Free What a Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall Page A

them?” Meg said.
    â€œNo. In fact, he’s refused my offer to write to anyone at all on his behalf.”
    Meg frowned. “He’s a proud man, and he’s been through a lot. Perhaps when he gets to Temberlay Castle—­”
    Delphine felt electricity course through her body. “Temberlay?”
    â€œYes. Fairlie would have been forced to have Stephen incarcerated, given the severity of the accusations against him, but Nicholas has agreed to take charge of him until the court-­martial.”
    Delphine felt indignation rise. “Stephen’s seriously wounded, and blind. He’s hardly likely to tie his sheets together and escape out the window.”
    Meg shrugged. “Still, Fairlie cannot be seen to take sides one way or the other. Stephen must be available to face the charges. How would it look if he did not appear at the court-­martial?”
    â€œI see.” Delphine felt panic rise in her breast. “When will you leave?”
    â€œWithin the week. The surgeon says Stephen is nearly well enough to travel.”
    â€œA week!” One week, and he would be gone. She felt the loss of him already, her belly hollow, her heart clenching in her chest.
    â€œYou said yourself he is improving every day,” Meg reminded her, sipping her tea.
    â€œYes, but not enough to travel, surely.” Delphine set her teacup down. “This explains why Eleanor is insisting I return home to England at once.”
    â€œReally?” Meg’s eyes lit up. “Then why not travel with us? Nicholas wants to leave for home as soon as possible, because of the baby. I would be delighted to have your company. My poor husband is always fussing over me, putting pillows under my feet, and bringing me goat’s milk to drink, which I detest, because he’s heard it’s best for both mother and child. I can speak to Eleanor, but I’m sure she’ll agree. How could she not? You’ll be safe with Nicholas and me.”
    Delphine held her breath. “Truly?”
    â€œIndeed.”
    Delphine considered. And what would happen when she arrived in England? Her mother would insist she resume her old life—­husband hunting and political visits on behalf of the causes her father supported in government. She couldn’t bear that, not now. And Stephen needed her, didn’t he? She knew how to bandage his wounds, how to soothe away his nightmares. Yes, he needed her.
    She took a chance. “Meg, do you think I might come and stay with you at Temberlay for a little while? My mother will expect me to spend the summer in the country with her, and she will summon me to her rooms daily to consider endless lists of potential husbands. In between, I shall be expected to change my gown three times a day, read improving books and charm Papa’s friends. I can’t face going back to that yet. I think I’ll go mad.”
    Meg’s eyes lit. “I would be so happy if you came to Temberlay. There won’t be a lot to do, but we’ll have time to talk, stroll in the gardens, and enjoy the summer. I daresay we could both use a little peace after being here in Brussels.” She looked at her friend carefully. “Stephen will travel with us as well, of course. Will you mind that? Nicholas needs to find a servant for him, someone who can assist him.”
    â€œNo I won’t mind,” Delphine said quickly, and considered. “There’s a soldier in the hospital now. He was struck in the face with a lance or a bayonet, perhaps. He’s been helping us with the heavy lifting, even assisting the surgeon when necessary. He’s more than able to handle Stephen—­in fact, he’s hardly left his side in the past days. He’s as big as a bull, but gentle too.”
    Meg nodded. “Does he know about the charges against Stephen?”
    Delphine frowned. “I suppose he might. If he does, it hasn’t affected the way he treats