“Well, I will be on my way, the ladies will take good care of you.”
Upon the good doctor’s exit, his angel arrived. “I hope you are hungry Mr. Lockwood. Cook went above, and beyond the call of duty this evening.”
As she once again occupied the chair beside his bed, she fed him; they fell into an easy conversation.
“Are you an only child, Miss Parker?”
“No, I have a younger sister who has been chomping at the bit to get in here, and see you. I also have a brother. He is two years my elder and will be home soon. My father passed recently, as you know, so my brother will be returning from school upon his graduation, to take over my father’s business. Robert, Doctor Shirley, has been helping us until my brother returns.”
“I know I told you before, but I am truly sorry for your loss.”
She finished feeding him. She put the plate aside. Standing she leaned over him and dabbed at the corners of his mouth with a cloth. She laughed. “I am a terrible nurse-maid.” Her closeness, and the scent of her violet soap sent him clamoring for control. She returned to her seat unaware of the war he waged.
“What of your mother Mr. Lockwood, you mentioned you were not close to her?”
“She lived with my brother for a while, but she nearly caused my sister-in-law to lose her life, and that of her child, so my brother sent her to London.”
“Are your sister-in-law, and the child recovered?”
“Oh yes, she had a son, my nephew: Benjamin. My brother and I delivered him.”
He grinned at her look of disbelief. “It is a long story.”
“You have experienced more tumult in your life already than most will at the summation of their years, Mr. Lockwood.”
She rose and gathered the discarded remnants of his dinner service. “We will get you back to your family, and your life. Good night, Mr. Lockwood...”
More, and more he realized he wanted her, his angel, to be a part of his life forever.
Chapter 3
A fortnight passed in which Alfie slept, ate, healed, and was finally introduced to the youngest Miss Parker in the household, Elizabeth. She was fond of staring at him until he threatened to throw something at her; then she would run.
His feelings for his beautiful angel had grown deeper by the day: feelings he thought forever imprisoned by Eva, his brother’s wife. He was not sure when it had begun, but it had, perhaps from the moment he first heard her voice in the darkness the night he was injured.
He sensed her physical attraction to him. She watched him when she thought he was asleep; when she touched him he could see the pulse pounding in her beautiful neck.
He had wanted to kiss her so many times, but they had never truly been alone, not until tonight. Her mother and sister were attending a dinner party; the staff retired. His angel would come to him any moment for an evening of playing cards. He challenged her even though he thought she cheated once or twice. It was difficult for him to hold his cards where she could not see them, and she had to help him pick up, and lay down cards as well. Nevertheless, he would have his kiss tonight, one way or another.
As though he conjured her up, she appeared. “You ready to lose again Mr. Lockwood?”
She stood before him in an unassuming blue dress; her hair already let down for the night. He made a silent pledge that a kiss would be all he would take pleasure in tonight. It was likely all he could manage anyway, in his current condition.
“You wound me Miss Parker, for I only lose to you because you cheat,” he said with a grin.
She had the cheek to look offended. “I do not cheat Mr. Lockwood. Perhaps tonight you would prefer I read to you so your pride can remain intact?”
He howled. “Very well you harpy.”
She left the room in a faux temper and returned moments later, book in hand. Alfie motioned for her to sit next to him on the bed. She hesitated, then obliged him. She read: their shoulders were touching; her breathing seemed erratic. He turned to her. “Angel?”
She turned to face him, and when she did they were nose to nose. Her breath was warm on his skin. He caressed her lips with his before indulging in the lightest possible kiss. She did not resist him; he deepened the kiss. She responded bringing her hand to his neck and running her long elegant fingers through the curls at his nape. Just as, his entire being came to life, she abruptly pulled away and stood. The book fell to the floor.
“I am sorry Mr. Lockwood. I cannot do this.” She fled the chamber.
He wanted to go after her. He wanted to call out to her. Damn my impatience. She was not ready.
*
After a sleepless night, the good doctor, and his angel appeared at his bedside. Dr. Shirley patted his shoulder. “Let’s get you up, and walking this morning.”
Miss Parker avoided eye contact. He would have to find some private time to talk to her.
They situated him on the edge of the bed and assisted him with his shirt.
Miss Parker briefly left the room for the doctor to assist him with a pair of trousers. The good doctor seemed unaware of the tension between Alfie, and Miss Parker. Together they assisted him as he attempted to stand. Alfie braced himself for the spasms, but they did not come.
Dr. Shirley assessed his readiness. “I want you to walk to the doorway, and back, Alfie.”
He successfully walked to the doorway but swayed a bit on the way back. “I am light-headed.”
“It is because you have been lying down for so long. It will pass with time.” Dr. Shirley appeared bewildered by Miss Parker’s silence on the matter.
He made the journey twice more then it was back to bed, which was followed by his angel’s hasty exit.
*
Robert grasped Audra’s hand in the hallway. “Are you all right?”
“I am not feeling particularly well today Robert, I am sorry.”
The corner of his mouth turned up, but the smile did not reach his tender brown eyes. “You should get some rest then because the light-headedness when he stands will pass the more he gets up and walks. He will need your help. I would like to see him up, and walking at least twice a day, just around the house.”
