He strode across the room, retrieved Julian’s glass then took it to the sideboard to refill.
When he returned, he also brought a glass of wine for Cait. “In case you find yourself parched.”
She accepted it with a thank you.
“I will be in the library attending to estate business.” Norbright turned on his heel and marched from the parlor, leaving Julian and Cait alone. Finally!
“How are you feeling today?” Cait asked.
Julian debated on whether he should tell her the truth but did not want to complain. “Much better now that I have you to keep me company.”
She glanced down as a slight, rose blush stained her cheeks.
“They called you Rivers, therefore I assume you told them.”
“Yes. They admonished me for not saying anything right away but understood in the end.”
“Has a doctor examined your knee?”
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that he did not need to be mothered, but that was his poor mood from being practically carried, then being forced to sit in this very chair all day, with his leg elevated, but worse, having to ask a footman for assistance when he needed to relieve himself. But none of that was Cait’s fault and she was truly only showing concern for him.
“This morning,” Julian finally answered. “When I got out of bed and could not stand, I found it was injured more than I realized.”
Her green eyes grew wide. “How serious?”
“Dr. Conrad does not believe anything is broken, just badly bruised, which has caused the swelling. I am not to walk, not even with crutches, until the swelling has gone down.”
Cait winced. “I am sorry. I know this is not convenient.”
“I do not mind the inconvenience if you visit with me.”
Again, a slight blush stained her cheeks. “I am afraid that I must teach during the day, or I would keep you company.”
“At least do not hurry off tonight.” His eyes bore into her green ones, and she offered a lovely smile.
“How could I when you have already been abandoned by your friends.”
They had done so on purpose, of that he was certain, and he may thank them later.
“Tell me about yourself, Cait,” he said after a moment because he wanted to know everything.
“There is not much to tell,” she dismissed. “I was raised in Ireland and then came here with my brother and sister and took a teaching position. Rather boring, especially compared to the life you have led.” She glanced down again. “I would much rather hear of your escapades and missions.”
“My life was not filled with excitement, only moments.”
“Far more thrilling than what I have experienced,” she argued.
Julian did not want to talk about himself or his past, but Cait seemed just as reluctant to talk of herself.
“How about this? You tell me something of your home in Ireland and then I will tell you a story. We will take turns.”
“You should go first,” Cait insisted.
“I am the one injured and confined to a chair.” He gestured. “I know my life and would rather come to know you.”
“Very well.” Cait took a sip of her wine then blew out a sigh. “My father owned horses and bred them for speed.”
Over the next few hours, the two of them shared stories of their past, often laughing and growing closer. With each bit of information that Cait shared about herself, Julian wanted to know more as his heart warmed. It had never done so before and he was wondering if this was what the beginning of love felt like.
