The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(8)

At length he calmed, slumping against the back of his chair. He sighed heavily and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I get blinding headaches from time to time."



He rubbed his forehead hard, until she feared that he would hurt himself and tugged his wrist away.



"I'll fetch you something for it if you like."



"It's all right. It's easing now," he said through tautened white lips.



"Are you fit to have your bath? It might calm the pain."



He smiled at her wanly. "I think it might help."



"Very well, Caleb will assist you."



"No, really. There's no need. I wouldn't want to put him and the other servants out, not at this time of evening."



"It's no trouble at all, actually. Besides, you'll need to learn how to work the plumbing system. It's a wonderful convenience, but I wouldn't wish you to burn yourself."



"How very modern to have indoor plumbing and running water."



"It was the first thing the Duke of Ellesmere insisted upon when we moved into this vicarage."



"You've been very lucky in your patron." Lover?



"Yes, he and my brother are great friends, and the Duke s wife Charlotte is very kind too."



He tried not to grin in relief at the news that the Duke was married. "So you live here alone with your brother."



"That's right. He's the vicar of Brimley and Eltham and he's just been married to one of the local women of good family, Pamela. They are on their honeymoon at the present time, but everyone in the parish will be lending a hand to keep things running smoothly," she added quickly so that the stranger did not think she was on her own an unattended in her brother's absence.



He did not seem to take the news of her being relatively unprotected in the house with any degree of note, and merely said, "I'm all ready. Please lead the way."



Sarah took him by the elbow and escorted him to the bathing chamber. She gave him a tour with his hands, making him start by walking into the room and staying close to the left-hand wall.



"Commode, sink, tub. Spigot. It pivots, do you see?"



"I understand. It can reach over to fill all three."



"Yes. Heater. The rubber bung is attached by a cord, and is just below this wall. And under the sink are drying cloths and soap, and various other items for your toilette which you should feel free to help yourself to. I'll show you in a minute. First let's get this tub filled."



She closed the plug hole, opened the spigot, and filled the tub about half full with warm but not scalding water.



As the water bubbled up she got out a toothbrush, toothpowder, soap, a flannel, and a shaving brush and soap in its small porcelain container. She stropped the razor and tested it.



She indicated to him each of the items she had laid out on the little shelf over the sink by placing his hand on each.



"But you have to promise me you won't try to shave yourself again. You look like you've been attacked by a gang of inefficient cutthroats."



He laughed mildly at that. "I can't abide a beard. So itchy."



"I understand. And why would you want to disguise perfection." She blushed as the words came tumbling out of her mouth before she even realized she had thought them.



He looked stunned but pleased. "Why, thank you, Miss. No one's ever said that to me before, though I know you're only being kind."



"I wasn't flattering you. You really do look most splendid, for all your careworn expression and dusty, ragged garments."



"Ragged indeed. Dusty and odiferous as well. I'll be dashed lucky if I haven't got vermin into the bargain. You will please ask your manservant to check? I hate to have to burden him like this, but I would never forgive myself if I repaid your kindness with fleas and lice."



"I should think you wouldn't be the only one," she said with a wry laugh. "But I'm sure we have some flea powder and lice solution here for when I go visiting in the local villages."



She searched at the back and fished the items out of the cabinet as well.



"Thank you. You really are a most extraordinary woman," he said gratefully. "Very kind and, well, reassuring. Do you mind if I ask how old you are?"



She cleared her throat. "Twenty-two."



He trembled a bit. It sounded so young to him, though he had no idea of his own age. "You seem far older, so capable. You must be a real blessing to your family and the villagers you're kind enough to help."



"I try to be. I'm only sorry my family and friends aren't all here to see you. I'm afraid you must find me rather dull company."



"Not at all. As I said, I wanted to eat dinner quietly. I'm so tired."