“There are men downstairs drinking, and some will likely overindulge. You’re not sleeping in here alone.”
He stood with her, and they were once again glaring at each other. She ruined it by coughing.
“I will allow it because I am weary.”
“Oh, you’ll allow it, will you?”
Samantha ignored his smirk and retrieved a blanket and pillows for him. He took them, laying them before the hearth.
“Goodnight, and I am grateful to you, Warwick. Really.”
“I know. Go to bed now.”
She did, climbing in after extinguishing the lamp. The only light in the room was from the fire now. Turning on her side, she watched as he lay down before it. Samantha felt tired, her limbs heavy, but she also felt comforted. Warwick was here.
“I missed everyone so much.”
“We missed you,” he said softly.
Those words made her feel warm inside. She felt her eyes close and sighed. Sleep, and she’d be back to herself in the morning.
…
She woke on fire. Her throat hurt, and her head ached. She was shaking all over and felt awful. The brandy bottle was on the tray. Perhaps she could reach that and take a nip and that would help her fall back to sleep. Looking to the curtains she saw it was dark. Getting out of bed her feet touched the cold floors, and she bit back a yelp. Slowly, she tiptoed to the tray.
“Samantha?” His voice was gruff with sleep.
“Go back to sleep, Warwick.”
He didn’t. Instead, he rose to come to her.
“You sound like a bullfrog. What are you doing?”
“Brandy.”
A large hand came out and touched her forehead.
“You’re burning up.” He lifted her into his arms and walked back to the bed. He lowered her onto the mattress, and then pulled the blankets up to her chin.
“I’m all right,” she managed to say slowly.
“I can tell. You’re positively radiating good health.”
“You are”—she paused to cough—“really annoying.”
“It’s one of my finest traits.”
He then left her to grab the blanket he’d been lying on and threw it over her. His overcoat was added to the pile next, as she was shivering now. He moved away again and returned with the brandy.
“Sit up, Samantha.”
Clearly, she didn’t move fast enough, so his big arm slid around her back and raised her. He then held the brandy to her lips. She sipped and coughed.
“I see you still can’t tolerate the stuff.”
She took another mouthful and let it slide down her throat, enjoying the warmth it left behind. He then laid her back down.
“Essie put some herbs into my bags. Let me see what they are and what she wrote on them.” She heard rustling and then he was back. “These are for a sore throat. I’ll get boiling water.”
