Free A Bride for Alfie (Yorkshire Brides) by Kimberly Luke Page B

rest.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “I am, please.”
    Audra turned and left him alone.
    As she lay trying to go to sleep she wondered who Eva was, and why his words had unsettled her.

Chapter 2
    By the time Alfie awoke, the morning sun had infiltrated every corner of the chamber. He had not slept most of the night; his arms were throbbing, but his headache had subsided. He tried to scoot up in the bed, which sent his back into a spasm, so he settled for his prone position.
    He had dreamt of Eva last night. A part of him would always love his brother’s beautiful wife as more than just a sister-in-law. Damn, I’m wretched.
    The door opened, and the woman they called Mira entered. “I have some food for you Mr. Lockwood. I know you are not able to feed yourself with those broken wings so I will take care of you. First, we are going to have to prop you up a bit. I will be right back.”
    Alfie prayed his beautiful angel would save him once more. He re-opened his eyes, and there she stood.
    “Good morning, Mr. Lockwood.”
    “Good morning Angel.”
    “Angel... Some of your spirit must have returned during the night; nevertheless, it is Miss Parker to you,” she said with her hands on her perfect hips. “I am going to help Mira prop you up so you can eat.”
    Mira returned. The movement once again caused him excruciating pain in his lower back.
    Miss Parker caressed his cheek. “I am sorry. I am going to ask Robert to take another look at your back when he comes by.”
    Mira interrupted. “I have him now Miss Parker you may return to your correspondence.”
    Apparently having recognized his disappointment, his angel intervened. “I am fine Mira, I will see to Mr. Lockwood’s breakfast.”
    “I’m close if you have need of me Miss,” Mira said before taking her leave.
    Miss Parker sat upon the chair Mira had placed next to the bedside. The chair was not of sufficient height for her purpose, which resulted in a delectable view of porcelain décolletage as she fed him.
    “Mr. Lockwood, is there anyone I may write to let them know you are in our care?”
    He focused on her question a moment longer than necessary in order to allow his ardor to subside. “My sister will not miss me for a month, which is when I must return for her wedding. My steward at Lockwood Farm has no reason to expect my arrival.”
    “Surely someone of the feminine persuasion will be waiting to hear you safely arrived at your destination?”
    What a curious question, he thought. “Sadly, Miss Parker, the answer is still no.”
    Halting her ministrations she pressed him. “I feel compelled to let someone know of your condition. It is going to take nearly two months for your arms to heal.”
    “Sincerely Miss Parker, I would not wish to alarm anyone at home. They all have their own issues to deal with; you and Dr. Shirley are taking excellent care of me, and I have every reason to expect a full recovery.” He gave her one of his signature charming smiles.
    Her brow still furrowed, she appeared unconvinced; nevertheless, she let it go for the time being, and continued feeding him. A few moments had passed in silence before her face lit up once again. “I would be happy to wash your hair this evening if you would like.” Her desire to please him evident.
    “Miss Parker, a hair washing would be glorious.”
    Smiling, she rose with the now empty bowl. “Get some rest, and I will check in on you later.”
    He knew Nora, and Eva would be furious with him for keeping his misadventure from them, but Nora was busy preparing for her wedding; Eva and his brother had just announced the forthcoming arrival of their second child. Truth be told, half of the reason he made this trip was to save himself the torture of watching the woman he loved with his half-brother. A brother he was just starting to rebuild a relationship with.
    His mind wandered back to his beautiful angel, when he saw her glide past outside the window. Perhaps she could soothe his