The Offer (Baron 2)

She thought of all the books she’d read about the great military leaders in history. She said slowly, smiling just a bit now. “There wouldn’t be as many books written if there weren’t wars. Then there wouldn’t be any more heroes.”

“Oh yes, there would. A man doesn’t have to kill people to be a hero.” Again, he remembered Scotland; the experience, he knew, had changed the fundamental way he looked at life, and at death.

“Perhaps, but still, you’re here and you’re real and you’ve had some adventures that were wonderful. I’ve done nothing but ride, attend boring parties, learn how to manage serv—” Her voice disappeared. She looked down at her toes, wiggling beneath the covers.

He said smoothly, “How very enterprising of you, Sabrina, to be an accomplished horsewoman in London, particularly in Fleet Street.”

She had no idea what Fleet Street was. “I would ride in Hyde Park. No one took anything amiss.”

“There is excellent racing there, isn’t that true? All along Rotten Row, so many people riding as fast as the wind.”

“Oh yes, I loved it. That’s how I became such a good horsewoman.”

He just looked at her, shaking his head at himself, not her. If a lady dared to race in Hyde Park, she’d be ostracized, but fast. He said then, smiling, “Do you know that Wellington is famed for his strategic retreats?”

“No, but what does that have to do with anything?”

“Nothing in particular.” He rose. “It’s just that right this moment, I’m retreating because I hope to return to win a final victory.”

“It looks to me as if you can’t get out of my room fast enough. Have I perhaps routed you?”

He stopped at the door. “I’m off to get you a bathtub. I think you’re strong enough to have a proper bath. What do you say?”

She picked up the thick braid that hung lifeless and dull over her shoulder.

“Yes, we’ll wash your hair too. Now, what do you say?”

She looked ready to dance. “Oh yes, Phillip. I should like that very much. I’m beginning to feel crawly.”

“Don’t insult me. I’ve kept you quite clean.”

She paled. She looked away, her lips clamped together.

He cursed under his breath, but she heard it and stared at him. “Forgive me, but if I hadn’t taken care of you, then I fear you would be a lovely angel in heaven.”

“I’m sorry, Phillip, truly I am. It’s just that it’s so very difficult. You’ve been very good to me and you don’t even know me.”

He’d know her better if she just told him who she really was. He nodded and left the bedchamber.

When he returned, two large buckets filled with hot water slung over his arms, Sabrina was sitting up in bed, staring at him as if he were bringing her Christmas presents. He laughed.

“No, don’t leap out of bed just yet. I’ve got to fetch the tub.”

Three minutes later, steam was rising out of the copper tub. “Do you have soap?”

“I wish you wouldn’t doubt my scavenging skills.” He lifted a bar of soap and smelled it. “It’s jasmine. No, just stay there another moment. We need more water. You’ve lots of hair.”

After he’d filled the tub, he turned and paused a moment, watching her unbraid her hair. “Who owns this hunting box?”

“Why, it’s Ch—” She looked like she wanted to bite off her own tongue. She began pulling the tangles from her hair, not looking at him now. “Of course I don’t know. I told you, Phillip. I live in London. I only visit Yorkshire rarely.”

He slapped his palm to his forehead. “How could I be so stupid as to forget that?” He grinned, ignoring the killing look in those incredible eyes of hers, and pulled back the covers. “Come, Sabrina, your bath awaits.”

She tucked the dressing gown tightly about her and swung her feet over the side of the bed. He held out his arms, but she ignored him. She stood up and almost immediately fell against him. “Oh, my, I can’t believe I’m so weak. These were perfectly sturdy legs; just a week ago, they ran and jumped and danced in the drawing room. Why aren’t they working as they should? It’s very unsatisfactory.” He just supported her, then kissed the top of her head.

She didn’t notice. “If you would please just help me to the tub, Phillip, I’ll be all right then. You can leave.”

“Let’s see just how much of your request I can give you.” He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bathtub. Very slowly, he eased her down at the side of the tub. She looked up at him then, her eyes clear, and said firmly, “Thank you. I’ll be fine now. You can leave now, Phillip.”