Except, he had to be at his duties and slowly rolled away to find that Blythe was awake and watching him.
“Did you sleep?” he asked.
“Some.”
“I hope I did not disturb you.”
“You did not.” Her smile was gentle as her blue eyes filled with concern. “How are you?”
“Well,” he responded and he turned and planted his feet on the floor and rubbed the back of his neck.
“I was worried.”
He reached back and took her hand. “It was a nightmare. That is all.” A very real one that will visit as soon as the canons fire again.
Orlando pushed the thoughts away. There was nothing he could do to change the future so there was no reason why he must think about it now, but of something else.
“I meant to ask, are you still avoiding Brussels?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I have received several invitations to entertainments.”
“Truly?”
“Only because when I originally joined the army, I was to serve the high-ranking officers and lords. And while I still do, I became a surgeon out of need. It is because of those connections that my name appears on guest lists.”
“Have you attended any functions?”
“I prefer to spend my evenings here,” he responded. “But if you would like to attend a soiree or ball…”
“While I once adored dancing, I am certain that there will be at least one person present who will know me and likely my father and if I am with you and not John…well, I would rather not have to explain or leave myself open to speculation.”
“I understand. I only wanted to make the offer in case you had a desire to leave for an evening.”
“If there are entertainments that you wish to attend, there is no reason why you cannot. I will be fine one night without you.”
Orlando turned to look her in the eye. “What if I am not?”
“Not what?” she asked almost in a whisper.
“Not fine if I do not see you.”
His heart pounded because this was the closest that he had come to making a declaration but he had to say something. They’d been together each night for nearly a month and shared so much.
“I am not fine when you are not here either.”
They stared at each across the chamber. He wanted to go to Blythe and take her in his arms, but he knew what would follow, and no matter how much he needed, wanted and desired her, he would not disrespect her. Only if she asked would he become her lover, but she had to ask him because she was the one who was married.
“Good day, Blythe,” he said then left the chamber.
Bloody hell! When he first met her, he had promised that he would not make her his mistress because he would not commit adultery, yet, if she were to ask, he would and beg forgiveness later.
Chapter Ten
Blythe couldn’t bring herself to leave the bed. Orlando had suffered a nightmare and she had comforted him. Then he fell asleep on her breasts as she feathered his hair through her fingers. She had remained awake because she wanted to keep holding him, offering comfort, and taking the same for herself.
Oh, she had ached for more and wished that they could be more. If they had been, she would have kissed his worries away and allowed intimacy to take his mind off his troubles.
