An Unconventional Innocent

by Dayna Quince

  His eyes turned to her with a slight frown. “It was you.”

  “Me?” She pulled her hands away slowly.

  “On the road.”

  “Yes, it was. What were you doing out there?”

  “I’m visiting a friend. I had a horse and necessary clothing, I assure you,” he tried to laugh and winced.

  “Were you robbed?”

  He nodded. “It will be a blow to my ego when my body feels less like a beaten rug.”

  Thea remembered what she and Marigold had discovered.

  “You said Winchester. Is that the friend you are visiting?”

  “Yes. Do you know him?”

  “We are in his home.” Thea smiled.

  He returned her smile, and it completely changed his face. His smile was slow and warm. He closed his eyes in genuine relief. Thea felt that warmth in her toes.

  “I shall need to speak with him.” He opened his eyes again.

  Thea grimaced. “I’m afraid he isn’t here. He’s gone away on his honeymoon.”

  He blinked. “Winchester married?”

  “He did.” Thea couldn’t help smiling at his look of disbelief.

  He stared at her for a moment. “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage. I cannot recall the name of my fair rescuer.”

  Thea blushed and looked away. His eyes could be so entrancing. “We did not exchange names, sir.”

  “May I have the pleasure?”

  Thea’s mind seized. “I…I’m known to my friends as Thea.”

  “Thea…” He said it slowly. “Major Henry Felton at your service, or simply Felton, as my friends would say.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Major Felton.”

  “Just Felton will do, my savior, Thea.”

  Thea shied away again as her blush covered the length of her body. She jerked when he took her hand. Her eyes rose up to meet his.

  “I am indebted to you.”

  “Please, anyone would have done the same. It just happened to be me who came upon you.”

  “I am grateful all the same.”

  A stretch of silence fell between them. His eyes remained on her, but Thea had to look away. The fire was as good a place as any. “Have you need of anything? Mrs. Hale will bring you a tray of food. It is just after dusk.”

  “When will Winchester return?”

  “Two weeks’ time. They left only yesterday.”

  “And Winchester is married.” His eyes finally moved away from her.

  Thea looked down at their joined hands.

  “I never would have thought he’d succumb to the fate.”

  “Lady Lucy is his match in every way. You will see when they return. How long will you be staying?”

  An odd shadow moved through his features. “I’m a bit in the wind, you see. I’ve only just returned to England. I haven’t found lodging yet.”

  “Oh? I’m in the wind myself.” Thea admitted. She grew curious when he didn’t ask for more details. Perhaps he was used to meeting people from various backgrounds, and it simply wasn’t done to ask too many questions. That suited her fine. She didn’t want to be treated like a sheltered miss any longer.

  “Where were you if not in England?”

  “India.”

  “India? That sounds like such a magical place.”

  “I was serving with the East India Company until my accident. A tiger took a piece of my leg for its supper.”

  She felt her mouth drop open, and she couldn’t stop it. She briefly remembered the way he limped before collapsing. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Out of all the ways a soldier can almost die, it makes an exciting tale.”

  “I can only imagine, and now you’ve been robbed of all your belongings?”

  “Not all. I left most at the Inn. The horse was rented.”

  Thea didn’t know what to say. “You must be getting hungry. I shall ring for Mrs. Hale.” She stood, but his hold on her hand stopped her. It was just like before.

  “Will you join me?”

  She shouldn’t. Mrs. Hale would already be cross to find her here, but she dearly wanted to despite feeling like a fish out of water with him.

  “I’m afraid I cannot. I will check on you later if you’re awake.”

  Was that disappointment she saw in his gaze? An answering thrill filled her. He liked her company.

  “I must go.” His fingers slackened, and she pulled her hand away. Her skin tingled as their fingers slowly slid apart. She resisted the urge to shiver. “I’m sure you will be revived come morning.”

  He nodded. “Good day, Thea. I hope you will visit me soon.”

  “I will try.”

