Page 53 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

For Jethro’s sake—and her own.

Chapter 29

When Jethro awoke, the room was dark. No, not quite. There was a dull light coming from somewhere nearby.

What time was it? How long had he been asleep? Why did everything ache so much? His head throbbed just trying to grapple with such simple questions.

He turned over in his bed, struggling to find a more comfortable position, and his nostrils were assailed with a scent that didn’t belong there. It was familiar, but he couldn’t quite remember why.

Lavender. Yes, that was it. His pillow reminded him of Cassandra. She always smelled of lavender.

He shifted again, inhaling deeply. Why did his pillows smell of his wife?

A hand reached out in the semi-darkness and mopped his brow. Oh, the coolness of the water felt so good.

Then the hand moved lower, spreading the coolness down his neck, over his shoulders and down over his chest. It was blissful.

As the heat faded from his body, he drifted once more into sleep.

When Jethro awoke again, the room was brighter. The shutters were part opened, letting in some light from outside.

Good heavens. What time was it? He needed to be in the warehouse, preparing for tomorrow’s shipment.

He tried to sit up, but fell back on his pillows as a gentle hand stopped him.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake at last,” Cassandra said, laying a palm across his forehead. “The fever has broken. I believe we have turned the corner. How do you feel?”

He dismissed the question as irrelevant. What did it matter how he felt?

“I’m needed down at the harbour.”

“You’re not going anywhere, Jethro.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is my house and—”

“I thought your docility could not last.”

Jethro scowled. What was she talking about?

“It is time for another dose of your medicine.”

“I don’t need it.”

Cassandra pursed her lips. “Don’t be difficult. If you won’t submit, I’ll get Wilkes to pin you down.”

“Ha! The man wouldn’t dare.”

“Wilkes.”

Jethro’s valet appeared from the dressing room. “Yes, madam?”

“Mr Hunt needs your assistance. Perhaps you could help him sit up while I give him this draught.”

“Very good, madam.”

Wilkes threaded his arms underneath Jethro’s and hauled him to sit upright in the bed. It was only then that Jethro realised his chest was bare.

He shot a look at his wife, but she was busy preparing the medicine. Had she…?