Suddenly, he wanted to send word to his mother telling her to call the whole thing off. His life had just been saved by the ideal woman. A woman who fired his passions, and overwhelmed him with a torrent of protective feelings he had never thought to experience.
Unfortunately, she also lived in a near-derelict cottage, was already married and, in spite of her exotic name, clearly wasn’t duchess material anyway.
Chapter Three
Athena moved aside the curtain that closed off Millie’s sleeping quarters from the main body of the kitchen. Those quarters were currently occupied by their very large, very attractive uninvited guest, whose presence Athena found disturbing, and yet oddly stimulating. Her entire person had been in a heightened state of cautious awareness since first setting eyes upon him, almost as though her subconscious was trying to tell her their meeting had been more than a case of mere happenstance.
Athena shook her head, mentally upbraiding herself for her foolishness. Lack of sleep must be making her fanciful, she supposed.
Mr Franklin’s body spilled over the edges of the cot, causing it to bow beneath his weight. He didn’t look at all comfortable, but that hadn’t prevented him from falling into a deep sleep. Well, she hoped he was merely asleep, and he hadn’t lost consciousness again. She stood stock still and continued to gaze at him, not bothering to conceal her admiration since there was no one there to take her to task for it.
No man had any right to be so beautiful, she thought mutinously. She tried to ignore the profound effect he had on her and concentrate on the best way to treat his injury. The unfamiliar feeling tugging at Athena’s heart made that an impossible ambition to achieve, and her mind would insist upon taking unfamiliar, if rather stimulating, detours.
It was desire that had her thoughts running out of control, she realised, widening her eyes in surprise. She desired him. At last, she knew how it felt to be attracted to a member of the opposite sex, even if the attraction was nothing more than a flight of fancy. It was most inconvenient that desire chose to come calling at a time when she must concentrate all her energies on keeping her family’s heads above water. She would have liked to examine the emotion at greater length, albeit vicariously, just to satisfy her curiosity on the matter, but she had no time to waste on daydreams.
She continued to look down at Mr Franklin, resisting the urge to pull the coverlet higher for fear of waking him. Besides, if she did, it would deny her the view of his rather impressive torso, visible thanks to the thin fabric of his shirt. God forbid he should wake up and catch her gawping. Such thoughts renewed her determination to make him well again and send him on his way. If it was desire muddling her thinking, then she could live quite happily without it, thank you very much.
Athena felt a violent urge to place a kiss on the sleeping man’s lips. Such uncharacteristic whimsy brought her to her senses. She leaned over him, satisfied herself he was still breathing, and hastily left his alcove. Once she had returned the curtain to its rightful place, she busied herself in the kitchen. The concoction of herbs she had set to boil would speed his recovery, and his departure, after which she would be quite herself again.
‘We will have to feed him when he wakes up, Millie,’ she said.
‘I don’t see why.’ Millie puffed indignantly. ‘It’s not as though we asked him to come here and disrupt us.’
‘We can’t let him starve. Besides, if he eats and I treat his wound, he will recover his strength more quickly and be fit enough to leave us.’ Athena ignored the sinking feeling this prospect engendered. ‘Then things will return to normal.’
‘Well, all right,’ Millie said reluctantly. ‘I suppose I can summon up some broth and bread.’
‘Thank you, Millie. You do that, and I’ll see to his injury.’
‘What about you, lamb? You’ve had no breakfast.’
‘I’m fine.’
‘You have to eat,’ Millie replied, a mutinous set to her jaw. ‘You’re far too thin as it is, and you’ll be no good to anyone if you wilt for want of sustenance.’
‘I can’t afford the luxury of wilting,’ Athena said briskly. ‘Have the girls had their breakfast?’
Millie rolled her eyes. ‘Try stopping those two gannets from consuming everything placed in front of them.’
‘They do have healthy appetites, it’s true, but they work so hard, Millie.’ Athena sighed. ‘Far harder than they should have to at their age.’
‘Aye, true enough.’ Millie’s expression softened. ‘They’re good girls, for all their high spirits.’
