Luke could not refuse Naomi anything. He was also well aware that the bench on the small cart she owned was narrow and he’d have no choice but to sit pressed close to… Oh, to hell with it. “Of course. I need supplies myself. Allow me to clean up, and I’ll hitch the horses up and bring the cart around.
She was wringing her hands together almost nervously. “You’ve already done so much for me,for us. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay –“
“My time is a gift, as are the supplies. Gil would have done the same for me if our circumstances were switched.”
Would he though?
An uncomfortable sensation settled in the pit of Luke’s stomach that such a thought would cross his mind.
And God help him, but for about the thousandth time, he couldn’t stop thinking how pretty she was. She was a contradiction of attributes. Although her appearance lent one to believe she was fragile, she accomplished tasks no lady ought to do in any condition, let alone while expecting—such as painting and cleaning and climbing ladders when she thought no one was around to stop her. She bristled at times, not one to suffer fools gladly, and yet when it came to other, particularly important matters, she could be incredibly naïve.
She was a gentleman’s daughter and a gentleman’s widow, living on next to nothing. Luke couldn’t relinquish the nagging suspicion that Gil hadn’t done his best by her. Which reminded him of the issues with the pension.
“I received word from the War Office this morning.” As her eyes widened, Luke took her arm and led her to the bench he’d built for the porch.
In between tackling various repairs on her home, he’d set himself to doing whatever he could to decrease her distress. He could do nothing to ease her grieving but he would do his best to prevent her from worrying.
Not removing his hand from her arm, Luke inhaled.
“Gil failed to send his change of status paperwork. He must have forgotten or been distracted.” Luke ran his other hand down his face because those excuses seemed pretty damn weak in his own ears.
“So… that’s why I haven’t received anything—even before…”
“Right.”
She was staring straight ahead as she absorbed the information.
“Arthur… could be irresponsible at times.”
Luke nodded. Still—blast and damn--the care of his wife and unborn child wasn’t something a man neglected. “I have the necessary paperwork for you to complete in my bag. And you’ll require your marriage certificate. The payments will be delayed but... You shouldn’t have any difficulties.”
Although the military could be leery of claims such as hers. Since the deceased officer wasn’t there to prove or disprove it, they would go over her paperwork with all due diligence.
She lifted her gaze and stared at him, her eyes looking stormier than usual. He struggled not to lose himself in them, especially when the depths conveyed such innocent faith.
She trusted him.
“I can’t keep you here forever. Surely you have other business to attend to. Those sisters of yours likely are ready to string me up for keeping you from them so long.” Naomi didn’t sound happy about his departure though.
“I can wait.”
“And your brother? Won’t he be upset?”
At the thought of Blackheart, Luke merely shook his head. “That’s somewhat more complicated.”
“Why? You know so much about my problems and I know nothing of yours. Do you not get along well with your brother?” she asked gently.
Emotion tightened his chest. “We get along too well. Which is part of the trouble. He’s just been so damn proud of my service. And I…”
She sat quietly. He’d not discussed this with anyone. It was shameful, really. And yet these missions increasingly eroded something deep inside, leaving what he could only imagine to be a black void.
Apprehension warred with the dishonor of resigning.
“Blackheart sent me to Oxford, but schooling wasn’t for me. So, I quit. After I returned home in disgrace, my brother and I decided I should enter service to the church. I was miserable at it and quickly learned I couldn’t… I just couldn’t. Fortunately, or unfortunately, however one cares to look at it, the bishop agreed.”
She squeezed his hand.
“So, Blackheart purchased my commission. And in less than six years, I’ve experienced considerable success.”
