Captain Jones's Temptation - Audrey Harrison Page 0,48
for if it means that she remains happy and secure.”
“I do not think you should suffer as a consequence of any decisions that are made,” Samuel said. “It costs money to bring a child up.”
“It doesn’t matter. We shall not starve if I have to provide for her,” Esther replied.
“I am amazed you do not have a stream of people marching to your door, hoping that you will take them in. For if I ever fall on hard times, I know exactly where to come,” Samuel responded.
“I wouldn’t trouble yourself. I would turn you away,” Esther said.
“Heartless wench.”
“I do think it’s a good idea that you write, Jones.” Matthew interrupted the insults being swapped. “You rarely stir yourself about anything, so they would likely take note of a letter you wrote.”
Samuel stood. “Before Miss Bolton joins in with the group character assassination, I shall make myself scarce and find a quiet place to write this blasted letter. I refuse to take the blame if once they receive my missive the child is whisked back to London. Be it on your heads if that is the case.”
Matthew smiled when Samuel had left the room. “He cares about her really.”
“We know,” Lydia said. “He just has a prickly front we have to see beyond.”
“I suppose it’s what comes of being one of many siblings,” Esther probed.
“Perhaps,” Matthew said, but did not divulge anything about Samuel. He could see the attraction between Esther and his friend. He had seen it in Corless House, but he knew their journey to happiness would not be a smooth one, and he could not get involved. It was up to Samuel to reveal what he wanted to in his own time, if he wished to. Matthew hoped he would, for he had long wished for a happy ending for his friend, but he was not sure Samuel would trust anyone enough. Only time would tell.
“I shall leave you be, as I need to check on Isabella. She has really taken to Mary. I might see if Sophie would release her if we are allowed to keep Isabella. She would be a good replacement for Lizzy.”
When they were alone once more, Matthew sighed. “I prefer it when it is just the two of us.”
Lydia smiled. “You are ungrateful towards your visitors.”
“But when it is us two, you sit on my bed and hold my hand. I miss your touch when you leave my side.”
It was true. There was a level of intimacy between the pair that was inappropriate for the situation, but neither of them wished it to end. Lydia moved over to the bed and, sitting down, she took Matthew’s hand in both of hers.
“You do realise this is going to have to stop, don’t you?” she asked.
“I do not see why.”
“Because a nurse should not be so familiar with her patients.”
“Not even if she likes them?”
Lydia blushed. “It would be seen as taking advantage of a man in a weakened state. That’s what people would think. I realise that, and you should too.”
Matthew gripped her hands. “I need to ask you something. Will you be honest with me?”
“Of course.”
“Is this because of Luke?” Matthew had wondered if her past had influenced her present feelings. The thought saddened him, but he would try to understand if they did. She could crush his hopes in one single word, and his heart pounded at the thought that he might be mistaken about her affection for him.
“Luke? No! Why? Whatever do you mean?” Lydia was genuinely confused at the question.
“You are caring for me because you are a wonderful person, but there might be something of the need to replace Luke, or care for an injured man who makes you think of him.” Matthew spoke quietly, his eyes never leaving Lydia.
Lydia stood and walked away from the bed. She held on to the back of a chair for support, chewing her lip for a few moments before returning Matthew’s steady gaze. “This hasn’t got anything to do with Luke,” she said. “I admit that when we first met, there was that initial reaction to the sight of your wound. It was bound to remind me of him in some way, but then … things changed.”
“How so?” Matthew’s throat felt constricted, but her words suggested there might be a little hope. He hoped to goodness there was.
Moving as if uncomfortable with what she had to say, Lydia started to walk around the room. “It’s hard to describe. Well, I don’t suppose