name or his circumstances. Willa was in love with him for the real him. There was nothing superficial about it. She didn't care if they didn't understand. It didn't make what she knew in her heart any less real.
Mrs. Davies delivered breakfast, and her husband brought a small table for them to use. They noticed Knightly was still asleep and left quietly. After the door was closed, Willa gently shook his shoulder to wake him.
“I smell eggs,” he said, “and bacon.”
“We have a fresh pot of tea too.”
He groaned. “Real food.”
She laughed lightly. “Yes, you've been so deprived. Come.” She slid her arm beneath him, and he wrapped his around her. Her heart raced with exhilaration at the closeness. She inhaled his manly scent, no cologne, no shaving soap, just him.
Intoxicating.
He sat up and she inched the table closer and uncovered his plate. She sat beside him on the bed and dug into her own food. He ate quickly and finished his cup of tea before she'd even cleared half her plate.
“I’m ready to lie down again,” he said after he finished.
Willa moved the table back, and he lay down on his side of the bed, his arm across his abdomen. He was out so swiftly, she was a little disappointed, but if he was well this morning, then he might be even better this evening.
Willa could wait.
She still had that book that Mrs. Davies gave her, and she was no longer afraid to admit to herself that she spent most of her time watching him, thinking about the future they could have.
Willa chose to focus on the good things, on the wishes that might come true for now. That was all she had.
When Knightly woke later, he was not as bright as he'd been in the morning. His skin was warm again, his mood subdued.
“Should I get the doctor?” Willa asked.
“No, I don't think we should bother him but perhaps another bath. That seemed to help.”
Willa nodded and went down to the taproom to request another bath. Mrs. Davies asked how he was doing.
Willa sighed. “Not as well as this morning, I'm afraid. He seemed on the mend, but now he has a fever again, but he doesn't want me to fetch the doctor.”
“I have some willow bark tea,” Mrs. Davies suggested. “Perhaps that will help.”
“Yes, you've been so wonderful. I can't thank you enough.”
“You and your husband have been through so much. We’re praying for you, you know. We hope that helmet comes off before you leave, so that we can properly meet his lordship.”
“Me too,” Willa said. More than Mrs. Davies could ever know. Willa waited below stairs while Mrs. Davies brewed the tea. They were already bringing multiple pails upstairs. Willa wanted to help. She observed the occupants of the taproom from behind the screen that blocked the door to the kitchen and saw someone she knew.
Her breath caught. “Ned,” she whispered. She ducked farther behind the screen. She couldn't risk being seen, but what was Ned doing here? He should be in London with Wesley. She gasped. What day was it? She was supposed to meet Wesley at Gunthur’s today. Heavens, what must they be thinking? She should've arrived by now. Her family would be searching for her, worrying themselves sick. Willa didn't know what happened to the coach after the highwaymen took her. She had no idea what happened at all, but they were back on the main road and word seemed to travel fast in Swinton.
