by Cheryl Holt
She wanted to argue the point, but didn’t. He seemed particularly relaxed and chatty, which provided an opening to become cordial so he wouldn’t toss her out at the earliest opportunity.
“You mentioned you’ve been home a few months,” she said. “Where were you? In the army?”
“Yes.” He sighed. “I was in the army.”
There was such a note of longing in his voice that she suspected he missed it very much.
“Why did you retire?” she inquired. “Was it because your brother died and you had to take charge?”
“No, he’s been dead for a decade. Melvina’s been running things for me.”
“You’re back, and you’ve shoved her aside. Isn’t that awkward?”
“Yes, very awkward, and she’s not the type to relinquish her spot without a fight.”
“I could have guessed that about her. You still haven’t told me why you resigned.”
“I didn’t resign. I was kicked out.”
“You were kicked out of the army?”
“I suppose it would be more accurate to say I was asked to leave so I wouldn’t be court marshaled.”
“Court marshaled! My goodness.”
He stated it casually, blandly, as if the shocking admission was of no account, and she was confused. He was bright and brave and steady. If she’d been in a position of power in the army, he was precisely the sort of soldier she’d have wanted to enlist.
“How did you land yourself in so much trouble?”
She posed the query without thinking. It wasn’t any of her business, and she wasn’t a person with whom he should share confidences.
“Oh, it was stupid.” He shrugged. “I was swept up in a scandal without realizing what was really happening. I wound up in a duel because of it.”
“A duel! John Dunn! Shame on you.”
“You don’t have to scold me, Winnie. I’ve scolded myself plenty of times already.”
“I’m absolutely stunned by this.”
“It was quite horrid. I won’t deny it.” He stood and turned away from her, so perhaps he wasn’t as blasé as he pretended to be. “Would you like some dessert? There’s apple pie and some pudding.”
“I’ll have a little of both.”
He dished up dessert for each of them, and when he sat again, it seemed wise to change the subject.
“Thank you for letting us stay at Dunworthy.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice.”
“You could have thrown us out on the road.”
He wrinkled up his nose. “I wouldn’t do that to a female, especially one who is lugging around two children.”
“I was hoping you’d feel that way.”
“I’ve written to Benton about you though.”
“Why?”
“I have to find out if you’re telling the truth about my sister.”
“You couldn’t take my word for it?”
“Since you’re a stranger to me, no. I couldn’t take your word for it.”
“You accused me of being suspicious, but you should look in the mirror.”
“Probably.”
“May we tarry until you receive a reply?”
“Yes.”
Her relief was so great she nearly slid off her chair. “After my story is verified, what then? What will become of us?”
“We’ll see.” His expression was blank, providing no hint of his opinion. “I never asked why you accompanied Jane and Bobby to Dunworthy. Why were you the one who had to deliver them?”
“I was their governess.”
“You? The daughter of Sir Walford Watson? Why would you have to work?”
“He died several years ago.”
He frowned. “I guess I heard that somewhere.”
“Much to my surprise, after the funeral, I discovered he was bankrupt. I had to sell everything to settle his debts.”
His expression finally altered, and he appeared sincerely sympathetic. “I’m so sorry that was your conclusion.”
“It’s fine. I’m over it,” she lied.
“Were there no friends or family to assist you?”
“I have just one cousin in London. He helped me search for a job and get myself squared away, but as to friends? No, there weren’t any who stepped forward.”
“Your father was such a famous fellow. I would have expected his acquaintances to line up at the door to aid you.”
“I would have too, but evidently, he was viewed as a pompous blowhard, and people couldn’t abide his braggadocio. And he owed everybody money. A lot of money.”
“It can ruin a relationship quicker than any issue.” He sipped his wine and studied her over the rim of his glass. “So…you’re alone in the world.”
“Yes, alone and on my own.”
“Yet you’ve assumed responsibility for a pair of children who aren’t your own.”
“I was the only one available. Their Prescott kin evicted them. I couldn’t leave them to fend for themselves.”
“You’re a fighter and a saint, Winnie.”
“Or a dunce and a fool.”
“No, you’re a fighter.”
He leaned on his elbows so he was much closer. She gazed into his blue, blue eyes until she felt as if she were drowning in them.
“You took over my kitchen,” he said. “You barged in and seized control. I can’t decide if I’m amazed or aghast.”
“I won’t apologize for it.”
“No, you shouldn’t. I’m quite astonished by you.”
“That’s understandable,” she facetiously stated. “I’m a very astonishing person.”
“I see that.”
They were quiet for a bit, finishing their pie and wine. Once her glass was empty, he shooed her over to the chairs by the fire, while he stayed by the table, straightening their mess, then he rang for the servants.
She snuggled down, and she was warm and cozy. Her belly was full from the delicious food and wine. She was ecstatic to learn that he wasn’t upset about the incident in the kitchen. In fact, he seemed grateful, so there were many other chores she could commence that would benefit him. She was determined he realize she could be indispensible.
Melvina Dunn ran the castle, but it was clear she had no aptitude for management. Why shouldn’t Winnie pitch in where she could?