  She walked to the door and pulled the cord. She slipped out and waited outside the door until she heard footfalls coming up the stairs. She met Mrs. Hale on the stairs.

  “He is awake and ready for some food, I should think.”

  Mrs. Hale gave her a motherly scowl. “Is that so?”

  “Yes.” Thea sidled past her and made her way to the front parlor. She did not care to stand there and be scolded like a child by a woman who was not her mother. Her own mother would have disowned her by now according to the harsh opinions of her aunt, and as a grown woman, she didn’t need it. She was beginning to embrace this new life, and she rather liked the freedom of it. For too long, she’d cowered under the weight of her mother’s dictates, her only refuge the time she spent with Lucy. Over the years, that time had grown significantly as her family had eagerly encouraged Thea to trail after Lucy, using her influence and standing to further her own. It would have been a disgusting abuse of their friendship, except it had been Lucy’s idea.

  Lucy was a force of nature. She entered a room and claimed it. She took one look at Thea, huddled against the far wall in their first season, and claimed her. They’d become fast friends. Lucy would have a wild idea, and Thea would talk some sense into her. It was why Lucy’s family had adopted Thea into their fold. Thea would be forever grateful. She sometimes dreamed what it would actually be like to be a blood sister to Lucy, born into her blessed life. Not because her father would be an Earl and she would be raised in wealth, but because of the love they shared. The teasing, the laughter, the tight hugs.

  Those things had been foreign to Thea at first, but no more. Now she knew better, and it took some of the sting out of leaving her own family. They wished to use her in any way they could, but now they couldn’t. She was almost twenty-one, and though she hadn’t any money of her own, she had friends who cared enough to offer her a home and to see her happy.

  Thea dined quickly at the small table in the parlor. She was on alert for the slightest indication that something could be wrong with Major Felton. She tried to read a book, but never managed to move past a single page because her mind would wander to Major Felton. She thought of what little she knew of him. She wished to know more about his battle with the tiger. There was certainly more to be told about that. He’d looked significantly better than when he first arrived, but something told her he was not out of the proverbial woods yet.

  She retired early after her dinner, agitated by her boredom. When Mrs. Hale came to take her tray, she informed Thea that Major Felton was asleep again. It was for the best, Thea thought. Tomorrow, she would see him again, and he would be well on his way to recovery.

  She climbed into bed, woefully aware she wouldn’t be able to sleep for some time yet. She opened her book and adjusted until the candle light fell on the page. She began reading, her mind finally wandering away from thoughts of Major Felton as she became lost in the story. Books are wonderful like that.

  Thea jerked awake and looked around her room. Something had woken her. An odd sound? She rubbed her eyes, her hand searching the nightstand for her glasses. She looked around in annoyance, pleased to see she hadn’t fallen asleep with her candle burning. It was an awful habit of hers.

  She heard it again. A shuffling sound and then a thump. Major Felton!

  She lurched from her bed, her s
leepy legs wobbly as she tore from her room, slowing as she entered his. She hadn’t paused to consider what may be happening; only that he was in need.

  She stepped inside his room, and it was almost fully dark. His fire had burned far lower than it should have.

  “Major Felton?” Thea called out. She couldn’t discern his form in the rumbled lumps upon his bed.

  “I’m here,” he said.

  From where Thea couldn’t tell. “I don’t see you.” Thea stepped further into the room, puzzled by the pitcher of water near the fire.

  “I’m beside the bed. My legs have failed me.”

  She gasped and hurried. He lay on the floor propped on one arm. “Oh, dear. I shall summon help.”

  “Please. I only need a little assistance to get up on the bed. I hate to wake another soul with my feebleness.”

  Thea looked down, aware of his very wide and most importantly, bare chest. A sheet was wrapped around his waist, and Thea could only guess, but suspected there was nothing under it. Nothing but him. She should summon someone, but she wasn’t going to for reasons she would not bother to contemplate.

