Chapter Twenty-Two
The next day,Robert appeared more alert. He’d been shaved and washed that morning and had his bedding and nightshirt changed. Just before luncheon, at his request, she came to sit beside him on the bed. He reached up and ran a finger softly down her cheek. His eyes took on that sleepy, intense look, which always sent her pulse racing.
“You’re less tired today, Kate. You slept?”
“I did.” She smiled. “How are you, Robert? Do you need some willow bark for the pain?”
“A kiss would be more effective than willow bark.”
Kate leaned down and breathed in the scent of warm, musky male and woody soap. She pressed her lips to his as warmth and contentment replaced the tension and icy fear she’d suffered for days. This was what she had always wanted, and where she was meant to be. He deepened the kiss as his good arm came around her waist and drew her against him. Worried, she broke the kiss and tried to pull away, but he was surprisingly strong. “Robert!”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Blast and confound it!” Robert reluctantly released her.
James placed a plate of food on a table and withdrew.
“Most timely! We wouldn’t want you reopening that wound.” Kate checked the bandage with a smile.
“I am tired of being in this cursed bed,” Robert muttered.
“You are so impatient,” she said as she handed him a napkin.
“I’m afraid I am. And it’s got me into a lot of trouble,” he admitted ruefully. He eyed the food on the plate. “What have we here?”
“It’s a Cornish pasty.” Kate cut the savory into small pieces. “I asked Mrs. Beacham to make them when the servants told me how tasty they are. The men working in the tin mines take them for their lunch. The filling is made of potatoes, meat, and turnips.”
Robert dug his fork into the meat and took a bite. “They are tasty. My uncle expressed some interest in the tin mines. I intend to look into it now that I’m here.”
She caught her breath. “Does that mean you intend to stay here for a while?”
Robert studied her face. “You’d like that wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“Then we shall. Although not all the time. We will return to London for at least part of the Season. And I must keep track of my investments.”
At the end of the week, Robert insisted he get up. Doctor Keith agreed. He had begun to treat Robert after Doctor Innes returned to his work a St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Kate and Robert strolled together in the gardens. The cool breeze off the ocean swayed the branches, scattering leaves of crimson, gold, and russet. Soon the trees would be bare and winter would be upon them.
Robert stopped to rest, a hand on her shoulder. “This place has improved in my estimation.”
“I’m glad. I hope you’re not planning a trip to London.” Kate gazed up at him. “Not until you’re completely well.”
“No. My business manager is on his way here.”
“I’d like to visit the other properties in the future.”
“And you shall. There’s a hunting box in Wiltshire, a pretty house in Hertfordshire built of gray stone, and I haven’t been to the villa in Italy, but I believe it has wonderful gardens and a fine view. I’ll enjoy taking you there.” He kissed her cheek. “We didn’t have a honeymoon.”
“I would like that.”
He looked at her, amused. “I recall you wanted to live in Italy, did you not?”
She screwed up her nose. “I said it to annoy you. You were insufferable.”
He widened his eyes. “Insufferable, was I?” His expression grew solemn, but she detected a glimmer of humor in his eyes. “Yes. I expect I was.” He bent down and kissed her.
