“It’s only toast and eggs.” Her apologetic glance stole his breath for an instant. He was a damned miserable person to even consider thinking of her… He drew his imagination to a screeching halt.
“I’m grateful for your hospitality.”
The maid had set the tray on a low table and dragged it closer to his chair while Naomi poured tea.
Despite feeling more than a little awkward, he took his time purposely. She barely nibbled on her own toast but did manage a few bites of the eggs.
Grief rolled off her in waves and yet she sat with her shoulders back, her knees together, and when she was finished eating, folded her hands in her lap. And again, he found himself thinking that Naomi Gilcrest was perhaps underestimated. People would be distracted by her fragile appearance.
She’d entranced Luke when he’d first met her last spring.
But she’d fallen for Gil.
Luke couldn’t help but think her beauty, which had captured him last spring beneath glowing chandeliers in elegant ballrooms, was even more apparent sitting in this dull little parlor. Her golden-blond hair was tied back into a simple chignon, several strands having escaped to gently caress her cheeks. And the gown she wore, an unpretentious day dress, complemented her curves, accentuating all of her womanhood.
Luke ignored the voice in his head that found fault with Gil for the circumstances he’d abandoned his wife to. Gil wasn’t here to defend himself. Everyone made mistakes, and Gil had, of course, done his best to take care of her.
He’d simply run out of time.
“Will you be in England for long, Major?” Her question brought him back to his own troubles.
This was something Luke wasn’t prepared to discuss. He needed to meet with his commanders first. He had decisions to make. And then, of course, he would need to speak with Blackheart.
“I haven’t yet determined that.”
“You went to school with… Arthur.” The fact that she would attempt to make normal conversation with him, especially after the grief he’d brought to her doorstep yesterday, illustrated that she had been raised to be dignified no matter the cost.
“As did my Brother and Gil’s. We have all been friends for as long as I can remember.”
Luke had danced with this woman last spring. He’d rowed her across a small pond and delighted at her teasing. He’dflirtedwith her.
How very different both of them were now. “We all attended Eton together. Damned Gil.” Luke smiled at the memory. “He led us into trouble more times than not. Made it his personal mission to ensure I never got too caught up in my studies. The blighter was always ready with some prank or another. Pardon my language, Mrs. Gilcrest.” Gil had nearly gotten the two of them expelled on one occasion.
Luke stared unseeing at the floor. He and Gil had grown apart after entering the army though. Especially after Luke’s last promotion, placing him just above Gil in the protocol of hierarchy.
“I wish I’d had more time with him.”
He glanced up in time to see two tiny lines appear between her eyes.
Luke swallowed, and his throat suddenly felt thicker than normal. “Gil spoke of you. The night before... He was anxious to return to you.” Had Gil been anxious to return to her? Of course, he had been. And because she looked lost and vulnerable sitting in the darkened room, Luke added, “He loved you very much.”
That earned him a watery attempt at a smile. “Thank you. Our…” she blinked, “courtship was not ideal, by any definition of the word. But I… I loved him.” Her voice broke.
Luke bit into the piece of toast he’d nearly finished and chewed slowly, allowing her a moment to regain her composure. With his plate cleaned, he rubbed his hands along his thighs, knowing he had likely worn out his welcome.
“Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything you need right now?”
Pearly white teeth worried her bottom lip. Luke sensed she was warring with her own pride. “I’m fine but thank you. It was kind of you to look in on me before you left. You have lost a good friend as well.”
It was not the answer he wanted, but could hardly force his assistance on her if she didn’t want it.
Luke rose. This time, when he bowed, he took hold of her hand. “I’ll be at the posting inn until tomorrow morning. Will you send word, then, if you think of anything?”
She nodded. He doubted he’d have much reason to speak with her alone anytime in the future. She was going to be a mother. And she was a widow now.
She would not ask him for anything. She rose as well and Luke allowed her to lead him out the front door. The floorboards of the porch creaked beneath his weight.
The storm that had been threatening was nearly here now, with small sprinkles beginning to fall. For the second time, he noticed that the color of the hovering clouds was the exact blue-gray of her eyes.