‘I will deal with Mr Franklin’s wounds, after which he’ll probably sleep again,’ Athena said. ‘Then I shall go into the village as planned and try my luck in the haberdashery stores.’
‘Our visitor certainly knows how to choose his moments.’ Millie placed her hands on her ample hips, her stance radiating disapproval. ‘He’s disrupted everything.’
‘Not really.’ Athena felt a fierce desire to defend Mr Franklin, even though Millie spoke the truth. ‘All it means is we shall be without mushrooms in our stew this evening, and that’s hardly the end of the world.’
‘Harrumph. You just take care, Athena. There’s more to Mr Franklin than meets the eye. Take my word for it.’
Athena gasped. ‘Whatever do you mean? Surely you don’t think he’s here to—’
‘No, don’t alarm yourself. I don’t think we actually have anything to fear from him. If he was sent to look for us, he would hardly have thrown himself from his horse to get our attention.’
‘No, I suppose not.’ Athena released the breath she was unaware she had been holding. ‘I would much prefer not to have to move again. I like this district. There are plenty of grand establishments in the area, full of fine ladies to enjoy our wares. I have a feeling our fortunes are about to change for the better.’
‘Well, they could hardly get worse.’
‘Oh, Millie, what would I do without you?’ Athena threw her arms around the older woman and gave her a fierce hug. ‘You are my rock.’
‘There, there, child.’ Millie patted her back. ‘Don’t go getting all tearful. Things will work out. You just see if they don’t.’
‘Did I do the right thing, Millie?’ Athena scowled, filled with dismay as she recalled her reckless actions. ‘Dragging the girls away from the only home they ever knew, and forcing them to live in places like this?’
‘Think of the alternative.’ Millie shook her head repeatedly. ‘Oh no, there was nothing else you could have done. Besides, the girls are happier than they’ve been for a long while because they’re free to be themselves. Country living agrees with them, too.’
‘Even in this hovel?’
‘They are young, well able to cope with a little damp and discomfort. You’re the only one I worry about. You’re so busy caring about the rest of us you neglect your own needs.’
‘Well, if I do well in the village today, we ought to be able to move somewhere better before winter sets in.’
‘I’m sure you will prevail. How can anyone resist such exquisite handmade lace, even if you can’t trade on its rightful name? It’s still unique and will be much sought-after once word spreads. You just wait and see.’
‘If I could explain its true history, then I would agree with you. But, of course, that’s impossible.’
‘Your handiwork will call to any lady with an eye for quality.’ Millie wiped her hands on her pinafore. ‘Now, I’ve brushed your best gown for you.’
Athena rolled her eyes. ‘You mean my only other gown.’
‘Don’t say that!’
‘Why not? It’s true.’
‘When I think of what you gave up—’
‘Then don’t think about it, Millie,’ Athena replied assertively. ‘I’ve trained myself not to regret that which can’t be changed. Besides, if I had my time over, I would do exactly the same thing again. Although,’ she added with an impish smile. ‘I might have sacrificed a few of the herbs that took up so much space a
nd squeezed another gown or two into my valise instead.’
Millie laughed. ‘You’re wearing your best petticoat?’
‘Oh lord!’ Athena’s hand flew to her mouth as she lifted her skirts and revealed her torn petticoat.
‘What the devil happened to that?’
‘I used it as a dressing to stem Mr Franklin’s bleeding.’
‘Your lovely petticoat.’ Millie groaned. ‘What did you do that for? I despair of you sometimes.’
‘Well, it was that or let him die. What would you have done?’
‘Let him die,’ Millie replied with asperity, making them both laugh. ‘I washed your only other petticoat, but it’s so thin and darned it’s not fit to be seen.’
‘Just as well no one will see it then.’ Athena sighed. ‘Don’t fret, Millie. As we’re established, I will purchase the fabric for ten new petticoats, I promise you. And at least one new gown,’ she added, smiling.
‘Aye well, I’d best go and wake our visitor and feed him.’
