Sebastian enjoyed the silence in the kitchen. Only the metal of the poker rubbing against the pot disturbed the light crackling of the fire as the sweet aroma of nutmeg and sugar filled the air with an enticing scent.
“Smells malty.” A voice came from behind Sebastian just when he poured the frothy treat into three cups. “Who’s this for?” Maddiesneaked up on him.
Sebastian’s surprised gaze flew to Maddie. In the kitchen. “This is not a place for a lady.”
“Says who?”
Well, what could he say to that? “Can I help you with something?” Sebastian asked as he took a fourth cup from the shelf and poured a ladleful into it.
“I’ve come for some hot milk. It helps me to sleep,” she said, her eyes surveying the used utensils in the copper pan. The cook would have them washed in the morning.
“Why didn’t you tell me that cats make you sick?” Sebastian spoke to Maddie in that newfound tone, full of promise. What, he didn’t know yet. Friendship? Maybe more.
“I love animals. They don’t make me sick.”
“But you cannot be around them?”
She shook her head. “That’s why I carry a small apothecary with me when I travel.”
“The vials and essential oils you showed me?”
“Yes, they help me breathe when everything—” she showed a clenching motion around her chest and throat, “—when something is in the air and I cannot breathe, there’s usually a smell that opens up my chest again.”
Sebastian felt terrible for her. After only a few days with a head cold and stuffy nose, he’d been miserable enough.
“When does it happen?”
“In the spring and summer, all the time. Around animals, especially the sweetest and fluffiest ones.” She wrung her fingers. “Sometimes at the library and always in the attic.”
Poor dear. Something in the air made her ill. “That’s why you like the winter?”
“Oh yes.” She inhaled deeply, and her mein brightened. She was beautiful and Sebastian’s heart leapt.The more he got to know her, the closer he wanted her. The more he wanted to know. “When the rainy period starts in late October, I blossom.” Suddenly, she bit her lip and blushed. “I mean, not blossom, but… ahem…”
“I know what you mean,” Sebastian said with a smile. So she was thinking along the same lines as him? Interesting. “Continue.”
“Well, when the rain comes, the cold, and even the snow, I can finally breathe. The kind of breaths that let all the life into my chest.” She inhaled and her breasts rose. Sebastian tried very hard not to stare. He probably failed miserably.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier today?”
“You were so upset and when you were feverish, I tried… but most people don’t like the winter and think me odd.”
“But it’s your favorite season.”
“Yes.” She looked around.
“Pardon me, where were my manners? Please join me, Maddie.” Sebastian said as he pulled a stool over for her to sit and handed her the cup. “This works better than milk and honey.”
“Why is mine only half-full?” Maddie stretched her neck to compare the cups. She was adorable.
“Because you are a lady.” Sebastian blew on the cozy drink in his cup. It had formed the thin layer of skin on top, just the way he liked it.
Maddie cradled the cup in both hands and inhaled deeply. She closed her eyes for a moment, and Sebastian felt his stomach do that thing again. It would have been unsettling if Maddie hadn’t had such a satisfied smile. In the orange glow of the kitchen fire, the little curls hanging from the side of her head were almost golden. He wished to wrap one around his finger…stop it!
“What is this?” she asked.
“An egg-flip.” Sebastian took a sip. Hmm, perfect. He’d have to bring the cup for Thomas upstairs soon lest he come and search for him.
“Is it like a rum-posset?” she asked.