“I will make sure he does.” She looped her arm around his. “Does this mean you are no longer worried he will accost us in the night?” Why did I say that?
Robert became serious.
“I was teasing,” Audra said.
Robert reached for her hands. “Audra, I know you have grown fond of Mr. Lockwood, but he will be up, and on his way soon.”
“What do you mean?”
“Audra, I may be twenty-nine years older than you, but I am not blind, yet. He is a handsome young man; it is only normal you would be attracted to him. I just do not want to see you hurt when he leaves.”
Oh god, how could he know we kissed. He couldn’t know. “Surely you do not think...”
“I am quite sure you are attractive to him Audra; I would be concerned about his eye-sight if it were otherwise.”
“Robert, I am sorry, I do not care if I am attractive to him or not. I love you. We are getting married when Allan gets home from school.” She pulled her hands from his in order to place them on either side of his face. “Robert, you are more handsome at forty-eight than most men at twenty-eight. Not to mention you are the kindest, most caring person I have ever met.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “You exaggerate my love,” he accused with a soft smile.
“Never...”
*
Audra assisted Mr. Lockwood on his house walks until he insisted he needed to get outside. He had developed cabin fever now that the pain was at a minimum.
Audra was ready to answer the question she had seen in his eyes over the last few days. She and Mr. Lockwood had walked together, away from the house, before he addressed her. “I am sorry if I offended you.”
“You did not offend me Mr. Lockwood. It is just it was the first time a man kissed me in such a way.” What was wrong with me? Why did I not jus
t tell him I was to marry Robert?
“I want to kiss you again,” he admitted. “May I kiss you Angel?”
She lost command over her senses every time he called her that, but she did not respond. He could not take her in his arms, so he stalked her until her back came in contact with a large tree. He kissed her; left no part of her mouth unexplored. Lord, If he could do such things to my senses whilst injured, what could he do to me healthy, and strong. She reluctantly slipped from between him, and the tree. “We should start back.”
She waited for him to accompany her. She could see his confusion. “Mr. Lockwood, I—” Suddenly, an ecstatic Elizabeth accosted them. “Brother is back!”
Audra and Mr. Lockwood increased their pace. When they entered the parlor, she saw her brother and ran into his arms. “Allan, I have missed you.”
Elizabeth informed them breakfast was nearly ready.
Audra escorted her brother to Mr. Lockwood’s side. “Allan, I would like you to meet our patient Mr. Alfie Lockwood.”
The two men offered each other a slight bow. “Mr. Lockwood, Robert told me about you. I understand you are on the mend.”
“Thanks to your family and Dr. Shirley, I believe I am well on my way.”
Audra escorted her brother to the dining room. Allan waited for Mr. Lockwood to get comfortable before he addressed them. “I must tell you all, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, was riding on the coach. She was obviously wealthy, so I do not know why she was traveling on the public coach, but she was breathtaking.”
Elizabeth took her brother’s hand. “Why do you think she was rich, brother?”
She was traveling with a maid, and a male servant; her dress was most exquisite. Curious, however, was that I believe she was trying to look inconspicuous. You understand, trying to hide her status.”
Alfie began to appear uncomfortable.
“She was terribly unsuccessful though, for she affected, shall we say, every man whose path she crossed.”
Their mother bristled. “Allan, Elizabeth is present.”
“I am sorry Mother; we should talk about something else.” He looked pointedly at Robert just entering the gathering. “Robert, how much longer will it be before you, and Audra set a date for your nuptials?”
This was not how she wanted Mr. Lockwood told of her engagement to Robert. She should have already told him herself.
Robert placed his hand on her shoulder. “Allan, I believe that is a topic for a more private discussion.”
“Of course, “ Allan said, quickly moving on with a discussion concerning Robert’s home renovations.
Audra chanced a glance at Mr. Lockwood; she read on his face what she feared. Mr. Lockwood’s usual warm, and mischievous countenance had been replaced with a hard façade.
Mira entered the dining room. “Miss Parker, a young woman is looking for you.”
The woman she beheld at the door was truly the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She thought of the woman Allan met on the coach. “May I help you?”
“You sent a letter to Lexington Hall. I am Mrs. Winter.”
“...concerning Mr. Lockwood.”
Tears filled the woman’s beautiful blue eyes. “Yes, is he well?”
“He is, please come in. My brother has just returned from school. Everyone is in the dining room awaiting breakfast. I am Audra.”
Mrs. Winter embraced her.
Audra smiled. “Follow me.”
As they entered the dining room, Mrs. Winter was overcome with emotion once again. “Alfie...”
He glanced at Audra accusingly before standing, and allowing his sister-in-law to examine him. “Do not blame her Alfie, she did the right thing in contacting me. I was afraid what condition I would find you in. Her tears finally began to fall. He wiped them the best he could.
“I am all right. You risked too much coming here.”
“I had to.”
He addressed the room. “Everyone this is Mrs. Eva Winter, my sister-in-law.”
Audra felt stunned. The woman he called for in his sleep was his sister-in-law. Now, what he had said that night made sense. She could see though how he could fall in love with her. Audra looked about the room; her brother and fiancé were under her spell as well.
