So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 1)

by Amber Lynn Perry

  “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.

  “Is something wrong, Miss Campbell?” Nathaniel asked.

  She licked her lips before she answered. “Thomas? Could you leave us for a moment, please?”

  “Certainly.” He nodded. The request was reasonable enough. But why did she want him gone? He helped her every day.

  He walked out and closed the door behind him. Their voices were muted behind the door and though he was tempted to lean into the wood that separated them, he thought better of it.

  Downstairs, the menial tasks Thomas employed to keep his mind occupied while he waited for Nathaniel to come down proved worthless. He stoked the fire, checked the stack of logs, even brought in a few more from the back of the house before he realized his list of things to do was frustratingly short.

  He checked on Kitty in the kitchen. She smiled from her position, kneeling near the fire. Thomas relaxed a bit. At least one of the girls was none the worse for wear. Kitty appeared to have gotten over the shock of the events and seemed content, despite the tribulations, though he’d noticed her pinched lips and quiet huffs any time he or Nathaniel mentioned anything about the patriot cause. If that was her only complaint, she’d done a good job at hiding it.

  He left the kitchen and turned back to the parlor, taking his place by the fire. Another ten minutes of trying to occupy his jumbled mind nearly killed him. His nerves jumped like a rowdy army of frogs. What could be taking so long?

  Finally the tapping of Nathaniel’s shoes resonated in the stairway. Thomas almost jumped from his breeches.

  “Well?”

  Nathaniel ignored his question, a solemn shadow veiling his face. “It’s really a miracle she lived, Thomas. A true miracle.”

  “Is she all right? She looks more tired. I’m worried.”

  “I know you are, Thomas.” Nathaniel turned and slouched in the largest chair in front of the fire. “You and Miss Katherine have done very well caring for Eliza and I’m sure she’ll make a full recovery.”

  Relief flooded Thomas’s rigid muscles. He exhaled long through his mouth and brushed his hand over his hair. “You don’t think she’s too fatigued? She’s not too pale?”

  A sparkle of mischief lighted Nathaniel’s eyes and a chuckle escaped his throat. “She’s fine.”

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing.”

  Thomas lowered his voice as he leaned toward Nathaniel. “Why did she ask me to leave? I’ve seen her wound a hundred times. Doesn’t she know that?”

  This time, Nathaniel burst into a full-blown guffaw. “Oh, Thomas, my boy, you are in deep, aren’t you?”

  Jerking back, Thomas stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

  “You care for her. Don’t try to deny it.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” Thomas tilted his head toward the ceiling and let out a heavy sigh. He refused to give credence to such an inane suggestion.

  Nathaniel continued his aggravating behavior. “What question?”

  “Why would she ask me to leave? It’s not as if she’s ever been indecent. Kitty and I have always made sure to keep her properly covered.”

  Nathaniel stood, laughing again. Thomas wanted to kick him, literally, out of the house.

  “I can’t honestly say.” Nathaniel pulled his ankle over his knee as he nestled back into the patterned chair. “My assumption is, now that she’s more aware of what’s going on, it’s probably embarrassing for her.”

  “Embarrassing?” Thomas protested. “Then why isn’t she embarrassed to have you looking at her?”

  Nathaniel cocked his head and lifted one eyebrow. “Need I explain? I’m a doctor. It’s different. She only sees me occasionally and she knows this is my trade. But you, you’re here all the time. And knowing that you will be so close in such an intimate way—”

  “Nathaniel.” Thomas spoke through his teeth to keep from shouting. “There’s nothing intimate about it.” He cooled his growing fury with several cleansing breaths.

  “It can seem intimate, if you care about someone.”

  Shaking his head, Thomas grit his teeth and stared into the crackling flames.

  Nathaniel’s chair creaked and suddenly Thomas felt his friend’s hand on his shoulder. “You may not have feelings for her, but I believe she may have feelings for you.”

  Thomas’s jaw gaped open and he flicked his gaze at Nathaniel.

  “See, did I not tell you?” Nathaniel laughed, bu
t without his usual teasing. “You can’t hide anything from me. I know you’re falling in love with her.”

  What? Impossible. Thomas released a light laugh and moved his focus back to the fire. Falling for her? No. Cared for her? Yes. Maybe even more than he wanted to admit, but he was not falling in love with her. He couldn’t even if he wanted to. She had a man waiting for her, and a much better life in Boston to return to.

