Free My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Hazel Statham Page B

taking in her softened features, his own softening in his contemplation. It was with some reluctance that he returned his attention to Hills who hovered uncertainly by the bed. Running his hand over the dark stubble that covered both cheek and chin he requested soap and razor and was relieved to find his hands steady enough to complete the task of shaving himself with a certain degree of efficiency. Never would he have welcomed the services of his valet more.
    As Hills removed the shaving implements, the duke said in the same hushed tones, “It is time to recommence our journey. Have you secured suitable mounts?”
    “I have been able to purchase three horses, sir,” Hills replied, “but whether you will think them suitable, I know not, but they are all that is available in the village.” He looked toward Jane’s sleeping form, still somewhat uncertain of the prudence of not waking her as she had directed the previous evening.
    The duke spoke with quiet determination. “Then I want you to contact Patterson and tell him that we intend to leave for Elvas today.”
    “You have not the strength, sir.”
    “I shall have whatever strength is necessary. Do not think to cross me in this.”
    Whilst Hills was below stairs ordering breakfast before seeking out Patterson, Robert threw back the covers to rise, using the back of the chair that stood at the side of the bed as support. He was not prepared for the weakness that threatened to overcome him as he raised himself from the mattress but he forced himself to a standing position. With great effort, he donned his breeches and shirt that been placed over a screen to the right of the bed but as his head still swam with the effort of rising, he deemed it wise not to attempt to try to retrieve his top boots. It would involve reaching under the bed and he was not certain that his head would survive the effort. He was just in the process of drawing on his hose when Jane stirred and caught sight of him sitting on the side of the bed. She gave a cry of surprise and was immediately on her feet.
    “Whatever are you doing out of bed?” she demanded hastening to his side.
    “As you see, my dear, I am getting dressed,” he replied, continuing with his task. “I have lain abed long enough. Must needs we now go to Harry and the babe.”
    “What is the sense of setting out on a journey that will almost certainly spell disaster?” she pleaded. Then as if playing her trump card, “We have no carriage, so how do you intend to proceed? Tell me that!”
    “We are more resourceful than that, my girl,” he teased, attempting to lighten her obvious anxiety for his health. “Hills has managed to acquire three mounts, we should be able to reach Elvas by nightfall.” He placed his hands on her shoulders as she stood before him and in a softer voice said, “My kind little nurse, I have thwarted your plans long enough. I shall do well enough, believe me. We now have two goals to achieve and neither will wait.”
    Seeing the concern in her eyes, he returned to his heartening manner. “Come now, Jane, don’t be so poor-spirited. All will be well. To use your own turn of phrase, I am as right as a trivet! See, I can even bend to put my boots on.” So saying he leaned forward to retrieve them from beneath the bed whereupon she was instantly on her knees ready to assist.
    Pushing him upright, she reached for the boots herself. “It will not do for you to try too much so soon,” she chided. “If you will disregard all sense, at least be prepared to accept assistance.”
    “Humph,” was his only reply.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Proctor, a tall, well-built man with swarthy features stood eyeing the three animals now tethered outside the small inn. He would not qualify them with the name of horses for none could aspire to that title. The small roan mare fitted with the ladies saddle had been pretty enough in her prime, but through long misuse was now sway-backed and broken