“Your heart belongs to a dead woman,” she spat out. She immediately clapped her hand to her mouth, horrified by her venomous tone. “Forgive me.”
He shrugged fatalistically as he handed her one of her slippers. “There is nothing to forgive. I took advantage of you. For that I apologize. I am only glad I had the presence of mind to stop when I did.”
“Oh, Blake,” she said sadly. “Eventually, you're going to have to allow yourself to stop hurting. Marabelle is gone. You're still here, and there are people who love you.”
It was as close to a declaration as she was willing to make. She held her breath, waiting for his reply, but he just handed her her other slipper.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I'll go inside now.”
“Yes.” But when she didn't immediately move he said. “Do you plan to sleep in the washing room?”
“I hadn't really thought about it.”
“I'd give you my bed but I don't trust Penelope not to come in and check on me in the night. She occasionally forgets her younger brother has grown up.”
“It must be nice to have a sister.”
He looked away. “Take the pillows and blankets off my bed. I'm sure you can fashion something comfortable.”
She nodded and started to walk away.
“Caroline?”
She whirled around, hope flaring in her eyes.
“Lock the door behind you.”