‘Good, and when you’ve done that, I’ll treat his wound. It will give me an opportunity to test a new idea I have regarding the prevention of scarring.’
‘Don’t you be worrying about that rogue having a scar to mar his beauty, young lady. I’m sure it’s less than he deserves after behaving so irresponsibly.’
‘Very likely, Millie, but this experiment is for my benefit as much as for his. Look upon it as a scientific research, if you like.’
‘Huh, I look upon it as tomfoolery.’
Millie went off, muttering about ungrateful drunkards, making Athena smile as she vigorously stirred her pot of herbs. It was almost the right consistency, and now just needed to cool. She used tongs to remove the pot from over the fire and set it down on the slate hearth.
The girls burst into the room, struggling beneath the weight of Mr Franklin’s saddle.
‘It’s very fine,’ Selene said, reverently stroking the soft leather.
‘So is the bridle,’ added Lyssa. ‘The stitching is so ornate. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Mr Franklin must be very rich.’
‘Shush.’ Athena placed a finger against her lips. ‘He’ll hear you. It’s very rude to speculate in such a manner.’
‘He’ll probably think our cottage is beneath him,’ Selene said.
‘Well, if he does, he’s welcome to leave any time he wishes.’
‘Meg is showing off for his horse. She keeps trying to kick him,’ Lyssa said, giggling.
‘Oh dear!’ Athena poured her cooled herbal mixture into a basin and stood up. ‘Now get back to work, girls. I shall be with you directly.’
Much as he would have preferred to sit up and have a good, long conversation with her, Eli had become proficient at feigning sleep in Athena’s presence. He sensed her standing over him and kept his eyes closed, his breathing even. He knew it was her. Her floral fragrance, evident even above the smell of damp and mould that prevailed in this miserable hovel, gave her away. How could his steward have allowed tenants to move in with the place in this condition? He would have strong words to say to Bairstowe on the matter.
Ways in which he could repay Athena for saving his life whirled around his aching head, but first he needed to understand what the devil she was doing, hidden away here in his woods. That would require earning her trust, and he didn’t have long in which to achieve that ambition. If he didn’t return to Winsdale Hall soon then a search would be instigated, if it hadn’t been already. His valet had returned ahead of him, and Eli was supposed to be close on his heels. It could only be a matter of time before he was found here. Since Salter knew he often saved himself a long ride by cutting through the woods, it would be the first place he looked for him.
Athena was hiding from something or someone, he was absolutely sure of it. If his tenure here became common knowledge, she would be plagued by locals curious to know how it came about. At the very best, her reputation would be ruined. She was a married woman, but even so… At worst it could give away her location to whoever she was hiding from, which would be a sorry way indeed to thank her.
The rustle of her clothing and a soft sigh told him she was leaving his bedside. Don’t go!
She went.
As soon as he heard the curtain that divided off this uncomfortable alcove from the kitchen being pulled back into place, he leaned up on one elbow and pressed his ear to the curtain in question. It was old, but smelt of fresh air and was scrupulously clean. Athena was trying to maintain standards, in spite of the obstacles set in her path. Eli admired her pluck and determination. His own determination to help her, even if she wouldn’t welcome his help, grew by the second.
She was in the kitchen, talking quietly to Millie, but not so quietly he couldn’t hear what she said. Millie resented having to feed him. Why the devil should she be so begrudging of a little broth and bread?
Perdition, they couldn’t afford it! Spoiled fool that he was, he hadn’t stopped to consider that possibility. Well, he would go hungry rather than deprive his goddess of food. She had just declined breakfast, and Eli’s fall meant they would be without the treat of mushrooms to accompany their evening meal, apparently. Never had such nugatory concerns…well, concerned Eli before. He was being a wretched nuisance, but salved his conscience by reminding himself just how much help he could actually give Athena just as soon as he returned to the Park and put arrangements in hand.
If she would accept it.
He hardly knew her at all, but already suspected she had fierce pride and an independent spirit.
So did Eli.