  But could Nathaniel be right about her feelings for him? His friend was always keen on those kinds of things.

  Thomas shifted his weight and rested one hand on the smooth wood of the mantel. True, he’d seen the added spark in her gaze, noticed how she often found a reason for him to stay with her—just to talk. Surely there could be plausible explanations for all of that.

  And of course his reasons for wanting to be with her were perfectly normal. He was responsible for what had happened and he wanted to make sure she would be all right. That was all. Nothing more.

  “I’m correct, am I not?” Nathaniel’s taunting tone returned, yanking Thomas from his daydream.

  “No. You’re not correct. Not this time.”

  Thomas continued staring at the orange flames popping and juggling heat in front of him. He’d have to work extra hard at keeping his distance before his feelings burned as hot as the fire before him.

  “Not correct, you say?” Nathaniel walked toward the door and jested in a loud voice as he walked out of the house. “Oh, we’ll see about that, my friend. We’ll see about that.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The hazy autumn sunset filtered through the open curtains in Eliza’s cozy room and the bronze fire in the fireplace performed a welcoming dance. She drew in a long breath, savoring the scent of clean air that mixed with the musky aroma of colored leaves. Thomas had gone out briefly to get a few more supplies from the doctor and promised to only be gone an hour. It was still very dangerous for any of them to be out, but sometimes it could not be avoided.

  Alone, Eliza moved her hand across her belly. The wound continued to heal, thanks to God’s mighty hand and the good care Thomas and Kitty tenderly provided. She peered down at her toes and wiggled them under the quilted blanket. When she finally got out of bed, would her legs even remember how to walk?

  Her soft giggle echoed through the room. Oh, how she wanted to get out of that bed. Yet, how many days on their journey had she vowed that she would never walk again when they got to Thomas’s home?

  Her breath caught and she smoothed her fingers over the fabric at her neck.

  Thomas.

  His name sent a burst of flower petals showering down her skin. Here she was in his home—in his bed—wearing his shirt. Eliza’s mouth went dry and her cheeks scorched from the inside.

  She glanced at the door. How long would he be gone? His absence created a loneliness as deep as the well at their Boston home. She shook it off. Silly woman. She only cared for Thomas in a grateful way—just as anyone would care for the person who nursed them back from the very edge of death.

  It would be best to keep occupied while he was away. Otherwise, she might spend her time counting the minutes until he returned.

  “Kitty?” Eliza called. She hoped her sister could help her freshen up seeing as she’d really only had simple sponge baths since her harrowing ordeal.

  Kitty stepped up the stairs, wiping her hands on a blue and white-striped apron. Eliza smiled at the picture of domesticity that entered her room. She’d prayed with earnest that God would help Kitty accept their unusual situation and be content until things went back to normal. It looked like her prayers were working and she gave silent thanks for the miracle.

  “You’re looking even more lively today than yesterday.” Kitty’s smile encompassed her gentle features. She sat on the bed then lounged on one side, resting on her elbow. “Wasn’t it a glorious day? And the sunset is exquisite.”

  “Oh, it is. I love autumn most of all.” Eliza gazed out the window at the orange clouds waving above the line of trees. “How are you holding up? I’m not too much of a burden, am I? I feel so guilty. I need to be doing my share of the work.”

  Kitty reached out with her available hand and massaged Eliza’s calf. “I am finally able to do something in return for all the years you’ve sacrificed for me, Liza. You’re never a burden. It’s a blessing for me to serve you.”

  The genuine love in her sister’s eyes nourished the already growing lump in Eliza’s throat. The Lord truly was all-loving and all-powerful. He’d kept them safe despite such danger, Kitty was content and Eliza was alive. What more could they ask for?

  “I do have one request, Kitty,” she asked with a smirk on her lips.

  “Anything.”

  “I want to get up. I mean, really get up. Maybe take a few steps around the room. I need to get out of this shirt, wash my body and hair, and get into something that’s fresh and clean.”

  Kitty’s eyebrows dipped down. “I don’t think Thomas would approve.”

  A smile played across Eliza’s lips. “Yes, but Thomas isn’t here. Is he?” She practiced her best pathetic look and batted her eyes. “Please?”

  “I concede.” Kitty launched off the bed with a youthful spring and bounced out the door. “Who doesn’t like a bit of danger in their lives? For surely we shall be in danger should Thomas find out.” She winked. “I’ll get the water and be right back to help you.”

