The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(21)

She looked at him in surprise. "Er, yes, that's true. You remember. Indeed, all of Europe has suffered since then. But come, you must be weary. Let's tuck these hot water bottles around you once again. And do you need more bedclothes, or another set of blankets?"



"No, I'm very snug."



"I'll throw more wood on the fire and put the screen over it so you'll have a nice warm room in the morning," she said, moving over to the hearth.



"Miss Deveril--"



"Sarah, please. After all, we are cousins now."



"Very well. Sarah." He blushed. "I just want to say how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. Not everyone would be so kind."



"Please, Alexander, if you're family, and we're going to be spending a great deal of time together helping you to find your way, so to speak, you must stop thanking me. It's my pleasure."



"But how do you know--" He sighed, and his face closed up against her.



"How do I know what?" she prompted gently.



"How do you know I'm not some horrible, dangerous man with a vile past?"



She poked the logs in the hearth vigorously. "The truth is I don't. But I'm willing to take it on trust. You haven't done or said anything that would cause me the slightest bit of unease.



"And as for taking things on faith alone, after all, you've had to do the same, haven't you? How did you know that I wouldn't rob you as soon as you stepped into the house? How do you know I won't take the money you so foolishly told me was sewn into your clothes?"



He gave a small smile. "I see what you mean. I've taken a lot on trust as well. But, I could tell from the sound of your voice. The way you were so concerned in getting me in out of the storm. The way you haven't asked too many difficult questions, but have concentrated on my resting and regaining my strength. And Caleb and Jenny seem very kind. I'm sure they wouldn't work for anyone dishonest or cruel."



Sarah gave a wry laugh. "I find people will work for anyone if they're desperate enough. But here at the vicarage, we try to do good for everyone who comes to us, no matter how lost." She rose from the hearth, and put the fire screen over the front of the hearth. She dusted off her hands and turned to face the spectacularly handsome half-naked man in the bed.



"You, Alexander, are very lost at the minute. In pain, and frightened too. I'll do what I can to help you and get you well. Finding out who you are is going to take time and patience. I can't guarantee that we'll find your home, your family. I certainly can't promise that all the answers will be pleasant ones. But I'll be with you every step of the way for as long as you need me." She adjusted the fire screen to be sure no embers could cast onto the carpet, and stepped back over to the bed.



"Jonathan and Pamela will help too, I'm sure. As soon as they find out what's happened, they'll be glad to come to your aid. And the Rakehells can always be counted on, if need be. The Duke of Ellesmere is a good man. If anyone can help uncover your past, it will be him or Jonathan."



Alexander reached for her hand and pressed it warmly. "Thank you so much. It's a great burden off my mind, Sarah. Just knowing you believe in me, trust me is a gift from God." He moved down into the bed and laid his head on the snowy pillow at last. "My head feels much better now. I think I can fall asleep."



"Good. If you're sure."



"I'll be fine."



"Very well. I'll trust you on your own in that case."



"I'm not in that much despair," he protested.



His manner was so agitated, she could see her words had touched a sore point. It made her all the more worried about watching him, though he wouldn't like it if he knew.



"No, I didn't mean I thought you would do anything foolish," she said hastily. "You have far too much strength of character and courage for that. I meant that I don't want you tossing and turning all night fretting yourself over things that are beyond your control."



"You're right. I'm sorry. I overreacted."



"Not at all," she replied softly. "Many men would be tempted simply to put an end to such suffering. But I have faith in you, Alexander, and you must have faith in the Lord."



He nodded. "I do try."



"All right, then, have faith in me," she urged, taking his right hand in both her own. "It will all be well, I promise. I shall see you in the morning. The bell pull is just by the bedpost. Ring when you want hot water and breakfast."



"Thank you. You're too kind."



"Nonsense, Cousin," she said in a light, bantering tone. "This is your home now, Alexander, for as long as you need it. There's no need to thank me. Good night."