The servants arrived, and he talked softly with them. It was such a domestic, comforting sound, and his voice lulled her into a doze.
As her eyes fluttered shut, she tumbled into a dream where she was walking down a tropical beach, which was odd when she’d never been out of England. The palm trees swayed, and a balmy breeze heated her face.
“Winnie,” John Dunn murmured. He was far down the sand, looking tanned and handsome and wonderful. “You scamp,” he said. “You’ve worked yourself into a stupor, haven’t you? All on my behalf.”
I’m not tired, she replied. I’m on holiday. Isn’t this spot lovely?
He mumbled to the servants, but why were there servants on the beach? “She’s exhausted. I’ll carry her. Peg, would you hold the door?”
Then he picked her up, and she was nestled to his massive chest. It was just as broad and sturdy as she’d imagined it might be. She inhaled the luscious scent of his skin and clothes, and it was the most exotic moment of her life.
Shortly, she was tucked into her bed, and Lord John tugged up the covers and blew out the lamp. For a lengthy interval, he stood and watched over her. His presence made her happy. It made her feel safe and protected—as she hadn’t been in a very long time.
In her dream, she was on her tropical beach again, but suddenly, Holden and her father burst out from behind a palm tree.
Go away, she told them. I found someone now, someone who will always take care of me. You two can’t be here…
She waved her hand, and they vanished. Then she smiled at John Dunn, and he smiled back, delighted with how she’d vanquished them and
proud that she’d dared.
CHAPTER SIX
Winnie walked down the last stair and into the grotto under the castle where there was an ancient hot springs. According to Ellen Dunn, various legends explained its existence. Some stories claimed roving Norsemen had stumbled on the springs, then laid the earliest foundations of the building around it. Other tales claimed it had been the Druids or perhaps the Romans.
Torches were lit, and the flames made the rocks in the ceiling glitter. It was quiet and magical, an eerie spot like none she’d ever observed prior. Castle occupants were permitted to use it, with men and women alternating nights.
It was such a guilty pleasure to remove her clothes and immerse herself in the bubbly water. The experience was decadent and perfect.
Of course she didn’t take off all her clothes. She was very modest, and she would never be so daring as to strut about completely nude. No, she shed to chemise and drawers, which still seemed wicked and dangerous.
The previous times she’d visited, there had been other women present, and it should have embarrassed or shocked her, but they hadn’t been concerned about bathing together. They’d utilized the pool all their lives, and it would never have occurred to them that—in some circles—such a communal activity might be considered indecent.
She desperately wanted to fit in, to be welcomed as a resident and not a stranger, so she’d remained silent and washed with everyone else. She hadn’t ever been comfortable with so many others around though, so she was delighted to find herself alone.
She’d brought a towel, hair brush, and dry undergarments for when she was finished. Quickly, she stripped off gown, petticoat, stockings, and shoes, then she went over and waded in. Stone steps marked the entrance, and there were rock seats carved along the edges so a person could sit and loaf.
The pool was about twenty feet across, and it wasn’t that deep, only to her waist when she stood in the middle. She’d never learned to swim, so it was a benefit to have it be so shallow.
She strolled out to the center and dropped to her knees. Though she’d meant to hurry, to dip in and out, it was so marvelous to linger. She stared up at the ceiling, imagining the men who’d originally constructed the place. For centuries, people had partaken of its delicious heat, and she was fortunate to have had the opportunity to become a member of that group.
She heard someone coming, and she sighed, her private idyll at an end. She forced a smile, ready to greet the female who was about to arrive, but when she saw who it actually was, she gasped.
“John Dunn!” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“Winnie? What are you doing?”
“I’m bathing.”
“And I intend to.”
“No, you won’t!” she firmly declared. “I am in the pool, and you may not get into it with me.”
“Don’t worry. I’m accustomed to being joined by others—male or female.”
“Well, I’m not, and you will not get in.”
“I could swear I told you I never listen to women. Haven’t I told you that?”
“This is supposed to be the women’s night. No men are allowed.”
“I sent a message ‘round that I’d use it at nine o’clock.”
That explained why the spot was deserted. “I wasn’t informed. I guess I’m not in line to receive gossip.”
He grinned his devil’s grin. “I guess not.”
He turned his back to her, and he tugged his shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor. Then he sat and pulled off his boots and stockings. His hair was held with a piece of leather, and he yanked that off too, his black locks swirling over his shoulders.
To her great relief, he didn’t remove his trousers, but kept them on and buttoned, so it wasn’t exactly risqué, but it was very risqué too. He was wearing one item of clothing, it was dark, and they were in a very isolated location. Any hazardous event could transpire.
He rose and approached the pool, and she was so stunned she couldn’t decide how to react. She’d insisted he couldn’t be in the pool with her, but he’d ignored her measly protest. Her sole option was to scurry out and race away, but her chemise and drawers were thoroughly soaked and would cling to her like a glove. There would be no concealing the least little feminine area.
“Close your eyes,” she said.