  She crouched down and wrapped her arms around his back. It felt more like an embrace than a precursor to lifting someone. His skin was very hot. She pulled away.

  “How should I…”

  He grunted as he pushed himself up to sitting and bent one leg as if to stand.

  “A little tug is all I need to propel myself up if you will assist me. I apologize for my appearance. The room became stifling, and I had to smother the fire.”

  “It’s you.”

  He looked up at her slowly. “I beg your pardon?”

  Thea swallowed. Her mouth had suddenly gone dry. “What I mean is you feel feverish. Your skin was very warm when I touched you just now.”

  “I thought fevers made one feel chilled?”

  Heavens, she couldn’t have a discussion on the peculiarities of fevers while he lounged on the floor in a sheet, bare chested like a Roman God.

  “They can and do. Let me help you back into bed.”

  He reached a hand out, and she took it, bracing her feet on the floor as she leaned back. He popped up, faster than she had anticipated, causing her to lose her balance and begin to fall backward. It was his turn to catch her, but he only had the benefit of one good leg. He pulled her to him, throwing himself off balance.

  Thea crashed into him as he fought valiantly to keep them up right, a few muttered curses escaping. His skin was burning, and so was hers, but for different reasons. She had no choice but to hold on to him to correct her balance, but that meant groping him shamefully. Everywhere she touched was hard, smooth muscle. First, she fell into his chest, feeling his pebbled nipples under her palms, she jerked away, placing her hands on his shoulders which only brought their bodies closer together. She then tried to step back and her foot tangled in the sheet. Her eyes widened and met his. He had one arm around her, and the other grasped the sheet tightly.

  The battle for balance was lost by that single distracting moment, and they helplessly fell to the bed together.

  He grunted in pain as she landed on top of him and the apologies started pouring from her mouth.

  “I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I’m simply not one to grace a nurse room, and I was right to suggest we summon someone else to help you.”

  She was aghast when he started chuckling.

  “It is my fault. I insisted.”

  He winced, but he smiled. She didn’t know how she could see it, but she did. It was at that moment she became aware of their precarious position. Her hands were braced on his chest, their bodies twined together. Her bare foot nestled against his bare calf. It was shockingly intimate and… exciting. Wanton warmth shot through her. No! She screamed at herself in her head. The man was ill, for heaven’s sake. What was wrong with her?

  “I should go.” She hesitated.

  “I cannot apologize enough for my indecency, Thea.”

  “I forgive you. Think nothing of it,” Thea hurried to say. She needed to get off him. His warmth was seeping through her nightgown, and it felt wonderful. Lying atop him felt wonderful. She could feel her body softening, relaxing into his like it was molding itself to his contours.

  His arm was still around her, and his other hand cupped her elbow. He was holding her, whether he realized it or not, and she was enjoying it far more than she ought to.

  She pushed off his chest, her cheeks flaming as the contact of their bodies shifted, her hips aligning with his, and she could feel… him. She could feel the part of him that made him the glorious specimen of a man he was. She slid off him and quickly turned away. The sheet had nearly come off him, and she had a peek at a muscular thigh.

  Heaven’s but she’d been held against a nearly naked man, and she loved it. She tucked a fallen wisp of hair behind her ear and straightened her glasses as she gave him privacy. She could hear him tucking himself under the covers again. She turned slightly to peek. He was covered again, the coverlet pulled up to his chest. She faced him, unable to stop a small smile. He looked adorably sheepish.

  It gave her the courage to step forward and place her hand on his head. “I was right. It’s a fever. Shall I summon Mrs. Hale?”

  “I’d rather you not. I don’t want to have to explain this to anyone.”

  A small laugh escaped her. “Shall it be our secret then?”

  “Please,” he begged.

  “Very well. I won’t tell another soul. I don’t think I’d be a very good nurse.”

  “Nor I.”

  “Shall I open the window?”

  “No. I’m beginning to feel chilled now.”

