He laced his fingers into hers. Truly, he wanted to hold her to his chest in comfort but it would be foolish to do so. That sort of contact would break down the barriers between them. And he would not take advantage of this woman when she was at her most desperate.
Besides, for his own sake, he wouldn’t allow a woman to breech his defenses again. Her soft vulnerability called to him in a way he hadn’t experienced in ages. The one time he had allowed a woman to do so, he’d fallen blindly in love and hadn’t realized, until it was too late, that she cared only for his title.
He raised Ella’s hand to his lips and softly kissed the back. “This room is yours, sleep well,” he said. “I will see you in the morning.” Then he turned on his heel and left before he acted on his desire to hold her and risk letting her slip past the walls guarding his emotions.
Chapter Three
After he left, Ella clasped her hands in front of her stomach. She’d upset him, why else would he have gone so abruptly? Biting her lip, she reviewed the conversation but could find nothing amiss with her words.
She moved back to the fire. Her hair needed to dry so she could go to sleep. A glorious-looking bed filled the center of the room. Having been without one for the past several days, and even before that—she’d slept on a thin mattress stuffed with old straw—it looked so inviting, she could hardly wait to fall into it.
Finally abandoning the task of drying her hair, she quickly braided it and slipped between the covers. A warming pan had been placed in the center, and Ella carefully removed it and then pulled the heated bedding over her. A tear slipped down her cheek as the feather mattress cushioned her body.
This bed represented warmth, safety, and precious care. Gratitude swelled in her chest. She’d do anything she could for Matthew, she swore to herself, as she drifted off to sleep. He had pulled her from the brink of hell.
She woke with sun shining brightly through her window, wondering what time it could possibly be. Blinking, she became aware of several things. Her room was stunning. Silk drapes covered the windows and intricately carved furniture graced the walls. A floral-patterned wallpaper added a subtle warmth to the décor. It had been difficult to judge the room’s size in the dark. It was larger than her father’s chamber had been at home and every item was of the finest quality.
A maid quietly arranged items on the dressing table that Ella hadn’t seen in weeks. An ivory-handled brush and mirror, pins, powders and perfumes alighted the surface. She had to confess, just to smell them would be a treat.
The woman turned to her, smiled politely, and a curtseyed. “Good morning, miss. Can I be of assistance?”
It was the same woman who had attended her the night before. Ella threw back the covers with a nod. Not only were there personal items for her use, but more clothes had been brought in as well. Several minutes later, the maid finished buttoning a beautiful gown made of the highest quality wool and dyed a pale pink color and Ella smiled at the lady reflecting in the mirror. She’d missed seeing her, missed being her. She’d come back to life.
“Thank you for your help.” She smiled at the woman.
The maid curtsied then retreated. “My pleasure.”
“Wait,” she called. “Do you…” she paused, her cheeks heating that she even had to ask. “Do you know anything about the gentleman I am staying with?”
The woman stared at her without a word. “Not much, miss. Just that he is kind to the staff and rarely has visitors, current company excluded,” she said. “I do know that he works closely with an earl and a duke. He’s sent several missives and received even more.”
Ella stood. “Thank you,” she replied as she straightened the already perfectly straight items upon the vanity. It was a way to keep from looking the woman in the eye. The maid would have the same assumption she herself had last night. The only reason Matthew would bring a woman here was for his own pleasure.
The maid left and Ella looked about the room. Was he a solicitor? He must have been a very good one to have such fine rooms? Perhaps a businessman? It mattered not, she supposed, as long as she could help him and he vice versa.
Finding no other reason to delay, she stepped into the common room to find Matthew waiting for her. Another buffet of food had been laid out for them. She wasn’t sure why she hesitated other than she was nervous to see him again.
He turned to her, his eyes lighting with approval. “You look beautiful this morning.”
“This gown is too fine. You didn’t have to spend this much coin for me.” Heat filled her cheeks. His gaze was disconcerting at best and she worried that he was doing too much for her. Her concern was for him, of course. But also for herself. If she made herself less of a burden, perhaps he wouldn’t grow tired of caring for her. And she needed to remain in his care if only to figure out how to care for herself.
But he gave her an easy grin. “It isn’t nearly nice enough. Please sit and eat, then we can discuss the particulars of the day.”
She nodded, the aroma of toast and pork belly making her mouth water. It looked and smelled delicious. Hot tea steamed beside her plate and another lost piece of herself seemed to fit back into place. They ate in silence, though she found she quite liked it. It wasn’t awkward but comfortable. When they’d both finished, Matthew looked up at her again.
Her breath caught. His eyes were no less deep in the light of day than they’d been the night before. In fact, he was even more handsome now. His dark hair brushed neatly back from the square line of his jaw, his full lips curved in a pleasant smile. “Today, we shop.”
“Shop?” she asked, squinting, pulse fluttering in her throat. “Truly, I need no more from you.”
He gave her another smile that stole her breath. “If you are worried I’ll spend too much, you needn’t. I can assure you, it’s a very small sum to me.”
“But I don’t need all these clothes, honestly.” She leaned forward, hoping to impress her point upon him.
“It will make it easier for us to be seen together. I have informed the staff that you are my wife and that you arrived in town last evening.”
She blinked at him several times. “Wife? But I arrived dressed as a tavern wench. I—”
“The maid who attended you has been amply rewarded for her loyalty and discretion on the matter.” He waved his hand. “Whatever clothes we purchase will be yours to keep.”