  She returned not five minutes later, bucket in hand, holding several towels and a clean garment under the other arm.

  “Alright.” Kitty peeled back Eliza’s coverings. “Don’t move too quickly. We don’t need Thomas coming home and finding you on the floor.”

  The caution was well advised, for simply sitting up straight caused considerable pain and the room began to spin.

  “I suppose you’re right.” Eliza gripped the edge of the bed. “I’ll just sit here. No use in over doing things.”

  “Good idea.” Kitty’s face relaxed as she moved Eliza’s legs to the side of the bed. “But now that you’re up, let’s wash you and get you out of that shirt. I’ll avoid your bandages since we just changed them.”

  Eliza slipped out of the shirt she’d worn for who knew how long and quickly covered her chest with her arms.

  Kitty giggled. “Don’t worry. I closed the door, and he won’t be home for a while yet.”

  Eliza nodded, although the thought of him returning home while she was so exposed made her grip her arms even tighter.

  “You’re lucky I already had water on the fire, so this is warm. Why don’t you let me wash your neck and arms first, then I’ll work through that mess of tangles.”

  The mere thought of it was heavenly. “Thank you, Kitty. That would be wonderful.”

  Over the next thirty minutes the girls acted as relaxed as they would if they were in their own home. They talked and laughed, allowing themselves to be blissfully lost in conversation. Kitty left the room for a moment to grab another clean towel and left the door open when she returned.

  She helped Eliza into one of Thomas’s clean shirts, pulled her long, wet hair from her back, and plaited it into a perfect braid. “Why are you blushing, Eliza?” Kitty asked as a smirk toyed with her mouth.

  Eliza knew her sister well enough to detect the crack in her voice that meant she was teasing. She’d hoped Kitty wouldn’t notice the color in her cheeks. Wearing Thomas’s shirts seemed far too intimate, and she shouldn’t like it. But she did.

  “I’m not blushing, Kitty.”

  Her sister laughed out loud and pointed out the window. “Then why is your face as red as the leaves on that tree?”

  Eliza pinched her lips together, hoping if she ignored the comment her sister would change the subject.

  “I think you like Thomas,” Kitty said, as she continued working with Eliza’s hair.

  Eliza blinked with a quick laugh. “I do not like Thomas. Not in that way. He’s kind and generous and I appreciate all he’s done for me, but that is all.”


  “I don’t believe you. I see the twinkling in your eyes when he comes into the room. I see how you try not to smile too big when he looks at you.”

  “I have no idea what you’re—”

  Just then the door opened and closed downstairs.

  The girls froze and shared panicked expressions. They scrambled to get Eliza back in her usual position before he saw her.

  Too late.

  Eliza’s stomach collapsed. Thomas’s tall frame dominated the empty space in front of the open bedchamber door.

  “What are you doing?” His blue eyes were dark and worry dug itself deep into the muscles of his jaw. He hadn’t taken the time to remove his cloak and the long black fabric accentuated the dark of his hair and made his shoulders seem as wide as the doorframe.

  Eliza sat still, trying not to be overcome by the fluttering in her middle. Kitty too must have felt like a child who’d been caught in the middle of mischief, for she remained motionless.

  “I just wanted to get cleaned up. Is that such a crime?” Eliza wore an easy smile, hoping to massage away the frustration in his face.

  He shook his head like a father with two disobedient children, wiped off his cloak, and hung it over the chair by the table in the corner. “I leave you both for a moment and here you are trying to kill yourself all over again.”

  “It’s not as bad as all that, Thomas. I’m getting better.”

  Eliza tried lifting her legs back onto the bed to show her improvement, but she winced as a shooting pain gouged into her stomach. Thomas rushed to her side. He put one arm around her shoulder, the other under her knees, and lifted her back to her usual position.

  His face was much too close, the musky scent of his clothes much too inviting. His warm breath on her ear made her own breathing difficult.

  Eliza’s gaze moved to Thomas’s face as he propped the pillows behind her. He stilled when their gazes locked, only inches apart. His eyes transformed into sparkling sapphires and for a moment the world around her dissolved.

  “You just took another year off my life, Eliza.”

  His rich masculine voice sent a ripple of pleasure flowing down her skin and the compassion in his eyes made her heart stop beating. Why did he have to be so kind? Didn’t he know what it did to her?