“Don’t play with her, Nathaniel.” Thomas didn’t say more until he was sure Kitty was out of earshot. “You’ll break her heart before she has a chance to give it to you. Besides, you’re too old for her.”
“I’m not playing with anyone. And who are you calling old? I’m only a few years older than you.” Nathaniel kept his eyes on the kitchen door and sighed before he shook his head and straightened. “I have to be myself, my friend. I can’t help it if my good looks and charm makes those of the fairer sex swoon in my presence.”
A grin he could not contain overtook Thomas’s face. “Your humility amazes me.”
“It should. With such a face one would expect a certain degree of pride, but I like to treat even a common looking fellow like yourself with the highest respect.” He chuckled and patted Thomas on the back then quickly turned solemn. “How’s the patient? I know you said she’s asleep, but I need to see how she’s healing. Would now be all right?”
“Of course.” Thomas motioned for Nathaniel to lead the way. “She’s improving all the time, I’m happy to say.”
Nathaniel let out a slight chuckle. “I bet you are happy.”
“What do you mean by that?” Thomas protested, grabbing his arm and stopping him mid-stride on the stairs.
“Nothing.” Nathaniel painted a look of bewilderment on his face. “But, I’ve been meaning to ask you, how would you feel about me, say, taking her around town once she’s feeling up to it?”
A sudden fire burned inside Thomas. The muscles in his face began to twitch as he shot Nathaniel a glowering look. How dare his friend make such a comment?
Nathaniel tried to suppress a large grin. “That’s what I thought.” He laughed under his breath.
Thomas relaxed a bit and attempted a small grin of his own as his pulse cooled. “You’re asking for trouble.”
Nathaniel slapped him on the back with a loud smack, then whispered into his face. “It’s too easy to ruffle your feathers, Thomas.” His eyes lit with mischief. “Don’t worry, I know you saw her first.”
If only that were true. Thomas remembered all too clearly the fact that someone had already proposed to Eliza.
Thomas followed his friend the remainder of the way up the stairs and into the room. He planted himself in his usual spot while Nathaniel sat on the bed next to his patient.
After a small examination that could be done while she slept, Nathaniel took her hand and stroked it ever so gently. “Miss Campbell? Miss Campbell, it’s Dr. Smith. I’m here to assess your condition.”
Thomas drummed his fingers on his thigh. Nathaniel had better keep everything professional. Why did he have to look at her with such tender eyes?
After another few seconds of agony, Thomas pushed his friend aside. “Let me do it.”
Nathaniel stepped away and raised his hands, a laugh dancing in his expression. “By all means.”
Thomas glared and shook his head at Nathaniel before turning his attentions on Eliza. “Eliza, wake up.”
Thomas touched her slender shoulders, trying to ignore the pleasant warmth of her skin through the linen fabric of her clothing. He stroked her arm, gentle but still firm enough to wake her. “You can sleep again in a few minutes, but the doctor needs to speak to you. He wants to see how you’re healing.”
Listless, she opened her eyes and turned her gaze at him. He didn’t miss the immediate sparkle that flashed over her face when she saw him, though he pretended it didn’t cause his heart to beat faster. He removed his hands from their place and got up from the bed, giving Nathaniel more space.
“Sorry to wake you.” Thomas smiled. “Doctor Smith is here.”
He stepped away and inhaled a deep breath to blow away the quivering in his chest. How did her eyes always do that to him?
Eliza nodded, looking more tired than usual. Worry gathered across his brow. He’d begun to believe she was doing well, but maybe she wasn’t improving after all.
“Good afternoon, Miss Campbell.” Nathaniel sat on the bed and folded his hands on his lap.
“Good afternoon, Doctor.” Eliza’s gentle voice was once again weak and hoarse.
“’Tis good to see you awake. How are you feeling? How is your pain?”
“It seems to be getting better all the time. Still tender.”
Nathaniel dipped his head. “May I have a look at it?”
She nodded and moved her arms to her sides, working the blankets away from her when she froze, a shock of red lacing her features. Looking away, Eliza crossed her arms.