Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,22

her, advising them that food and the bath would arrive shortly.

A servant soon carried in a tray that included a brandy decanter, two glasses, and an array of sandwiches and small cakes. More servants entered with a large copper tub and buckets of steaming water to fill it.

Soon they were left alone again. But in all this time, Eleanor had said nothing, only nodded thanks to the servants then continued to stare into the fire.

“Drink this,” he insisted as he handed her a glass with a finger of brandy.

She took a small sip but finished the rest when he gestured for her to do so.

“May I...assist you with your bath?” Douglas asked, feeling awkward and wishing he knew what to say to bring back her smile.

“I can manage.” Eleanor rose and handed him the empty glass, her gaze catching on him. “You’re still in your wet clothes. Don’t you want to get out of those?”

He glanced down, realizing just how damp and cold his garments were. His valet had set a change on the nearby rack without Douglas having noticed. “Of course.”

“A hot bath might do you good as well.”

Douglas could only stare as Eleanor turned her back to him and removed the dressing gown and her thin chemise. His mouth went dry as he drank in the sight of her bare back and perfectly rounded bottom. A red welt was visible on her hip. Anger at himself for allowing that to happen struck. Then she stepped into the tub and sank slowly into the water, eyes closing and head tipping back as she relaxed.

What did she mean? That he should somehow join her? That he should have a turn when she was done? He poured himself a small measure of brandy and downed it. Then with jerky movements, he started to remove his wet clothes, his mind filling with possibilities. A voice in his head suggested he should keep his distance, but an even stronger voice stated that his wife needed him. And right now, he needed her as well.

Chapter Six

Eleanor sighed as the steaming water seeped into her bones, slowly bringing her back to life. She had never been so cold as when Douglas found her. The fact that he’d come to her rescue when she needed him most warmed her more than the brandy or the warm bath.

He’d been kind and considerate. His apology had surprised her, but his quiet words about his upbringing had shocked her even more. Her heart hurt for that little boy. That was no way to raise a child. Children deserved laughter and fun along with lessons and learning.

While they should be well behaved, Eleanor also believed they should have time for silliness. Adulthood was harsh enough. What purpose was served by forcing them into that world sooner than necessary? She certainly hoped Douglas didn’t expect their children to have the same solemn childhood he’d had.

At some point, she needed to raise the subject so they could come to an agreement of sorts. She opened her eyes and listened but couldn’t hear him. A glance over her shoulder showed him removing his linen shirt, revealing his powerful shoulders and broad back. The breath left her lungs in a whoosh. Seeing his bare skin in broad daylight was an entirely different experience than catching glimpses of it in the dying glow of the fire as he left her bedchamber.

He bent low to remove his boots, giving her a glimpse of the cord of muscle running along his side. The hard work he did with the tenants and on the land had molded his body into a work of art, similar to the sculpted statues she’d seen at various museums. To have the living, breathing version of that was a sight to behold.

After tugging off his boots, he straightened, still in his trousers, his manner hesitant as if he were uncertain whether he should disrobe completely.

Her heart pounded as her mouth went dry. Would he actually join her for the bath? At that moment, she wanted him to do so more than she wanted air. He shifted uneasily, and she quickly turned her head so as not to be caught ogling her husband.

What could she say that would bring him closer? She leaned forward in the water, her hip protesting the movement, and she released a small groan.

“Are you in pain?” Douglas moved to the tub, clad only in his drawers from what she could see out of the corner of her eye.

How could