Laura eyed the tiny bird. “The poor thing.”
The bundle of feathers opened its beak with a feeble chirp, while its anxious parent called from thetree.
Nathaniel straightened and peered up. “I can see the nest. If I can get the fledgling back up there, the mother will take over.”
Laura shielded her eyes with her hand. She could make out a small nest. “It’s almost near the top.”
Nathaniel grinned boyishly. “I’ve had plenty of practice climbing trees. Although not for some years.” He bent and scooped the fledgling up, cradling it in his palm. “Still has plenty of life in it.” He undid a button on his shirt and placed the little bird carefullyinside.
He swung onto the lowest branch and began to climb. His strong legs carried him swiftly upward.
“Nathaniel, do be careful.” Laura watched him disappear into the thicker foliage near the top. She stepped back and craned her neck. Holding on to a branch with one hand, he reached into his shirt, removed the bird and placed it in the nest while the parent bird flew aroundhim.
“Well done.” Laura applauded as he starteddown.
The olive-green and yellow male arrived to join the female, both fluttering near Nathaniel’s face.
“That’s not very grateful,” she heard him say as a bird flew at hishead.
When he lifted his hand to shield his eyes, his foot slipped off the branch. Laura put her hand to her mouth, horror-struck. He swung by his hands high above her. She swallowed a cry, afraid she would distract him, while the dogs whined and scratched at the tree trunk. Nathaniel regained his footing and moments later jumped to theground.
Once he’d found his feet, Laura launched herself at his chest, throwing her arms aroundhim.
“What’s this?” he asked with a reservedsmile.
“You frightened me. I thought you’d fall.”
“Goose.” He smiled and took her hand. “Don’t fuss, sweetheart. I was never in danger.”
As they continued down the lane, she sensed the easy warmth they’d shared earlier had waned slightly, and she wondered why her display of emotion had disturbedhim.
* * *
Nathaniel watched Laura’s green eyes deepen with apprehension. She looked so young in her tan cape and hat with its absurd curling feather. As he had feared, she sought a close, intimate relationship. Although he could not give her what she wanted, he cautiously considered the possibility that despite the differences in their natures, they might still be happy. When they’d reached the house, Laura’s buoyant nature reasserted itself, and she giggled at something she had seen from the train. He couldn’t help grinning at her silly, nonsensical recollection, which served to banish the dark mood he fought his way out of. He breathed moreeasily.
Chapter Eight
The banquet-sized dining room featured an oak table long enough to seat King Henry VIII and all his courtiers. Laura dined with Nathaniel at one end, silver candelabra casting a soft glow over the polished table. The butler, Rudge, had returned from the village. A dark-haired gentleman of mid-years, he appeared to be of a reserved nature. He stood in attendance pouring the wine with a sharp eye on the staff as they brought in the courses. Delicate, flavorsome aromas filled the room. Fish was the main staple, roast bream, lobster in a cream sauce, limpets, oysters, vegetables and fresh salads from the castle gardens. Dessert wastesen aval, a deliciously light Cornish apple cake served with thick clottedcream.
Laura’s corset held her in a vice-like grip. After a few spoonfuls, she pushed away her dessert plate. “My figure will suffer, if I continue to eat like this.” She smiled at the butler. “Please compliment Mrs. Madge, Rudge. She has prepared a feast!”
Nathaniel chuckled and threw down his napkin to rise from the table. “We’ll work off some energy riding tomorrow.” He clasped her arm. “We’ll have port and coffee in the library, thank you, Rudge.”
Laura sank onto the comfortable leather sofa. She rested her cheek against her hand and stared into the fire while Rudge silently served their port wine and brandy. Her wine was velvety smooth and sweet. If only her mother could see her now. The thought brought an unexpected bout of homesickness that passed when she gazed into her husband’s smiling gray eyes as he sat beside her.
“You approve of the port?”
She licked her lips. “Delicious. Do we make port in England?”
“England doesn’t have a suitable climate for growing grapes. This comes from Portugal.” When his eyes rested on her mouth, warm desire and a thrill of expectation threaded throughher.
Surely Nathaniel wouldn’t accept contraband goods? She’d heard smugglers still operated along this coast. Too relaxed to give the matter any thought, she took another deep sip, then slipped off her shoes and tucked her feet beneath her skirts. Outside, the wind from the sea moaned around the house. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the strong drink made her sink back against thesquab.
Laura asked Nathaniel about village residents, those who might be in their social circle who could come to dinner. “Plenty of time for that, Laura. We’ll discuss it later.” He rested his head back against the leather and closed hiseyes.
An hour passed in companionable silence. He was tired and so was she. It had been a long, exhausting day filled with discoveries. The port made her sleepy, and she yawned behind ahand.
“I believe we’ll retire.” Nathaniel put down hisglass.
