move the woman by herself.
“Thank goodness you were here, Edwin. I don’t think Miss Kincaid and I could have moved Mrs. O’Leary.” Rayne spoke over her shoulder as she washed her hands. She grinned at him. “Well, that’s why I have you.”
Edwin walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Do you have me?” His voice was low and gravelly.
Luckily, Miss Kincaid had left the room to bring the supplies to the kitchen to clean.
The warmth from his body heated her to the point where she felt the need to remove her clothes. Feel skin to skin contact. She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. When she thought of removing clothes and skin to skin it had nothing to do with cooling off, and more to do with succumbing to the passion they’d been dancing around for days.
“For now.”
Edwin backed up and leaned against the sink, crossing his arms over his chest, so he could see her face. “You have me for as long as you wish. If I had my way, you would have me forever.”
“I cannot think about that now.” She shook off her wet hands and took the towel he held out. He really was the best assistant.
“Dr. Stevens, a letter has arrived for you from the post.” Walter held out the missive and she smiled as she looked down. “It’s from my sister.”
“The one you are hoping will take Glory?”
“Yes.” Rayne sliced it open and began to read. Happiness filled her as she read Mary Beth’s words.
Dearest Sister,
Dean and I would love to take the little girl and raise her. And Glory is such a wonderful name! I am currently packing for the three of us to travel to Bath and retrieve our new daughter. Dean has already contacted our solicitor to see about adoption.
You may expect to see us in about a week’s time from when you receive this letter.
Love, Mary Beth
Rayne folded the note and tucked it into her pocket. “They are delighted to have a daughter and will be here in about a week’s time.”
“I am very happy for Glory. She will have a wonderful life as I am sure your sister is as sweet as you are.”
“Sweet?” She laughed. “You think I’m sweet? Do you not remember I was the one who confiscated your friends’ flasks and threw them out?”
“Do you mean you threw out Manchester and Brennan or their flasks?”
“Both.” As a doctor she could not afford to be sweet. She had to make difficult decisions all the time. But it warmed her to know that Edwin thought that of her.
A groan from the bed where they’d placed Mrs. O’Leary drew their attention. Rayne moved to the bed and looked down at her. “I am glad to see you are awake. However, I am going to give you a bit of laudanum so you can sleep for a while. That is the best healing agent for you right now.”
“Hurry. I am in a lot of pain.”
Rayne gritted her teeth and moved to the cabinet where she kept the laudanum liquid. She poured a bit onto a spoon and administered it to Mrs. O’Leary.
“I think I will call Glory from the kitchen and tell her about her new home.”
“While you do that, I am going to go through your books and see where else I can collect money for you.” He cupped her face and gave her a soft kiss.
She smiled, loving the ease between them. They’d come a long way since he was first brought to her. She still struggled with getting out of her betrothal to Mr. Faulkner-Jones, and once she was away from her father’s influence it seemed an easier task than when he was right in front of her, insisting that she honor the commitment he made to her fiancé.
“I want to be more than your bookkeeper, sweetheart. But then you know that.” He stared at her for a few moments and then left the room.
Rayne took one more look at Mrs. O’Leary who was sleeping soundly and went in search of Glory.
She found her exactly where she thought she would be. Right alongside Mrs. Foster, watching everything the woman did. Thank goodness that Mrs. Foster was a kindly, patient woman. She’d been a godsend since Glory arrived.
“Glory, I have good news for you.” At least Rayne hoped it would be good news for the girl. She seemed happy here, but then considering where she was before this