She wore a plain dress of light-blue wool banded with a satin sash at the high waist. A dark-green shawl fitted loosely across her slim shoulders. Her hair was unadorned and in a tidy chignon at the back of her head. He was struck once again by how beautiful she was even when wearing the simplest of clothing.
Hawk knew at once she was troubled. Concern etched the corners of her mouth and around her eyes. But for which reason? Was it for the condition of the boy who’d stolen his way into her life, or for the way she’d responded to their stolen kisses last night?
Their gazes held for a brief moment before she said, “Good morning, Your Grace.”
“Miss Quick,” he answered, stopping beside her and the pale-faced, sleeping child. He lay as still as a windless day, covered in blankets up to his chin. It didn’t appear there was any change in his condition, but still Hawk asked, “How is he this morning?”
“He developed a fever during the night,” she said, looking down at the poor lad.
Hawk blew out a short breath of concern. That wasn’t good and it wasn’t a surprise. He’d known last night that the youngster was ill.
“Any coughing?” he asked.
“No.”
“That’s a hopeful sign.”
“Mrs. Huddleston is making a poultice right now for his chest that she thinks will help keep his lungs clear. She’s preparing him something for the fever, too.”
Hawk didn’t like seeing the worry in her eyes. It made him want to take her in his arms and soothe her. Smooth the wrinkle from her troubled brow. He didn’t want the boy to be sick, but it was good to know her concern wasn’t because she regretted what had happened between them last night.
He asked, “Was she able to get him to take nourishment?”
“A few sips of broth from a spoon throughout the night,” Miss Quick answered, rubbing her hands together as if they were cold. “Mrs. Huddleston said it wasn’t easy, and she was sure it wasn’t nearly enough. We’ll continue throughout the day.”
Doubts that the lad would make it crossed Hawk’s mind. They had no way of knowing how long he’d been out in the freezing cold or how long since he’d had a proper meal. The only thing Hawk knew to do was to get him help before it was too late.
“He was ill when he came to your door. You know that, don’t you?”
She glanced up at Hawk with anxious eyes. “It did appear he wasn’t well, but I had hoped that wasn’t the case.”
“Content yourself with the fact you are doing all you can for him now. He’s in a warm, soft bed. Safe. You will do all you can for him, so try not to worry about what will become of him in the days ahead.”
She gave Hawk a twitch of a smile and wrapped her green woolen shawl tighter around her shoulders. “That’s difficult to do since he is now under my roof and, thereby, under my care.”
“I know he won’t lack proper attention.” And he hoped she wouldn’t blame herself if the lad didn’t make it.
Her gaze swept up and down his face as if she were searching for something. “What about you? I hope you aren’t feeling any ill effects from being out in the storm last night.”
Hawk’s chest tightened for a second. He liked the fact that she asked after his welfare. “I’m fine. You?”
“Yes, of course. I wasn’t out in the cold for very long, and I didn’t get wet.”
His brows drew together. “Are you sure about that? I seem to remember ice crystals in your hair and a dampness to your sleeves.”
“All right, not very wet,” she amended almost reluctantly. “And I trust your sleep was sound.”
Oh, hell, he thought selfishly. Did she have to remind him of sleeping, which reminded him of the bed, which reminded him that he’d wanted her there with him last night?
“I slept well,” he answered.
“Good. Mrs. Huddleston has tea, chocolate, and coffee set up in the breakfast room. Whichever you prefer. Toast, preserves, eggs, and cheese as well, if you’d like.”
“I want to check on the mare first.”
She nodded slightly. “Since the storm has passed, I expect Mr. Huddleston to arrive soon. I’m sure they were worried about us with the weather so grave, and no doubt he and Arnold were up and on their way at first light.”
“I’ll plan to leave for Grimsfield as soon as Mr. Huddleston arrives, so I may not see you again. When I get to the village, I’ll send an apothecary, or physician, or whoever I can find to check on him.” Hawk inclined his head toward the lad.
