He cleared his throat. “I never got the chance to thank you for helping me last night. The tea and the peppermint leaf worked wonders with my allergies.”
Priscilla met his gaze again, and she didn’t appear to be as sad as a moment ago. “I noticed when you came into the parlor earlier today that you didn’t look sick at all.”
He nodded. “My swelling went down not long after you left, and I was able to breathe better. I slept like a babe, in fact.”
She smiled. “That is good to know.”
“I have to commend you again for having that skill and knowledge. You are the first person who ever took the time to find something that would cure me of the allergy. Usually, I’m in bed for days suffering through the malady.” He gave her a smile. “I hope you don’t mind me telling you, but last night, you were my rescuer.”
Her cheeks flamed red, and she quickly turned her head to look toward the hearth. “You shouldn’t say such things, Your Grace.”
“Then you would have me lie?”
She snuck a peek at him. “No, of course not. But speaking your mind is quite bold.”
He shrugged. “I’m not certain how well you know me, but being bold is something that comes naturally. Besides, how else can I let you know how very much I appreciated your help last night?”
“Most men would just saythank you.”
He chuckled. “I’m not like most men, Cilla.”
Gavin noticed a grin sneaking across her mouth, but she turned her face away from him again.
“And most men would ask a lady’s permission to be so casual with her name before speaking it.”
“Beg your pardon, then.” He paused. “Miss Priscilla, can I have your permission to say your name using my own form of endearment?”
She looked at him again, and this time it didn’t appear at all as if she was embarrassed. He would say she was stillslightlyannoyed.
“Form of endearment? Really, Your Grace. That is taking things a little too far.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “But because of our past, calling you Priscilla just will not do.”
“Nobody has ever called me Cilla. My sisters called me Prissy.”
Gavin shook his head. “You are definitely not a Prissy. That name is too girlish, if you ask me. But you are indeed a woman full grown, and you need a more desirous name—like Cilla.”
She rolled her eyes and laughed. “You cannot help it, can you?”
“What are you referring to?”
“Your adorable charm, of course.” She flipped her hand in the air. “You do it with such flair, I don’t know if you are being sarcastic or sincere.”
His heart lightened as a grin stretched the corners of his mouth. “You think I’m adorable?”
“I didn’t say that,” she answered quickly.
“You most certainly did.” He laughed, loving that her cheeks were flaming with color again.
“Well, I didn’t mean it like you think I did. It was an observation, not flattery.”
“Whatever you say, Cilla.”
She glared, but he could tell she was being playful. He enjoyed that side of her.
“Your Grace, you are impossible.”
He nodded. “That I am, but I would like you to call me Gavin. I recall a time when you said my name with such tenderness in your voice.”
