He gazed up as another knock came, sparing him from giving an answer. “Come in.”
The door inched inwards. As if conjured up by his thoughts, Cora came into view. A large hat covered her glorious auburn hair, and for some stupid reason, a sting of disappointment bothered him. He wanted to see her glossy, flaming curls fall over her shoulders and frame her high cheekbones.
He shot up to his feet quickly enough to shove his chair back and regretted his speed when she recoiled.
“Lady Roxbury.” He bowed.
Finn stood up as well and bowed, leaning on his walking stick. “My lady.”
“My lord, Mr. Purnell.” She dropped a curtsy. “Forgive my intrusion. The nurse was busy, and I came here directly.”
“How can I help you?” Ethan asked.
Her cheeks flamed, and he was sure he’d never seen a more beautiful colour. “Actually, I came here to ask you if you needed help.”
“Help?” He tilted his head.
She waved in the direction of the hallway. “I would like to volunteer here.”
Not what Ethan had expected to hear, and if he was going to be honest, he wasn’t completely happy. “Does your decision have something to do with last night’s incident?”
If misplaced guilt had brought her here, he wouldn’t let her suffer for something she didn’t do.
“Yes and no. As I told you, I don’t approve of my husband’s behaviour, but I’m here because I believe in your work and what you’re doing to help the soldiers.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Are you aware that our guests and patients here have stories and scars that might upset you?”
She jutted out her chin. “I’m aware, and not at all frightened.”
Finn nodded towards the door. “Ethan, I’ll stay here and finish the paperwork. You’ll show Lady Roxbury around to help her decide what she wants to do.”
Actually, Ethan wasn’t sure Cora should spend time at the centre. It was hypocritical of him, especially after last night, but he worried about what she might see and hear. Once one heard and saw certain things, there was no going back. The horrors of the battlefield would stay with her forever. She should keep herself away from the gruesome darkness of war. He didn’t want her anywhere near the dark reality of a soldier’s life.
“I won’t faint, Lord Stark.” She gave him the same determined attitude as last night.
“I’m not concerned about your fainting. I’m concerned about your mind.” Nevertheless, he left the documents on the desk for Finn. “Some men are still in a delicate phase of their recovery, and they might have outbursts or crises that are hard to witness. I’m sorry to say that some men might be rather violent on certain occasions.”
“I won’t disturb those patients who need to recover. I’m happy to do whatever you think it’s appropriate for my skills. And I trust you to keep me safe.”
Bloody hell. Ethan’s chest rose with a riot of emotions. She had no idea how important her trust was to him. Of course he’d keep her safe. Her safety would be his personal mission.
Finn tilted his chin in a ‘go on’ gesture. Ethan couldn’t refuse her offer. Besides, he needed every help he could get, and from a selfish point of view, he was eager to spend more time with her.
He held the door open for her. “Let’s start our tour then.”
Her smile lasted a second. “There’s something I must tell you.”
“Yes?”
She hesitated, glancing at Finn. “My husband doesn’t know I’m here. Not even my maid knows, and I’d like to keep it that way,” she whispered.
He wasn’t surprised Roxbury didn’t approve, but he didn’t like the idea of her needing to lie to do what she wanted. “He won’t hear a word from me.”
“Ethan never turns a deaf ear to a lady’s request,” Finn said.
“Shut up.” Ethan chuckled, but Cora didn’t crack a smile.
Finn held up a hand. “Anyway, Lord Roxbury won’t hear anything from me, my lady. In fact, I don’t plan to talk to Lord Roxbury at all.”
