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“B-buttons in f-front,” she said.

He circled her. She lifted her trembling chin slightly and met his eyes. Even in the pale moonlight, he recognized the trust shining there.

“As soon as it’s off, you shall have Thomas’s,” he said softly. “It will be warm and large enough to cover you well.”

She gave a small nod, and before he could second-guess himself, he reached for the button below her neck. His fingers fumbled and brushed against her skin. It was soft and smooth, but icy-cold. Grateful for the poignant reminder of her critical condition, he hurriedly undid each of the remaining buttons and peeled the sleeves off her shaking arms. When Charlotte’s jacket landed on the ground atop her skirt, he reached for Thomas’s coat.

He threaded her pale arms into the sleeves and buttoned up the jacket. It hung from her slender shoulders like a shapeless sack, but William had rarely been so thankful for an article of clothing.

He cleared his throat. “Thank you, Thomas.” he said. “Would you hold Bella while I set Miss Densley in the saddle?”

“Yes, my lord.”

His steward drew William’s horse closer and stood at her head, holding the straps.

“Come,” William said to Charlotte. “We must get you home.”

He placed his hands on her waist. A gust of wind blew off the sea and she shivered. William lifted her onto his mare and climbed up behind her.

“I’ll take care of the lady’s outerwear and the sheep, my lord,” Thomas said, handing William the reins. “You get Miss Densley home.”

“You have my thanks, Thomas,” William said, already wheeling Bella around.

Charlotte coughed and pressed her cheek against his damp jacket. He threaded his arm around her, drawing her close as Bella broke into a canter.

“Th-thank you f-for s-saving me, W-William,” she said.

This was not the time to tell her that if he did not have her in front of a fire very soon, her battle to regain full health would be in serious jeopardy.

“You must do everything my housekeeper, Mrs. Underhill, tells you, so that you regain your strength quickly,” he said.

He felt her nod. “I w-will. I-I must. I have a l-lamb to f-feed.”

His heart ached at her simple declaration, and he pressed his lips to the top of her head. “Indeed, you do.”