  Thea felt a pang of worry. She pulled a blanket from the chair by the now cold fire and draped it over him. “There is a bell on the nightstand. Do not hesitate to ring if you need me.” She bit her lip.

  He leaned back against the pillows and closed his eyes. He looked wary. Thea reached out and squeezed his hand. “Goodnight, Felton.” She turned away.

  “Goodnight, Thea,” he said quietly without opening his eyes.

  Thea returned to her room and her bed. Her skin felt like it was charged with energy. Her nerves danced and hummed every time she thought of how she’d touched him. Her intentions had been innocent, but now her thoughts were not.

  Chapter 3

  Thea woke the next morning, and her first thought was of Major Felton. She hadn’t been woken again by him, so hopefully, it meant he slept soundly and the fever was mild. She dressed in a hurry, determined to see how he fared. When she stepped into the hall, she found his door open, and Mrs. Hale was setting a tray over his lap. He looked tired but infinitely better than yesterday. A shirt covered his glorious chest now, but that was to be expected.

  She stood in his doorway silently until he turned to her and smiled.

  “Fair morning to you, Thea.”

  He startled her by the use of her name. Mrs. Hale looked up and gave her a scathing look. There was nothing to be done now.

  “And to you, Major Felton.” She stepped into the room. “You are looking much improved.”

  “I feel much improved. Have you broken your fast? Will you join me?”

  Thea could feel Mrs. Hale bristling over their friendliness. “I have not.” Should she eat with him? Mrs. Hale did not approve, but Thea was in no mood to be ordered about. She was her own woman now. If she wanted to dine with her newest friend while he recovered in his room, she would. What could possibly happen? As far as Thea was concerned, she was removed from the rules of her maidenhood. She would not be returning to London. She had no place there now. She wasn’t a social outcast yet, but she was certain to be one soon when her absence from her family was noted. The speculation would be insatiable.

  Thea was about to ask Mrs. Hale to bring her a tray when Marigold appeared in the hall with that very thing.

  “Miss Manton?” Marigold said with question in her eyes. “Mr. Hale is having a brick replaced in the parlor heart
h. I thought to bring you a tray to your room.”

  “Thank you, Marigold. I will break my fast here with Major Felton.”

  Marigold nodded and entered the room. Mrs. Hale was not pleased, but she didn’t utter a word. Marigold set the tray on the nightstand next to the chair by Major Felton’s bed. Thea sat in the chair and accepted the tray over her lap.

  “I will return shortly to take your tray, Major,” Mrs. Hale said. “Miss Manton.” She nodded in cold greeting, her eyes saying far more than she could with words in present company.

  “How is the fever this morning?” Thea asked, hoping he wouldn’t question the obvious tension.

  He gave her a look that said he was going to do that very thing. “Have I put you in a difficult position, Miss Manton?”

  “Oh, that.” Thea laughed nervously as she picked up her cup of tea. “She doesn’t approve of me being here, to be honest. But she doesn’t have the authority to tell me what I can or cannot do or whom I may be friends with. She means well, I suppose.”

  “Manton, as in the gunsmith? Any relation?”

  “Yes. My father’s cousin, though the families are not close.”

  “Interesting. I’m learning more about you little by little.”

  “There isn’t much to know,” Thea said shyly.

  “I don’t believe that.”

  “Said the man who fought with a tiger. Why don’t you elaborate on that?” she returned.

  He smiled and took a bite of his toast. “That’s a tale more suitable for a full stomach.”

  Thea raised a brow but attended to her food without comment. Once they were finished, she set the trays in the hall and left the door open.

  “About that tiger?” She sat in the chair again.

  “There was a lagoon outside of our camp that we often swam in. The heat is a force of its own in India. Some men even died from it. I was alone, which I shouldn’t have done, but I was desperate to cool down.”

  Thea sat in rapt attention.

  “I’d finished my swim and dressed to return to camp when I looked up, and on the other side of the lagoon was a tiger. They are common in the region and known for how dangerous they are.”