“I’m not used to my cousin showing up and having a bruised eye like a ruffian.”
“We make sacrifices.”
Good, feisty girl. His Ruth was in there, trapped behind those long lashes and far too many clothes. “I apologize for being late.”
“Business or personal? Something about Cicely?”
Her voice sounded rushed.Let it be concern for me. See me, Ruth.
But her blank countenance disclosed nothing.
“Both,” he said, “but nothing of Cicely, not yet.”
She nodded and stepped closer. It was intimate, her being next to him. And she smelled like fresh roses.
Being a good cousin was going to be hard. Remembering that she didn’t love him or even care for him as he did her would probably kill him, again. “I was late, and I try never to be such, but I made a stop to John McAllister & Son. I have new spectacles being made for you.”
“Nosy.” Her steps slowed to nothing. “What did he tell you?”
Those nails of hers dug deeper into his arm.
People buzzed all about. This didn’t feel like the place to say anything that could be overheard. “Walk a little more. Let’s go to the end of your wilderness. Then abuse me.”
“No. No. I don’t want to be near the trees.”
“Then we’ll make another circle. I like walking with you.”
“Just like Adam. Fine. Then tell me what you discovered.”
He remained silent until they moved farther from the sea of prying ears—fashionable men and women in sleek top hats and waves of bonnets hosting every color of ribbon.
“The chatter has lessened, Wycliff. Tell me your nosy news.”
She didn’t ask how he’d found the doctor—Lawden. Or how he’d found time to visit the busy establishment—Lawden. Merely what Wycliff knew of her condition—interesting.
“McAllister’s assistant said your sight—”
“Field of vision.” Ruth glanced up, wide blank eyes, tension set in her jaw. “That is the new fancy term they use.”
Feisty.
That was a smidgeon of old Ruth, and she’d always hated him being nosy. He cleared his throat. “Yes, your field of vision has steadily diminished these past three years.”
“Did he use words like blindness or fits? If you are going to mind my business, get all the details.”
“Yes. He talked of panics and being disoriented.”
Her head moved from side to side, as if she were looking at their peaceful surroundings, but he knew she saw nothing but sunlight and blurs. “Never disoriented. I know where I am when I pay attention. Take me back to the house, Lord Wycliff.”
“As you wish, but I’d rather stare at you in the sunlight.”
“You can do that in the house. I’ll be more comfortable.”
He glanced at her. Pretty, upturned button nose, heart-shaped face. So lovely. “But I like the way you look in the sun.”
A hint of a blush warmed her cheeks. “You are a flirt, my lord, but I’m not. I’m a mother. My head is not easily changed.”
“I don’t want you to change.”
