Only.
The evening truly could not have ended any other way. And he’d insisted he was well. The thought that he’d been willing to make love to her despite the pain in his ribs was somewhat flattering.
The day had been a most memorable one. She’d never forget it.
So instead of drowning herself in recriminations and regrets, she cleaned herself up and then located the willow bark powder for Niles.
And after assisting him to down all of it, climbed back into bed beside him and enjoyed sleeping beside a man.
It might be the last time she’d ever have the opportunity.
Harsh Morning Light
“Mrs. Mossant!”
A woman called out above sharp knocking, no, pounding coming from the other side of the door. Her voice sounded quite similar to that of her maid’s, Lucy’s.
Eve bolted upright. “Lucy?”
Oh dear. And here she was in bed with her esteemed man of business.
With Niles.
“Aye, Mrs. Mossant! I’ve one of your trunks out here. John explained what happened with the other carriage. You poor missus! If you unlock the door, I’ll bring your belongings inside and have you set to rights for traveling today.”
Niles had jumped out of bed and was already pulling his breeches up. Eve located his boots and shoved them into his arms. “Hide while I distract her.”
She could not have Lucy finding her in bed with Niles. Her maid was known for her lack of discretion.
“Just a moment!” Eve stalled while Niles shoved his feet into the well-worn boots and stepped into a hiding spot behind the door.
John, the driver would be downstairs. As would be the outriders.
Eve opened the door and drew Lucy inside toward the privacy screen easily enough. From the corner of her eyes, she caught sight of Niles slipping out behind them.
Thank God!
“I was beside myself when John showed up in town yesterday without you and Mr. Waverly. You could have been killed! Or worse! Oh, Missus, that night rail isn’t fit for you to wear at all. You poor thing. John’s changing out the horses and said he’d be ready to leave for Pebble’s Gate as soon as you are.”
Eve’s head was swimming. With a glance outside, she realized the sun was halfway up the sky. She and Niles had slept away most of the morning.
Lucy rifled through the trunk she’d dragged as she continued her rant. “Innkeepers downstairs are crazy as they come. Said you’d checked in as Mrs. Waverly. John’s looking for that man of business of yours. Likely he’s making some deal or another…”
Niles would smooth matters over, she had no doubt. He was very good at that. It was probably why Thomas Findlay had found him to be so useful.
They would depart for Pebble’s Gate again. Soon.
Was it over? This tryst between Niles and herself?
Eve lifted her hands in the air so Lucy could assist her in changing. Perhaps her own clothing would help her feel more herself again. What would her maid think if she knew what had occurred in that bed last night?
“We mustn’t forget to return the gown to Mrs. Pinkerton.” The innkeeper’s wife didn’t seem to be a lady of many possessions. She’d been kind to share what she had.
Lucy added dried lavender to the large washing bowl and poured fresh water into it. A wash cloth. Laundered chemise and stockings. Clean shoes.
Eve’s gaze settled upon the unmade bed. Thank Heavens her daughters would never know what she’d done.
She shuddered at the thought and then waves of shame began washing over her.
