She just didn’t feel as irritable as she had a moment before. That was a good thing, wasn’t it?
Leonie set aside troubling thoughts by giving her attention to devising her bed. There might be a better room to use but she’d never find it in the dark. Besides, she’d already given her ankle a twist. Who knew what other dangers could be lurking in this house?
She also did not intend to sleep on the floor. She dragged two of the largest chairs together to face each other and form a bed of sorts. It would be more comfortable to change into a nightdress, but she refused to go upstairs for her valise. Instead, she took off her dress and decided to sleep in her chemise and petticoats. She would be comfortable enough with the heavy counterpane around her. She placed the lantern on the seat of another chair. She welcomed the wan light. The house was very dark.
Wrapping herself in the blanket, she seated herself in one chair and raised both legs to place her feet in another. This was notthatuncomfortable. Then again, she was sitting upright, which was not conducive for sleeping.
Leonie wiggled her way down, feeling a bit like an inchworm as she settled in the chair. She didn’t fit. Her head was against the chair back. She’d end up with a crick in her neck.
What she needed was a bit more width between the chairs.
She pushed the other chair back with her feet. Her body finally stretched out and fit between the chairs, until her bottom fell between them and she found herself in a V shape with her bum on the floor.
Male laughter greeted this new indignity.
Leonie dropped her legs and rolled onto her knees to confront her spectator. Shame made her angry. Had he witnessed her drinking from the elderberry wine bottle?
Roman leaned against the doorframe. He was in stockinged feet and he had removed his neckcloth and coat.
“How long have you been there?” she demanded. “Are you spying?”
He held up his hands as if to ward her off. “No, of course not spying. I live here, remember? I’m the master of the keep?”
“Then why didn’t you tell me you were there?”
“I intended to let you know... until you took off your dress and then, well, words died in my throat.” He gave her a rakish grin.
“You are a beast.” She was so relieved he hadn’t caught her drinking her words were without heat.
“You bring that out in me.” He pushed away from the doorframe and entered the room.Herspace, she wanted to inform him, but then, he was the master of the keep.
Instead, she focused on immediate problems. She needed to rethink what she was doing. However, untangling herself from the counterpane was a bit confusing. She’d wrapped herself well.
His feet were beside her. “Here, let me help.”
Before she could coolly insist she didn’t need his help, he bodily picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, grabbed the lantern by its handle, and started for the stairs.
“What are you doing?” Leonie demanded, arching her back and trying to raise herself up.
“Taking you to bed. Duck.”
“What—?” She hit her head on the top of the doorframe. It was a light bump because he stopped before she could truly be thumped.
He took a step back. “Are you all right?”
She rubbed her head. “Yes.”
“Good, then duck.”
This time she listened.
Roman strode up the stairs. He seemed to be taking them two at a time. Leonie didn’t fight. It would be useless. No, instead, she plotted. He would have to put her down sooner or later.
He carried her into the bedroom and plopped her down on the mattress. The counterpane had loosened and she quickly freed herself, not caring that she was showing her legs as she kicked the covers away.
She had to admit, the mattress did feel good.
And she was tired. Exhausted actually—and yet, energized. He could do that to her. It had been rather thrilling to have him carry her so easily up the stairs.
