Fixing the pillow under her head, he said, “Go to sleep, Angel. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Nate softly closed the door and headed downstairs. A week of celibacy? With a woman in his bed who possessed the fascinating breasts he’d just ogled?
Nate poured a brandy, and after blowing out the lamps, stared out the window at the darkness while he sipped his drink.
It head been a truly memorable night, but not for the reasons he planned. He downed the rest of his brandy and set the glass in the sink.
Married only two days, and already his wife was driving him to drink.
Angel awoke with something nudging her neck. However slight that annoyance was, it was soon replaced by a painful throbbing in her side. Memories of yesterday’s accident, her embarrassment, and the doctor’s visit, washed over her.
The nudges began to feel good, and the sensations it caused somewhat diminished the pain. She kept her eyes closed, and enjoyed the feeling. Warmth spread through her, tingles swirled around her body. Her eyes shot open. The soft and gentle touches came from the man lying alongside her.
“Nate?” she said, frowning.
“Um,” came the reply. He was still asleep. She looked over her shoulder and his blond head nestled right next to hers. Further down, his mouth placed small kisses on her neck. Still feeling drowsy from the medicine, she sighed and fell back asleep.
The sun sat high the next time she awoke. But this time the rest of the bed remained empty. Her ribs thumped in rhythm with her heart, but since she needed to visit the privy, she sat up, and reached for the headboard to steady herself as a wave of dizziness swept over her. The pain left her breathless, and sweat beaded her forehead.
“Mrs. Hale, what are you doing?”
Startled, another pain shot through her ribs as she jerked. Mrs. Darby hustled around the bed with a look of horror on her kindly face.
“You can’t do anything strenuous for at least a week, Dr. Penrose said.”
“I’m sorry, but I must visit the privy.”
“No, dear. The privy is a long walk outside.” The woman eased her back down. “I’ll bring you a flat pan you can use.”
Angel gasped. “No, I think I can make it.”
“Now, don’t you worry. I nursed many a patient in my day, and this is just part of it.” Mrs. Darby spoke briskly as she hurried from the room, and returned in a few minutes with a pan that she deftly slid under Angel’s bottom. Ignoring her embarrassment, the woman handed her a cloth, and when she was finished, took the pan away. Angel eased back down, black dots dancing in front of her eyes at the movement.
“What can I get you for breakfast?” Mrs. Darby asked as she came back into the room.
“I’m not really hungry, thank you anyway.”
“We can’t have any of that. Dr. Penrose left medicine for you to take while you’re in pain. You must eat something or it may upset your stomach.” Mrs. Darby stood at the foot of the bed, hands clasped at her waist, and waited. It didn’t appear she would relent.
“Well, all right, maybe some bread and tea.”
“I’ll get it for you right now, and after you eat, I can brush your hair and help you wash up.”
The house was far too quiet. “Where is everybody?”
“At church.”
Nathan Hale got five children fed, dressed, and off to church? The man was a marvel. He’d sent for a bride to help with the chores and children, and so far all she’d done was make more work for him. The woman who used to assist with his family now took care of her instead.
“Mr. Hale can certainly handle things quite well. I wonder why he felt the need for a wife.” Angel hated the self-pity in her voice.
Mrs. Darby tsked. “Don’t you fret. You’ll be up and about in no time and able to take over the chores. Believe me, he needs the help.” She winked as she left the room.
If that was meant to comfort her, it didn’t. He’d get no more help when she was up and about than he had now. At least her injury gave her time to consider her situation and try to find a solution.
Nate steered his wagon into the lot next to The First Methodist Church. Mark and the twins hopped down and scattered as they spotted friends. Matt jiggled Julia-Rose and tapped his foot as he waited for Nate to take his sister from his arms.
Although several people congratulated Nate as he headed to the front door, the good wishes were mixed with questions about his missing wife. “Not feeling well,” seemed to satisfy most of the curiosity.