Scoundrel of My Heart (Once Upon a Dukedom #1) - Lorraine Heath Page 0,63

you always dance on the beach before breakfast?”

“My grandmother taught me that it was the best way to begin the day, because then no matter what trials or tribulations or disappointments might come my way, I would always have the joy of the morning to see me through. She used to skip about with me, so now it’s as though she’s still here with me.”

“You appeared carefree for a while.”

“Some of my happiest moments have been spent here. Thank you for coming.”

“I was at the mercy of the laudanum.” At the mercy of her. “Although Kingsland isn’t going to be happy if he learns we’re here.”

“He won’t. My servants are very loyal.”

“The question, Lady Kathryn, is how loyal are we? Increased proximity sometimes breeds a more intimate familiarity. After all, you did kiss me in the carriage last night.”

“Do you think he’s being loyal? Do you think he has no mistress? That he’s being celibate, doing without pleasure?”

“He would expect you to.”

“Then, he should have gone to a knee before traipsing off to Yorkshire.”

“He’s not in London?”

“Not until Wednesday next. He travels quite a bit, actually. I think it’s part of the reason that we’ve not formally come to terms. But I think he likes me well enough. I suspect he will ask soon.”

“And you’ll say yes.”

She gazed past him. “If those dark clouds on the horizon are rolling this way, we should probably have our breakfast and begin the journey back to London. The road away from here gets boggy when it rains.” Her gaze came back to him. “I should change your bandage as well. The doctor said at least once a day.”

He didn’t remember that, but then he’d been striving to block out the pain and everything surrounding it, everything except the feel of her hand clinging to his, as though the discomfort he experienced she experienced as well. “We should head in, then.”

After gingerly rising to his feet, he fought against drawing her into his arms and claiming her mouth as his. But it never had been, never would be. Not permanently, not forever.

And now that she knew the truth of him, it was possible she wouldn’t welcome him taking any liberties.

On the way to the cottage, they had decided to eat first, then see to his wound. They were halfway through breakfast when the storm arrived. Kathryn shouldn’t have been grateful for the rapid pattering against the roof and windows that would delay their leaving. But she was glad the rain fell in heavy sheets and brought with it the crash of thunder and shattering lightning.

It was an aspect of the cottage that she loved best. The way it welcomed the rain and made her feel tucked in and safe. Her father’s residences were too large. She could stand in the middle of one and never even know it was raining, but here it was all noise, wind, and purpose.

Relishing the calm inside the cottage while the thrashing outside created havoc, she carried the bowl of warm water into the bedchamber where Griff waited for her. She came up short at the unexpected sight of his bared torso as he stood at the window gazing out. Every inch she could see was lean muscle and corded sinew. From working the docks, from learning to brawl, from striving to protect those he loved. And last night he’d protected her.

“We waited too long,” he said quietly, not taking his attention from the gloom beyond, and she wondered if he’d heard her arrival or sensed it. “It’s too late to leave.”

“Yes. I spoke with the coachman. He said we’re likely to get stuck, probably more than once. With your wound, you won’t be able to help them roll us out of the muck.”

He released a long, drawn-out sigh that echoed his disappointment. She wasn’t going to take offense that he didn’t want to be here with her any longer, that he was anxious to return to his life. “Surely your club will survive a day without you. Mrs. Ward must be capable of handling things, or you’d not have put her in charge.”

“The club is not my worry.”

“What is, then?”

With a shake of his head, he turned away from the view. “Set the bowl on the bedside table. I can see to changing the dressing myself.”

“You’re less likely to pull any stitches if I do it.” After placing the bowl and linens on the table, she held up a small jar. “I have some salve the doctor gave