Realizing her thoughts had strayed, she shook herself free of the trance his presence caused. She had to control her desires. No, she had to make them disappear forever.
“How is my patient today?” he asked cheerfully as he sauntered toward the bed.
“I think she looks healthier,” Katherine replied. “What do you think?”
When Nash stroked Maxey’s chin, her stomach flipped with excitement. She mentally cursed her weakness.
He nodded. “Yes, her complexion is back to its normal beauty.” Then his thumb dropped to her lips and caressed them lightly. “And the raspberry color on her lips nearly tempts me.”
Maxey smiled and noticed Katherine’s face darken with embarrassment over Nash’s very intimate comment. Turning her head, Maxey pulled away from his touch.
“But I do have good news,” he continued.
“What is that?”
“The physician says you can start eating solid foods.”
She sighed. “That is excellent news. I’m getting rather bored of broth.”
Katherine stood. “Well, I should return to my husband now.”
Nash faced her. “I thank you again for your help, Mrs. Summers.”
“Please call me Katherine.”
He nodded, and then, like a gentleman, showed her to the door. Rather than coming directly to Maxey, he lingered picking up the articles of clothing and towels she and Katherine had left on the floor. It surprised her to see Nash doing such a task, but she quickly squashed the hope rising inside of her. She had to remember he would not become the man she wanted.
“It was very thoughtful of the captain to let us use his cabin until our mattress dried. But now we can move back into our room,” Nash mentioned casually.
“Yes, I appreciate his kindness very much.”
He dropped the clothes in a pile by the door for the cabin boy to take care of, then walked to the bed and sat by her side.
“You worried the captain,” he said.
“That is what people tell me.”
“And the physician mentioned you have made a quick recovery.”
She smiled. “Thanks to a certain man’s singing talent, I was told.”
He held her hand. “You do not remember?”
“No. I only remember being cold and that my body ached, but that is all.” She paused. “But I do recall dreaming I attended your opera, watching you sing.”
“I was extremely worried about you.” He rubbed her knuckles. “A lot of people were.”
Shyly, she glanced at their joined hands resting in her lap. “It pleases me to have so many people concerned on my behalf. But I fear I don’t deserve it.”
“You definitely made an impression on most. Many people have asked about your welfare. One woman in particular.”
Her gaze bounced up and met his. “Indeed? Who?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, my sweet. But she says she must speak with you posthaste.”
“Did she give her name?”
“No, but she hinted that you two know each other.”
