In a couple of days, he had to search out his uncle’s housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson. Now that he knew Matthew’s men were looking for him, he had to stay low and out of sight. Nash prayed they didn’t find Mrs. Jackson first.
Soft hands touched his back then caressed his shoulders. Smiling, he turned and looked at Maxey. Sadness still marred her beauty, which made his chest wrench.
“Nash? I would rather not speak to my mother right now, but I fear my stomach is eating a hole through my backbone. Would you be so kind as to get us some breakfast?”
He cupped her face and kissed her sweet lips briefly. “Of course my love. I, too, find myself very hungry. I will wander downstairs to the kitchen to see what I can throw together.”
Her eyes grew wider. “You are going tomakebreakfast?”
“I’m not afraid of cooking.”
“You continue to amaze me.”
“Good. I hope I will never stop.”
As he made his way downstairs toward the kitchen, the house remained quiet, as it should be, since everyone would be sleeping off their wild nights of spirits and passion. Not too long ago, he was one of the men who visited these types of houses. Never again. Now he wanted more out of life. He wanted Maxey to be his wife and bear their children. He wanted to share their lives together. Forever.
He entered the kitchen to the heavenly aroma of scones and eggs. Nora stood by the oven stirring a spoon inside a pan. Her shoulders slumped, and the wilted expression on her face tore at his heart. Because he knew how harlots lived, he could sympathize with them. If only Maxey would forgive her mother and mend the ties.
But it wasn’t up to him. Although he wanted nothing more than to take the pain away, Maxey had to deal with this on her own.
The floor squeaked, and Nora swung around, her eyes wide. Then she relaxed and smiled.
“Good morning. Are you and Maxey hungry?”
“That is why I am here.”
“Let me prepare your plates. I’m afraid my cook has come down with a stomach bug, so I’m helping her.”
“No, Mrs. Littleton. You do not have to wait on me.”
“Nash,” she said as her smile disappeared, “please call me Nora. I haven’t been called Mrs. Littleton since—” Her eyes grew misty. “For quite some time.”
“As you wish.”
She fixed the plates of food. Silence lasted a few minutes, then she cleared her throat. “Did you and Maxey sleep well last night?”
“Yes. Your hospitality has been most generous.”
She turned with two plates in her hands. “I’m grateful you think so, although my daughter may have a different opinion.”
“True.”
Nora handed him the plates, then shrugged. “I’m very happy you let me talk with her, though. Now she knows the truth.”
“I am very sorry for what happened. I know Maxey was hurt terribly, and I pray she forgives you soon. I know what it is like to carry a grudge for a long time. I did that with my father, along with my older brother. They are both dead, and I regret not making amends before now. I will forever carry that burden of guilt.”
She smiled and touched his arm. “You are good for my daughter. I can tell she loves you very much.”
His heart melted. “I love your daughter completely. I will try to make her happy.”
“You will.” She nodded.
“Nora, we will need clothes for our new disguises. Both Maxey and I should dress as servants. Can you get these clothes for us?”
“Yes. I’ll find some right away.”
“I thank you.”
