Instead she perched on the side of the bed, her face studiously averted as he undressed and lowered himself into the water, groaning with pleasure as the heat reached his tired muscles.
‘Is it good?’
‘Extremely. I should go away more often. Is there any particular reason for this treatment?’
Seeing the look on her face, he regretted the question almost at once.
‘I thought it was time that we talked.’
The relaxed feeling vanished at once. ‘Perhaps you’re right. Though I’d like to give you your birthday present first.’
Her head spun around. ‘Renard told you?’
‘Fortunately, yes. I’d be a poor husband if I missed it.’
‘True.’
‘So come here.’
‘You have it on you?’ Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
‘Don’t look so alarmed. It’s not a thing, it’s a
message, and I don’t want to shout. Or are you afraid to come any closer?’
‘No!’ She tossed her head indignantly. ‘But if you think I’m going to wash you...’
He gave a shout of laughter. ‘I wouldn’t be so cruel. I just thought you’d like to know that I had word from Etton this morning.’
‘Etton?’ She shot to her feet, almost hurtling across the room.
He smiled, savouring the moment. ‘One of de Quincey’s scouts found us on the trail. Your sister and nephew will be here within the week.’
‘They’re on their way?’
‘As we speak. And your people are home and safe. Henri found them.’
‘Thanks to you.’
‘And you.’
She crouched down by the tub, looking at him dubiously. ‘I’m the one who sent them away.’
‘You did what you thought was best.’
‘I did...at the time.’ She pursed her lips thoughtfully. ‘Capturing the rebels...is that what you think is best?’
‘Yes. The longer the fighting goes on, the more innocent people suffer. I’m trying to make Redbourn a safer place. Etton, too. It’s my responsibility and I can’t shirk it.’
She sighed. ‘I do understand. I don’t like it, but I understand.’
‘Aediva...’ He reached out towards her, oddly touched.
‘I need to go home.’
‘Home?’ He stiffened instantly. ‘You mean to Etton?’
‘You said I could go if I wanted to.’