A Daring Passion

“Where do you want it, then?” she demanded, her arms obviously straining beneath the load.

“On the table is fine.”

Raine followed the maid to the small table beside the window, her eyes widening as the woman whipped off the linen cover to reveal half a dozen plates filled with eggs, ham, toast, kidneys, fresh fruit and tea.

“Good heavens, this is far too mu

ch,” she breathed.

The maid straightened, a faint twinkle in her brown eyes. “Well, yer husband was very insistent that you have plenty of choices. He said as how you were a bit finicky. Cook said if there were anything in particular you wanted you need only send word to the kitchen.”

Husband? A queer sensation clutched at her heart before Raine was sternly dismissing it. It was nothing more than relief that Philippe had not punished her with the shame of allowing the entire inn to think of her as nothing more than a light-skirt.

“This all looks quite delicious. Please give my compliments to Cook,” she said.

A pleased smile touched the round face. “Oh, aye, Ma’am. I was also to tell you that Mr. Savoy commanded a bath be brought up after you have finished yer breakfast, if that be what you wish?”

Mr. Savoy? She could only presume that was Philippe.

“Yes, indeed. A bath would be most welcome.” She gave a faint grimace. “As would a change of clothes.”

“Oh, but…”

Raine gave a lift of her brows as the maid abruptly cut off her words with a flustered expression.

“What is it, Mattie?”

“I’m not certain if it is a surprise or not.”

At once consumed with curiosity, Raine stretched her lips into a reassuring smile.

“Do not fear, Mattie, there are no secrets between me and my…my husband.”

Clearly bursting with the desire to reveal her secret, Mattie leaned close.

“Well, I overheard Mr. Savoy say to Mr. Hill, the innkeeper, you know, as how he sent word ahead to have a number of new gowns be prepared for you. Then Mr. Hill says to Mrs. Hill that yer husband had spent a near fortune to make sure the dressmakers worked day and night so they should be delivered by this afternoon.”

Raine abruptly turned to stare blindly out the window as a mixture of emotions charged through her.

On one hand she was furious that Philippe would be so certain he would manage in his horrid kidnapping scheme. To actually have ordered her a new wardrobe? It went beyond arrogance.

On the other hand, she could not deny a ridiculous sense of pleasure that he had even considered the fact she would require clothing. In her limited experience men rarely paid heed to a woman’s comfort. Even her own father had to be reminded that she occasionally had needs beyond food and a roof over her head.

Of course, he could hardly haul her around Paris in her shift, she reminded herself sternly.

“I cannot wait for them to arrive,” she muttered.

“Such a thoughtful and generous husband.” Mattie sighed.

“He does seem to think of everything.”

“And so handsome.”

Indecently, wickedly handsome, Raine silently agreed.

And so very, very dangerous.

CHAPTER TEN