The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(6)

Sarah sighed and rested her hand on his shoulder again. "I'm so sorry to hear that."



He shrugged one shoulder in its ill-fitting frayed coarse shirt. "I don't mind if the things go to poor people who really need them. I'm not so sure that was always the case. Still, I'm well enough off. I have more than many people. And is it not a sin to provoke envy in others?"



She replied gently, "I'm sure you didn't do it on purpose. And envy is usually the fault of the covetous one, not the one whose possessions are coveted. Moreover, if you don't mind me saying so, it's evident you've suffered a great deal. I'm not sure how you think it is that people would envy a blind man."



He laughed shortly, a mirthless sound. "If you'd met some of the men I have, you would know. At least I have all of my arms and legs. And I'm still alive. It's more than I can say for a lot of other poor buggers. Excuse my language, but-"



Sarah patted his shoulder. "No, it's quite all right, I understand. My brother and most of his close friends served in the war. I know exactly what you mean."



She suppressed a shudder as she recalled the events which had set her brother on his current path, now serving as a vicar in his friend's parish.



"If you don't mind," her companion said when he had finished swallowing a mouthful of cheese, "for one night I should like not to have to talk about the war, or my blindness, or anything unpleasant."



"I'll do my best." She looked around the room for inspiration, and then asked, "Do you like music?"



His face lit up. "I love it."



"Then I'll play the pianoforte for you whilst you eat, so you won't be obliged to have any conversation at all for the moment."



He named readily enough the Beethoven piece she chose, Fur Elise, and sat back and closed his eyes, letting the glorious music wash over him. She knew she did not play very well technically, the way her sister-in-law Pamela did, for example. She did play with passion and verve. At the end of her performance, he applauded.



"That was wonderful."



"Thank you. You're too kind. And now, I think our meal will be just about ready to serve."



"It smells delicious," he said, his mouth watering at the prospect of a hot meal, let alone one with meat. Beef, no less.



"Jenny is an excellent cook. She and Caleb are very kind people too. Anything you need, please don't be shy about asking. My home is your home," she reassured him.



She felt an unexpected tingle of warmth and blush of delight at the words. Only a few short hours ago, she had been facing the prospect of being all alone and lonely while her friends were all away. Now she had the most remarkable man staying with her, sharing her home with her like...



Like a husband.



She tried to quash the thought again. Like a friend. Her brother's friend, she told herself firmly.



"Come this way, Sir."



He held out his arm. "You'll need to guide me."



She took his hand in her own once more, and white hot sparks flew up and down her arm.



Another shocked look at his handsome face was enough to give her the elusive clue she had been missing all along whenever she thought of her poor friend Jane Eltham, who had once been engaged to her brother Jonathan, but had eloped with a most unsuitable man instead. She thought she could understand her actions now. For surely this had to be romantic attraction. Desire. She touched his hand, and all her limbs trembled, while molten pools of heat flooded her belly.



Desire. Strong enough to make a woman throw all caution to the winds for the pleasures it could confer, the dreams dangling just out of reach, but near enough if she chose to reach out to grasp them.



His fingers interlaced with hers, notching up her heartbeat, catching her breath. Good Lord, it was worse than a hunger for food!



She snapped out of her sensual spell with a jolt. "This way. You must be famished."



"Just glad to be with you safe and sound," he replied.



He was perfectly polite, not the least bit flirtatious, but Sarah shivered at his nearness all the same. If she wasn't mistaken, the tight grip on her fingers hinted that he too might be starving for a completely different banquet of delights as well.





Chapter Two



Sarah led her mysterious companion to the dining room by the arm. She said a devout prayer over the food, then put his hands on the table so he could find his cutlery and glass.



"More beer, or wine?" she offered the handsome stranger.



"Wine, please, and some water as well. I find I'm very thirsty."



"I'm sure. With all that dust on the road, you must be parched."



"Not much dust now, more like mud," he remarked, listening to the steady thrumming of the rain upon the roof.