Free Grasso, Patricia by Love in a Mist Page B

said with an easy smile, stepping forward to kiss her hand. "I knew we would meet again, my beauty."
    Keely's hand trembled in his. Her head spun dizzily, and her stomach churned in response to the topsy-turvy spinning.
    "I think I'm going to be sick," Keely cried as the world inside the hall became unfocused, and she found refuge in a faint.
    "She's swooning," Richard said. He caught her before she hit the floor and lifted her into his arms.
    "Oh, dear!" the countess cried.
    "This way, Devereux," the duke ordered. "Carry her upstairs."
    Richard followed Duke Robert out of the hall, past the surprised retainers who'd been eavesdropping in the foyer, and up the stairs to one of the bedchambers. Behind them marched Lady Dawn, Odo, and Hew. At the countess's order, the two Welsh giants waited in the corridor.
    Setting Keely down on the bed, Richard stared at the face that had haunted his dreams the previous night. She was even more exquisite than he remembered—her beauty and fragility reminded him of a rare exotic butter-fly.

    Keely regained consciousness slowly. When her eyes fluttered open, she found the earl's vivid emerald gaze fixed upon her and worry etched across his features. Keely looked at Duke Robert's expression of concern and tried to rise.
    "Stay down and rest a moment," Richard said, his hands gently pressing her back onto the bed. Keely did as she was told.
    "Do you have any pain?" Lady Dawn asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
    Keely shook her head, but the movement made her stomach churn. She covered her mouth with her hand.
    "Was it something you ate?" Richard asked.
    "No, your presence at the tavern last night ruined my supper."
    His emerald gaze narrowed on her. "Breakfast, then?"
    "I had none," she answered.
    "Child, when did you eat last?" Duke Robert asked.
    " 'Twas supper, the day before yesterday."
    "Silly chit," Lady Dawn said, relieved the malady was so easily cured.
    Keely watched the countess cross the chamber, open the door, and call for Meade. Within minutes, the servant appeared, listened to her softly spoken instructions, and then left to do her bidding.
    "You'll feel better shortly, my dear," Duke Robert said.
    "Lady Dawn has ordered a light lunch for you," the earl told her.
    "Afterward, you'll sleep," the duke added. "You're not to rise from that bed until tomorrow."
    Keely realized they were being kind, but she felt so conspicuous lying on the bed while the earl's intense gaze devoured her. In truth, he appeared hungrier than she.
    "I'll see you out," Duke Robert said, drawing the earl's attention.
    Before leaving, Richard smiled at Keely. "I'm certain you'll be feeling better soon," he said.
    "What about my cousins?" Keely called as the two men reached the door. "Odo and Hew need me."
    "Your cousins will enjoy my hospitality for as long as they wish," Duke Robert assured her.
    Keely's gaze slid from her father to the earl, whose expression had become unreadable. She nodded once and lay back against the pillows.
    "Keely is well. 'Tis only hunger that made her faint," Duke Robert informed Odo and Hew, who still waited in the corridor. "Return to the hall, and Meade will provide you with a meal and a place to perch."
    "Thank you, Your Grace," Odo said, his gaze fixed warily on the earl.
    "Aye, 'tis kind of you," Hew added. "I mean, considering the fact you're English and all."
    Odo cuffed the side of his brother's head and apologized. "He's an idiot and don't know any better, Your Grace."
    "I understand," Duke Robert replied, struggling against a smile as the two Welshmen hurried away. Turning to Richard, he said, "You will excuse me, Devereux? I want to sit with my daughter while she eats."
    Richard nodded, glanced at the closed bedchamber door, and asked, "May I have your permission to call upon Lady Keely?"
    Duke Robert chuckled and slapped his shoulder in camaraderie. "I had the same reaction the first time I set my eyes on her mother," he said. "However, I know of your reputation with