They were in conversation again. Millie was to feed him, and Athena would then treat his wound. God love her, she hoped to avoid him being scarred! Eli wanted to leap out of this lumpy cot, burst through that curtain, pull her into his arms and kiss her witless for being so considerate. Hopefully, she would attend to his cuts and bruises alone. Eli would then be able to question Athena about her circumstances without Millie, who’d just admitted to her suspicions about him not being who he said he was, coming between them.
Lost in the depths of his own thoughts, he only just caught their conversation about Athena’s gown. She only had one other beside the drab one she was wearing. Eli frowned, ignoring the strain it put upon his injury when he furrowed his brow. She really had fallen upon hard times. Worse yet, she appeared to have sacrificed her only good petticoat to save his life. Eli was filled with deep feelings of awe and gratitude. He could buy her a hundred petticoats and not notice the cost. He might very well do precisely that before he was much older. The fact that he was on the brink of matrimony certainly wouldn’t stop him.
Lace? What was that about lace? She was going into Winsdale to try and place homemade lace in the haberdashers’ establishments situated there. Neither shop would take it. Both proprietors were very particular about their suppliers, but Athena sounded desperate. Now, if he could just jump on Byron and get into town ahead of her, he could change that situation in a heartbeat.
Someone was coming. The rich aroma of broth and freshly baked bread preceded Millie, even before the curtain was jerked open. Eli sat up and blinked.
‘Bread and broth,’ Millie said curtly, placing a tray across his legs.
‘Thank you. It smells delicious.’
And it was. He broke off a piece of bread and dunked it into vegetable broth, eating hungrily. He was sharp-set, which seemed rather disobliging of him, given the residents of this dwelling were struggling to put enough food on their table.
‘You must let me pay for this,’ he said.
‘I would let you without a second thought, but Mrs Defoe wouldn’t hear of it.’
‘Does she need to know?’
‘We have no secrets,’ Millie said, sounding just a little less severe.
‘Sometimes secrets work to the greater good. Mrs Defoe has a fierce sense of pride and duty, it seems to me.’
Millie flexed a brow. ‘You see a lot for a man who’s been out of his senses the
entire morning.’
Eli treated her to a wry smile. ‘I have a very hard head.’
‘Just as well.’ Millie turned towards the curtain. ‘Well, I can’t stand around here, wasting time. I have work to do in the vegetable garden.’
And she was gone. Eli finished his meal quickly, feeling a lot better with it inside him. He was wondering what to do with the empty bowl when Athena appeared, smiling like the angel she was.
‘You’re looking better,’ she said.
‘I feel it, thanks to you. The broth was delicious, as was the bread. Did you make it?’
‘Lord no, I wouldn’t know where to begin.’
Interesting. She’d never had anything to do in a kitchen. Who the devil was she? Athena took the bowl from him and returned it to the kitchen. When she came back, she had a bowl of clean water and another with something that smelled of fragrant herbs.
‘I’m going to clean your cut,’ she told him, leaning over him to examine it. ‘I ought to warn you, it will hurt.’
He looked into her eyes. They were enormous, the most fascinating shade of brown. ‘If you were to hold my hand, I’m sure it will help me to bear the pain.’
‘Mr Franklin, please!’
‘Sorry,’ Eli said, not feeling sorry at all. ‘Go ahead, then. Do your worst.’
She dipped a cloth into warm water and gently washed away dried blood. Eli flinched.
‘Stop being such a baby. I’ve barely touched you.’
Oh, sweet lady. If only you knew.
‘It’s as clean as I can make it. I’m going to apply this concoction of herbs I’ve made up for you. They will help to fight infection, reduce any swelling and, with luck, avoid scarring.’
‘What’s in them?’
‘A combination of comfry and goldenseal roots, amongst other things.’
‘Hmm, isn’t comfry likened to turnip?’
She paused and sent him a searching look. ‘You’re very well informed.’
‘I have the type of mind that retains useless knowledge.’ He shrugged. ‘It’s a blessing and a curse.’
To Defy a Duke: Dangerous Dukes Vol 1 Page 3