“Why?”
“I need to climb out, and I don’t want you looking at me.”
“You don’t have to run away. It’s obvious you’re enjoying yourself. Just relax.”
With those ridiculous comments deftly hurled, he marched straight in. She was flabbergasted, still on her knees in the middle, and she pushed off to the far side to huddle in a corner.
He waded to the deepest section and dunked under, and he stayed under for so long that she grew a tad alarmed. What if he never resurfaced?
Ultimately, he did though. He burst up like a powerful sea creature. His skin was dripping, his hair too, and he swiped a hand over his eyes to clear his vision, to shove his hair out of his face.
She realized she was gaping, but she was frantically trying to remember if she’d ever seen a man’s bare chest before. She didn’t think so. She lived in a very British world where people were modestly attired at all times. Men didn’t strip off their shirts and boots in front of women. They didn’t display their bodily parts in such a blatant fashion.
What was he planning? She was terrified and embarrassed and eager to slink out while he wasn’t watching, but there was no chance of that happening. If she simply hovered inconspicuously, might she outlast him? Perhaps he’d bathe quickly, then leave quickly.
Stunning her even further, he walked directly toward her. She yelped with dismay and scooted away from him.
He frowned. “What is wrong with you? You’re skittish as a rabbit with a hound chasing it.”
“I’ve never been in such a shocking situation.”
“We’re just washing. It’s not as if I’m about to ravage you.”
“How can I be sure of that?”
He tsked with irritation. “You fret over the most ludicrous issues.”
“I’m almost naked!”
“So am I, but we’re both hidden by the water. Stop complaining.”
“I won’t stop.”
“Please, Winnie. Oblige me for once, and let me have a bit of peace and quiet. I’ve been craving it like a thirsty man searching for an oasis in the desert.”
His earnest request silenced her, and she observed, mute and disturbed, as he plopped down in the corner where she’d previously been. He slid down so he was immersed to his chin and resting his head on the edge of the pool. He shut his eyes and breathed out a heavy sigh.
“Ah…that’s better,” he said. “I’ve needed to get down here all day.”
She anxiously studied him, hoping he would fall asleep. What if she snuck to the stairs, but he roused as she was exiting? He’d see every inch of her sodden torso, and the prospect was thrilling in a peculiar manner she didn’t understand. Her pulse raced at the notion. Why would it?
Since the evening a few nights earlier, when they’d had supper in his bedchamber, she hadn’t spoken to him. She’d caught glimpses of him coming and going, but he hadn’t joined in any of the collective meals, hadn’t invited her to dine again, and she’d been dreadfully disappointed that he hadn’t.
But why would he invite her? She had to be the rudest guest he’d ever encountered. Having filled her belly like a glutton, she’d promptly nodded off by his fire. She wasn’t positive, but it seemed he hadn’t been able to rouse her, and he’d ended up carrying her to her bed. She’d been that exhausted. The following morning, she’d awakened in it, with only a hazy memory of how she’d arrived.
She hadn’t staggered there herself; she was convinced of that. She was dying to ask a servant about the incident, but how could she pose such an indelicate question? If he hadn’t carried her, it would be the most outrageous query
ever.
She was completely fascinated by him, so she spent hours up on the castle walkway, keeping track of his habits and schedule. When she wasn’t watching him, she was helping Tim organize the kitchen.
He was a fast learner and a natural manager though, so he didn’t require much assistance, and she was devising her next project. She’d decided it should be either Lord John’s office or the main hall. They were both filthy and untended. Then again, perhaps she could start a school. She hadn’t heard that the children in Dunn village were being educated. If she suggested a school, what would he think?
He was so still she was certain he’d dozed off, so it was the perfect time to tiptoe out. Stealthily, she rose to her feet, but his eyes whipped opened.
“Were you leaving?” he inquired.
“Ah!” She shrieked and sank down.
“Would you cease your flinching and screeching? Let me enjoy myself.”
“If you’d look the other way, I could depart, and you wouldn’t have to tolerate my unwanted presence.”
“Who said your presence is unwanted?”
“You might not mind if I’m here, but I definitely do.”
“I’ve been too busy to have supper with you again. Have you missed me?”
“Why would I miss you? We’re hardly acquainted, and your whereabouts are none of my concern.”
He snorted. “I know every little detail of what occurs in this accursed castle. I see you up on the walkway, spying on me.”
“I’ve never spied on you. If you noticed me, I was simply getting some fresh air.”
“You can lie to yourself if you like, but you can’t lie to me.”
“I’ve never told a lie in my life.”
“Haven’t you?”
“Not many anyway. I might have told a few teeny, insignificant ones, but never about any topic that mattered. And I’ve never spied on you.”
He chuckled. “How is the kitchen coming along? The food has been marvelous.”
“Have you thanked Tim?”
“Yes, I have.”
She was surprised. Tim hadn’t mentioned it. “Good. I’m glad.”
“You probably won’t believe me, but I have some manners. I simply don’t display them very often.” He gestured around the grotto. “How do you like my pool?”
