“Fine, of course. What else should I be?” Diantha inhaled, relishing the citrus scent. After a sip of the sweetened liquid, she smiled her thanks to Florette.
The middle-aged servant bustled between her room and the dressing room, setting out that day’s dress and accessories.
Diantha finished her tea and stood up to return the empty cup to the tray.
“I’m ready to dress now.” She turned toward the dressing room and froze.
Florette had pulled the sheets off the bed in order to replace them with clean ones. The bloodied muslin lay heaped on the floor.
Diantha stared at it while her suddenly numb mind tried to think of something to say.
Shaking out fresh sheets over the mattress, the maid smiled kindly over her shoulder. “I asked the cook to heat some water for a warm bath this morning, if you would care for one.”
The nightgown, the doubled berth, and knocking before entering this morning. Diantha wanted to curl up into a humiliated ball on the floor. “How did you know?”
“An educated guess,ma mie. His lordship’s ‘change of plans’ were quite obvious. And he appears to beun homme d’action, not at all the kind to wait once he makes up his mind.” She peered at her closely. “Did he treat you well?”
Apparently taking Diantha’s speechlessness as a “yes,” the servant put the finishing touches on the berth and ordered her into the dressing room.
“I will wash these myself, very discretely, and inform his lordship that you will enjoy a late breakfast. Meanwhile, the stewards will bring the hip bath and hot water.” She let herself out.
Diantha, somewhat reassured by the woman’s matter-of-fact manner, slipped into the dressing room so that no one would see heren déshabillé. A bath did sound wonderful. Last night’s pain had subsided even before sleep overtook her. Only a few twinges remained and a good soak in warm water would eliminate those.
She supposed she should feel guilty for not replacing her nightgown after they finished last night. But Kieran’s attentions had left her too sated to move, and his solid body felt so good to curl up next to. She could not recall the last time she had slept so well.
* **
She discovered that she had quite a hearty appetite that morning. Settling herself at the table in their suite, she smiled at the steward and unfolded her napkin as he brought her a plate.
When the door to Kieran’s room opened, she looked up hopefully. Her heart sank a little at the entrance of his valet, but she greeted the man courteously.
“Forgive the intrusion, my lady!” The servant stopped short and bowed, his Scottish accent deepened by surprise. “I merely wished to use the passage from this room. I will go around from Lord Rossburn’s instead.”
She gestured to the passage door. “Please, proceed. Normally the room is empty at this time of day; you had no way of knowing otherwise.”
She addressed him again, fascinated by his speech. Kieran’s voice, trained by years at English boarding schools, usually held only a trace of a burr. “How does the voyage suit you so far, Davison?”
“Verra well, your ladyship.” His polite expression changed and he gave her a genuine smile. “And I hope your ladyship is feeling well this morning?”
She shot him a sharp look, but his face betrayed nothing more than benign civility.
“I am very well myself, thank you.” She nodded her dismissal and turned to her breakfast.
The steward had cleared the table when Kieran finally made his appearance. Judging from his windblown hair and overcoat, he came from a walk on the deck. Greeting her formally, he removed his coat and gloves, while the steward piled the tableware ona large tray and left. She stood up, planning to visit the saloon.
“You weren’t at breakfast.” To her shock and delight, he kissed her full on the lips. Softly, he added, “How are you feeling this morning?”
She pulled back in annoyance. “Why is everyone asking me that? I am fine.”
“Truly?” He scanned her face as if trying to see into her mind. “When Florette informed me you would eat later, I feared that I had offended you last night.” He took her hand. “Or worse.”
“Offended me? How on earth can you ask that?” Without thinking, she linked her fingers with his.
He cleared his throat. “I understand that some ladies don’t care for lovemaking.”
She stared at him. “Really? How odd.”
She had no idea why this should make him burst out laughing, and said so in no uncertain terms.
