Page 62 of A Momentary Marriage

“No, Patricia, I assure you, I was not malingering. Thank you for your concern.”

“Well, I was concerned. I came to see you several times. Whenever your wife would let me in.” She turned an accusatory gaze on Laura. “She positively hid you away.”

“Mm. I’ve found Laura to be quite dictatorial.” He slanted a dancing look at Laura.

“James, you cannot mean it,” Walter said anxiously. “Laura is the most pleasant, gentle . . .”

“Clearly she hasn’t been forcing noxious liquids down your throat.”

“Do stop teasing everyone, James.” Laura sent a kindly smile toward her champion. “Don’t worry, Walter. I’ve learned that Sir James is not nearly so fearsome as he would have one believe.”

“No?” James raised his brows.

Laura raised hers in return. “No.”

James held the supercilious look for another moment before his lips twitched and he murmured, “Clearly not to you.” He turned his cool gaze back to his sister. “I am sorry, Patricia, that you were not allowed in the sickroom the numerous times you wanted to keep watch at my bedside.”

Patricia, not fool enough to misunderstand his dry remark, fell back on her usual pout. “I would have been happy to. She would not let poor Archie in at all.”

“Astonishing.” James’s eyes moved to the man in question. “And when Archie has been so kind to Laura.”

Patricia colored and opened her mouth to retort, but her husband said, “Leave it alone, Patsy. You’ll never induce James to like me.”

“It’s not fair,” Patricia said, setting her chin stubbornly, but she subsided.

“Any other complaints?” James asked lightly, glancing around the table. “Walter? Cousin Maurice? I hope my illness did not discommode you.”

Walter, correctly taking his question as rhetorical, said nothing. Maurice replied, “Good heavens, no, no bother at all. I’ve been laid up all week with my lumbago.”

James cut his eyes toward Laura, whose eyes were dancing, her lips pressed tightly together to keep from laughing. James clamped his napkin to his mouth, muffling a choked noise.

“James, what’s the matter? Are you all right?” Tessa asked. “Claude, do something.”

“No, no.” James held up a hand. “I’m fine, Mother. I was just overcome for the moment by the joy of being back in the bosom of my family.”

“Of course you were.” Tessa gave him a sparkling smile. “Now that you are better, perhaps we should have a party. What do you think, Adelaide? We haven’t had the chance to introduce Laura to everyone.”

The conversation moved on as the other three women, ignoring Laura’s protests, launched into plans for a party. Laura said little, spending most of her time studying the faces of everyone around the table, hoping for some look or gesture or words that would give someone away. Now and then she cast a glance at James, monitoring his condition.

When the meal finally wound to a close, Laura moved to head off the possibility of James lingering with the other gentlemen over port. As she rose with the other women, she gave a smile to the table of men and said, “I hope you will excuse me. I am rather tired. Dear?” She turned to James. “Will you escort me?”

Amusement flickered in his eyes. “Of course. Dear.”

As they climbed the stairs, James leaned in to murmur, “You know they will all assume you are a shockingly demanding bride.”

“Oh, hush.” Laura could feel her cheeks heating. “Perhaps they are not as low-minded as you.”

James chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that set up the same sort of tingles in her as his wicked smile. “They are men, Laura.”

“Well, I couldn’t rely on you to take care of yourself. And I don’t think you’re quite up to another sparring session with Mr. Salstone.”

“You might be right. I’m not objecting, you understand. No doubt they are all green with envy.”

“Come in and stop talking nonsense. Does your head ache? Sit down and I’ll rub it for you.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“I didn’t offer because I had to.”