FOURTEEN
Lyndsey slept likethe dead for the first few hours, but as the sun just began to lighten the horizon, she became wide awake. She jumped out of bed, shrugged into her dressing gown and slipped her feet into slippers before hurrying out of the room. She quietly entered Prissy’s room and tiptoed to the bed. A lamp on the bedside table was turned low. The odor of sickness filled the room. Still looking pale and clammy, Priscilla’s breaths were ragged and deep. Beads of moisture coated her forehead, and her pillow was slightly damp.
She knew Mrs. Sinclair had been checking on her, but Lyndsey wondered if she should stay and keep watch over her dear sister.
“Oh, Prissy.” Lyndsey sat on the edge of the bed and held her sister’s dry, hot hand. “You need to pull through this,” she whispered. “I can’t lose my favorite sister and my best friend.”
Closing her eyes, Lyndsey said a silent prayer, begging the Lord to heal her sister. As she finished with the prayer, she wiped the tears from her eyes and peered back at Prissy.
Lyndsey moved to the wash basin and placed the dry hand cloth in the cool water. Once she’d drenched it and wrung it out, she took it back to her sister and lightly dabbed her forehead. A small moan came from her sister, but Prissy didn’t open her eyes.
Soft footsteps and the click of the door opening alerted Lyndsey to someone entering the room. She looked over her shoulder. Adrian stood just inside the room, looking very casual – and extremely handsome. He wore only his trousers, shirt and vest, and without his cravat, she could see his muscular neck and a little of his chest, making his shoulders appear wider. His hair wasn’t as perfect as usual, but it made him even more attractive. It was all she could do not to sigh aloud.
Seeing him this way reminded her of the dreams she’d had last night. It was just the two of them, holding each other, talking... and yes, definitely kissing. Suddenly, her mouth turned dry and she licked her lips.
“How is your sister faring?” he whispered, moving closer to the bed.
Lyndsey looked away from him, only because he was making her breathless. “I don’t see a difference in her at all.”
He stopped beside her and rested his warm hand on her shoulder. Awareness buzzed through her, making her weak in the knees. Thankfully, she was sitting down.
“Don’t give up hope,” he said. “Your sister is strong. I’m sure she’ll pull through.” He gently squeezed her shoulder.
She lifted her hand and covered his. His thumb stroked her knuckles.
“I pray you’re right. I don’t know what I would do if I lost her.”
“Shhh...” He bent and kissed the top of her head. “There will be no more negative thoughts. From now on, we’ll only have a positive attitude that shewillrecover.”
“Thank you, Adrian.”
She still didn’t dare look at him, and yet she needed to see his reassuring smile and his comforting gaze. She turned her head toward him. Just as she’d figured, his smile melted her heart.
“Do you want me to get you anything? Are you hungry?”
“No, Adrian. I’m fine.”
“Do you wish me to fetch Mrs. Sinclair?”
Lyndsey nodded. “I think the sheets and pillowcase need to be changed. With her fever, they have grown damp.”
“Then I shall get her now.”
He turned, but she grasped his hand, to stop him from leaving. His gaze locked with hers again.
“Thank you, Adrian. I... I also don’t know what I would do without you.”
Although the light in the room wasn’t very bright, she noticed his eyes twinkled. Seconds later, he bent and kissed her on the mouth, but it was very brief. He withdrew, but not very far.
“Lyndsey, I will be here for you. Always.”
Tears filled her eyes. He turned and left the room. Her heart hammered so fast, she feared she’d be the one lying on death’s bed soon. She needed to tell him how she felt or she would lose courage.
She jumped off the bed and ran after him. “Adrian, wait.”
He stopped in front of the room and she rushed to him. His eyes widened and he opened his arms for her. The moment she pressed against him, his arms wound tight around her.
“What is it, my love?”