Mr. Lockwood broke the awkward silence. “Dr. Shirley, if you would be so kind as to remind me where you stabled my horse. I assure you if you will send me the bill for your services I will forward payment as soon as I arrive home.” He glanced at Audra. “I believe Miss Parker has the address to Lexington Hall.”
Audra could not let him leave, not like this. “Mr. Lockwood, Mrs. Winter has just arrived. Surely you could allow her to have breakfast, and stay the night, before confining her for another coach ride.”
“Eva is with child. I would not ask her to return to Lexington without rest; however, if we stay in the village we may get an early start in the morning.”
Audra pleaded. “Please at least stay for breakfast.”
Eva took up her cause. “I am famished Alfie, would it be all right if we stay just for breakfast?”
Audra suspected Mrs.Winter saw her desperation to keep Mr. Lockwood there. Audra studied the beautiful woman before her. A girl could learn volumes from her. She knew how to get just what she wanted from a man. Especially, a man who adored her.
“Of course Eva, but we must get into the village afterwards to acquire rooms, and book our return.” Mr. Lockwood could obviously deny Mrs. Winter nothing.
Everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Audra could not resist finding out more about Eva. “This is your second child Mrs. Winter?”
“Yes, I have a one year old son at home; his name is Benjamin.”
“Mr. Lockwood spoke of your son. You will be a busy woman once this little one comes along.”
“Yes, perhaps you and your family would like to come visit us at Lexington Hall when the baby is born. I can always use some motherly advice. My own mother passed many years ago, and my mother-in-law lives in London.”
“We would be honored.” Audra’s Mother said.
Audra was surprised by her mother’s quick reply.
She glanced at Mr. Lockwood; his anger was unmistakable.
After breakfast, Audra took Mrs. Winter for a short walk while Robert assisted Mr. Lockwood in gathering his things.
Mrs. Winter spoke first. “I interrupted something when I arrived?”
Audra looked down and smoothed a wrinkle. “My brother asked Dr. Shirley, when we were going to set a date for our wedding? I had not told Mr. Lockwood of my engagement, even though he made his feelings toward me clear.”
Mrs. Winter placed her hand over Audra’s. “That explains why Alfie is in such a hurry to leave. Are you happy with Dr. Shirley?”
“I am. I have known him since I was ten, and loved him all the while.”
“Then perhaps it is for the best your brother revealed your engagement.”
“But... I am afraid I have fallen in love with Mr. Lockwood. Is that possible, to be in love with two men?”
“All I can tell you Audra is when I fell in love with my husband, I knew I would never be able to love anyone else but him. I will tell you though. It was a long, and painful road to get where we are now.” Mrs. Winter stopped. “Alfie deserves a woman to love him completely.”
“He loves you Mrs. Winter.”
“Yesterday, I would have agreed with you. Today, I would say I have now simply become his sister-in-law.”
“You believe he is in love with me? We hardly know one another; I suppose it is childish on both our parts...”
“Alfie is not a man who angers quickly, for him to be this upset about your engagement tells me he has deep feelings for you.”
They walked quietly together a little longer before heading back.
Mrs. Winter’s male servant took Mr. Lockwood’s belongings.
Mr. Lockwood grasped Dr. Shirley’s hand. “Thank you for your expert care.”
He moved tow
ard her brother. “Allan, it was a pleasure meeting you. Mrs. Parker and Elizabeth thank you for everything.” He turned, and approached Audra where she stood near Mrs. Winter.
He whispered, “Good bye Angel...” before walking away with his entourage.
Audra made no effort to stop him or to explain why she had not told him about her, and Robert being engaged. Mrs. Winter was right; he deserved someone to love him utterly, but she loved Robert too, didn’t she? Her head had begun to pound.
Audra placed her hand on her forehead. “I am going to lie down a while.” She saw the concern, and disappointment in Robert’s eyes, but she lacked the energy to console him right now.
Chapter 4
Alfie was silent all the way into town. Eva acquired a room for him, in addition to her own, they went their separate ways. That evening Eva came to check in on him. “You did not come down to eat, so I brought you something in case you are hungry.”
He started eating as best he could. Eva offered to help, but he refused. “I know you are angry with me Alfie, but please let me help you eat.”
“I am not angry with you Eva. You cared enough to risk your comfort, and your husband’s wrath, to find me. How could I be mad at you?”
Eva smiled as she gently took the fork from his fingers. “He will be angry, but he will get over it. I can soothe him given time.”
Alfie chuckled, “I bet you can.”
“Alfie!”
They eased into a comfortable silence as she fed him, but he knew she would not be able to let what she witnessed today go for long.
“You know Alfie, you left a beautiful woman back there who cared for you.”
“A beautiful, engaged woman...”
“Yes, but—
“Eva, you cannot match make for everyone. Just because it worked for your sister-in-law Celeste, does not mean it will work for me.”
“Very well...”
*
As the coach approached the village just outside Lexington Hall, Eva’s husband rode toward them; he did not appear to be pleased as he signaled for the driver to halt.
A Bride for Alfie (Yorkshire Brides) Page 2
