Leah straightened her spine. “Then I shall take my chances and prove that it is the best solution.”
Hugh didn’t appear convinced as he walked out the door, but she could see that Benjamin seemed a bit more thoughtful as he departed.
Thankfully, Lucas was the most reasonable one there, but even he was reluctant to see the benefits of her assistance. “I understand what you are trying to do, but what Harlan does for this country is very delicate. It becomes more so when politics are involved. I suggest you think about your decision tonight. Tomorrow your interest may have waned.”
Leah was sure that it would remain firmly in place, but she inclined her head. “Thank you for the novel, Mr. Appleton. I shall enjoy reading it this evening.”
With a smile, he let himself out, while Leah moved over to the settee and sat down. Her mind was awhirl with possibilities, but first, she had to convince Harlan that she was a good choice. At long last, she’d discovered her purpose and she was desperate to cling to it.
Of course, it had nothing to do with Harlan. Nothing at all.
Chapter 9
The next morning, as the sun streamed into the room, Harlan awoke with a groan. His skull felt as though it might split in two and he was not in the best of spirits.
He considered barking out an order to whoever might listen, but he wasn’t sure who might be there. If anyone. But no, that wasn’t fair. No doubt one of his men had stayed the night with him to make sure he made it through without consequence. Although the bullet had just grazed him, he could have easily contracted a fever or infection. It still wasn’t too late for something to occur, but as a general rule, he healed quickly.
He reached up and touched the side of his head, expecting it to be bandaged, and perhaps have dried blood on the linen. To his surprise, the only thing he could feel was the smooth, even stitches that Miss Lindquist had provided.
Curious as to her actual handiwork, but reluctant to move, Harlan gritted his teeth and forced himself to roll out of bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress for a moment and told himself that he wasn’t going to embarrass himself by casting up his accounts, although the urge to do so threatened with every breath he took.
Daring to rise, Harlan blinked as he was swamped with dizziness. He managed to stumble his way to the washstand in the corner where there was a small mirror attached. He struggled to gain his focus, but when he did, he inspected his wound. He was surprised to find that it was hardly noticeable, the hair still full around it as if she hadn’t had to cut any of it. As for the wound itself, he had to grudgingly admit that he was impressed by the skillful job that Miss Lindquist had accomplished. She had done decidedly better than the mess Hugh had made of his leg. Harlan had the nasty scar to prove it. He was just fortunate he didn’t suffer from a limp after it had finally healed.
He walked over to the door and decided that he needed something in his stomach to soak up all the alcohol that he’d consumed the night before. At least it had made him sleep, rather than suffer the sensation of fire that was still prevalent along his scalp.
As soon as he walked toward the kitchen, he was equally intrigued and dismayed by the smell of something cooking. He turned a corner and saw Leah bustling about the modest room as if this was a common occurrence that she performed every day. It was strange, to say the least, but not entirely unwelcome.
She grabbed a pot off the stove and moved over to the counter. She had yet to see him, so rather than risk frightening her, he decided to announce his presence by moving toward her. “Miss Lindquist—”
Instantly, she jumped and spun around to face him, a hand placed directly over her heart.
“Sorry.” He gave a slight wince. “I was trying not to startle you.”
She offered a breathless laugh. “It’s quite all right. But do you think you should be out of bed?”
“I’m tired of lying there alone.” He lifted a brow. “I don’t suppose you’d care to join me to alleviate my boredom?”
He waited while her cheeks turned a charming, rosy hue. As bad as he felt, he couldn’t resist the urge to tease her.
She ignored the innuendo. “I made some chicken soup. I thought you might be hungry when you woke.”
He had to smile. “I’m not sick. I was shot. There is a difference.” He sat down at the table. “While I appreciate the gesture, I would prefer a strong cup of coffee for now.”
“Of course,” she returned brightly.
As she set about to grant the request, he watched as she worked. He wondered why she was being so pleasant when she’d had no problem letting her opinion be heard before now. Wondering if there was a reason for that, he asked curiously, “While I am grateful for your sudden consideration on my behalf, I have to wonder why you’re being so considerate. I would have thought you would have felt a bit of vindication when I was dragged inside the cottage last night.”
She didn’t reply until she brought over the steaming cup of coffee. “I suppose now that you mention it, there is something I would like to speak with you about.”
He took a bracing sip of the drink and sighed. However, something told him that he might need more fortification than it would allow. “Go on.”
She sat down across from him and offered a smile that made him want to grant her any request. With her auburn hair left flowing down her back this morning, she was particularly fetching, which she would likely use to her advantage. “I know why you hold up those coaches. You’re searching for a spy.”
He had to resist the urge to get up and go find Hugh and plant a fist in his mouth. His fellow highwayman had no right to tell Miss Lindquistanything. It was a matter of security, and should something turn against him, Harlan would be the one who would suffer the brunt of the Crown’s disfavor. “I see.”
“Before you get angry at them, you should know that I told your friends that I would leave if they didn’t tell me the truth.”
He eyed her steadily. “Did you?”
