women would gawk at Morgan’s injury, then quickly turn their heads and whisper in hushed voices. It caused his loyal friend all sorts of anguish and embarrassment.
“Does it cause you much pain?” Miss Ferguson asked. “Itch? How long has it been?”
“Yes to both. About a month.” Always a good soldier, Morgan stood tall and answered her questions politely.
“Miss Ferguson, is this really necessary? Are you trained in medicine?” Christian demanded.
Miss Ferguson completely ignored him. “Come to Lady Meri’s house.”
“Lady Meri?” Morgan asked.
Willa nodded. “That’s what we call her. I’ve some salve and a special tea blend that will put the bloom back on your cheeks. My da lost his eye in a farming accident. Said if it hadn’t been for me, he didn’t know if he would have survived it.” Her gruff voice melted into a pleasing Scottish lilt. “Laddie, it’ll help you heal, I promise.”
“I don’t know if I can. I’m always available for the duke.” Morgan tipped his head in preparation to leave.
“Mr. Morgan,” Lady Meri said softly. “Willa’s knowledge of herbs and medicines is legendary. She helped my mother with her pain when she passed with a lung ailment. You’re welcome any time at my home.”
Morgan suddenly smiled as if the sun rose and set on Lady Meri. “Thank you for your generosity. Both of you. When I have a free moment, I’ll stop by.”
“You should make time,” Christian said. “You complained about it earlier.”
“Perhaps tomorrow you could come if your employer would allow it?” Katherine turned her bewitching smile Christian’s way, nailing him in place. “Of course, only if the duke can manage to dress himself?” the impudent woman added a little too sweetly.
“Jacob, why don’t you visit first thing in the morning?” Christian held Lady Meriwether’s gaze. “Madame, I accomplish the majority of things myself. I brush my own teeth and hair. I can saddle my horse”—he tapped his chin as if contemplating a list—“I even can feed myself.” He waited for a dramatic pause. “Oh yes, I’m quite adept at running my estates. In my recent past, I’ve successfully led my regiment into battles without a casualty. Currently, I uphold my duties in the House of Lords.” Satisfied that he’d shown her he could rise to the occasion and be accommodating to his valet, he delivered a smile worthy of seducing a siren. “Based upon my experience, I think I can manage my own dress when it’s required.”
Her breath caught suddenly, and she shifted in her seat.
Christian had hit his mark. When he set his mind to it, he could be as charming as Lucifer.
“My, you are accomplished, sir.” Her brow furrowed, and she stared straight through him. “Have you even been to the House of Lords since you’ve returned to London?” She turned in profile to her companion. “Are they even in session?”
Damnation. He’d made a tactical error in his litany. He should have left that part out.
Willa smirked. “Nae, lass.”
“I’m visiting next week,” Christian offered.
A slow smile spread across Katherine’s face. It reminded him of treacle, a little sweetness to hide the bitter bite of the medicine.
“No time better than now to get your medicine.” Willa stepped down from the carriage with Morgan’s assistance. “Kat, I’ll take the young man home with me, then we can meet you at the duke’s house. I can instruct his housekeeper how to apply the medicine and how to brew the tea.”
“Splendid idea,” Lady Meri answered with a satisfied nod at Miss Ferguson’s suggestion.
Both he and Morgan had been completely outmaneuvered by these two women. Christian settled back against the forward-facing squab and stared at the ceiling.
It would be a long carriage ride home.
“Captain?” Morgan asked.
Christian sighed. “Go. I’ll see you back at Rand House.”
Morgan closed the door, then knocked on the paneling to signal to the driver that Christian was ready to depart. Darkness shrouded the interior of the coach as the driver expertly guided the carriage out of the waiting line. Without direct light, it was difficult to see Katherine across from him.
An awkward silence ensued while a frisson of electrical current hummed between them. Or at least, that’s how it felt to him. Years had passed since Christian had been alone with a woman in such a confined space. At war, he always stayed at camp with his men. Even when they invited him to join in their revelries at the pubs and businesses friendly to the English, Christian politely declined. It wasn’t in his nature.
He inhaled deeply. The fragrant scent of violet