A Gentleman's Curse (Avenging Lords 4)
But in a dusty corner of her mind reserved for logic, she knew this bout of anger was uncalled for and wholly undeserved.
“It’s been an eventful few days,” she said to excuse her erratic behaviour. “I think I might retire early.”
“Without supper?” He glanced at the plate resting on her lap. “You’ve not eaten since this morning.”
His concern touched her to the point she wanted to cry.
For all the saints! If she couldn’t control these raging emotions, she’d be fit for Bedlam. Indeed, she might welcome being shackled in a dank cell if it brought an end to her torment.
“I shall take my supper upstairs.” She forced a smile. “Will you be all right sleeping in the cottage tonight?”
Will you be all right sleeping alone, alone without me?
His grim mouth twitched, and she was relieved to see a flash of amusement in his bewitching brown eyes. “I’ve slept there for a month. One more night won’t hurt.”
He held her gaze for so long she might have kissed him had they been married.
“What time will we leave tomorrow?”
“I know you spoke about venturing to the village, but I need to return in the morning if I’m to hire the services of a doctor. Selina advised we visit at noon, but I’m reluctant to trust the motive behind her suggestion.”
Talking about his problems in town was akin to downing a potent elixir, one that invigorated her spirits and chased away all painful thoughts. “I can take a trip into Flamstead the next time we return.” Perhaps it might be then that they parted ways, parted ways for good. “Hiring a doctor must be a priority.” And yet he had brought her home knowing that, too.
With a curt nod, he said, “Can you be ready to leave at seven?”
Claudia glanced at Emily. The sweet sound of laughter breezed from her sister’s lips. She was warming her hands on the brazier while deep in conversation with Dariell. The urge to caution her sister not to venture too close lest she burn her fingers hung on the tip of her tongue.
“As long as Emily is comfortable with me leaving again, I shall be ready at seven.”
An awkward silence ensued.
“We do have a bargain,” he reminded her with some reluctance, “but I respect your need to ensure all is well at home.” Hudson glanced briefly back over his shoulder. “Your sister seems most content.”
“I’m sure she is.” Claudia took hold of her plate and stood. Although it had been her suggestion to retire, she found it hard to leave him. “I’ll send word to the cottage later this evening. And have no fear, Emily seems to relish her independence.”
Mr Lockhart inclined his head. “Then I shall bid you a good evening, Miss Darling. Might I suggest you caution your maid to tuck in the blankets? Lest you wake in a state of dishabille.”
Claudia laughed a little. “One cannot help being restless in bed.”
“How fortunate I happen to know of a cure.”
“You do?”
“I do.” The words fell in a seductive whisper.
Once again, thoughts of kissing him filled her head as his mesmerising gaze held her rigid in its spell.
A sudden clap of thunder startled her out of the trance, but Hudson Lockhart would not be swayed from delivering one more tempting invitation. “Should you need me, my darling, you know where to find me.”
“In the cottage?” The thought of paying him a midnight visit heated her blood. What if this was the only time in her life she would feel lust, lust with a sugar-coating of love? Because whether she wanted to believe it or not, she couldn’t help but love him a little.
“No, you won’t find me in the cottage.” Hudson looked out at the black, billowing clouds swamping the moon. “You’ll find me in the rain.”
* * *
Rain hammered on the windows and pattered on the thatched roof of the small gatekeeper’s cottage. The constant ping of droplets hitting the metal bucket kept Lockhart awake.
Not that he had any intention of sleeping.