“Y’ are, sir,” said Cuthbert. “Only there’s concern, see, and there’sconcern, Yer Grace.” And with that, he exited the room.
Wells was grateful his man had not said more.
She was coming to again, and Wells spoke gently. “Charles, how’s the head? You knocked yourself silly. Can you sit up now, eat something?”
She groaned and opened her eyes, looking dizzy.
He placed an arm about her shoulders, easing her up, before he plumped a pillow behind her.
She inhaled sharply as he lowered her head back onto it.
“You’ve a nasty lump forming.”
“Is Cuthbert . . . ?”
“Fine, Fox. Carried you back, good man.”
“I must thank him.”
“Later, Charles, right now you must eat.” He went to fetch the tray.
She looked at him as though she did not know him. “Am I dreaming, sir?”
“No, miss.” Wells smiled. “At your service.”
“You are never at anyone’s service.” She frowned.
“Not true.” He feigned offense. “I’ve done Adams’s bidding for weeks now. If that’s not service to stone I don’t know what is.”
She managed a faint smile. “You are the oddest heir to a dukedom I have ever met.”
“You meet many dukes then, Charles?” He grinned at her.
“No.” She smiled, beginning to spoon the now lukewarm soup. “I meant only you are unlike a typical peer.”
“Hmm,” he mused. “And pray what is the peerage typically like?”
“Insufferable,” she stated glibly, making him burst out laughing.
“Why, youhaveknown a duke or two, Miss Merrinan.” Only he grew serious fast. “I must warn you, Charles, Cuthbert had to spin a fine tale to Jenkins in order to prevent her storming in here to check on you herself.”
Her eyes widened as she opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her short. “Because she was quite upset he’d put you inmyroom instead of hers.” He stifled his mirth, to see the look on her face. “I’ll have you know she thinksIam in your cold little closet tonight, as that is the kind of future ‘Peer of the Realm’ I am.” He couldn’t help but grin. “I’ve put Fergus in your bed instead, never fear.”
“Fergus!” she sputtered. “Could you not have sent another man, my lord? I shall have to boil the sheets to get out his stink.”
“Hush, Fox.” He pushed back a stray lock of hair from her face. “Fergus resembles me most; no one else would do.”
Of a sudden she looked miserable. “I shall be found out one of these days, my lord, I know it.”
He pursed his lips. “Nonsense, Fox, we have been inordinately discreet of late, and I’ll not apologize for wishing to nurse you back to health myself.”
“And I thank you for your care, Roland, I do.”
Her use of his name made his insides briefly flip.
“Only my sister asked me one too many questions when I saw her, and I found it difficult to lie.”
“Then why must you lie, Charles? Surely she can keep a secret. Surely with time people will not think it uncommon their lord and master’s taken a?—”
