Page 27 of Besotted
“Step aside and allow me to enter.” Rory had talked of Chester and their childhood together. No doubt she was accustomed to bossing him around, although she hadn’t struck me as a strong-willed woman.
“Please, lass. He’s indecent. It wouldn’t be proper, even with a chaperone.”
At the ensuing silence, I saw my chance of seeing her rapidly slipping away. I couldn’t let that happen. Suddenly, I didn’t know how I could go another day, not even another minute, without being with her.
I motioned to Jorg. “Cover me. Make haste.”
Jorg hesitated, glancing at Aunt Idony as if needing permission from her.
She nodded, her face reflecting weariness and age. “You may cover the wound for a short while.”
Jorg draped a blanket over me. After he finished and Aunt Idony opened the door to leave, Chester was the only one I could see. Rory was no longer there.
“I’m entirely modest and decent,” I called, hoping she could hear me wherever she was. “And am in desperate need of visitors.”
Chester peeked in, scowling at me, his hand moving to the knife sheathed at his belt. It was clear he didn’t want me in the cottage now any more than he had the eve I’d arrived. Jorg stepped between us, his fingers tight against his knife handle as well.
Aunt Idony whispered to Chester. He stepped stiffly aside, and a moment later, Rory appeared in the doorway. The morning sunshine streaming through the bedchamber window seemed to alight on her, giving her an ethereal glow. She wore a plain peasant skirt and tunic, and her fair hair hung in a simple braid over her shoulder, with loose tendrils framing her face. Even so simply attired, she was more beautiful than a dozen noblewomen wearing their fanciest gowns and jewels.
My breath stuck in my chest, and my heart refused to beat. All I could do was stare.
She anxiously examined me, as though attempting to judge the extent of my injuries. And I was relieved for Aunt Idony’s prudence in sheltering Rory from seeing the wound. If it looked anything like it felt, I had no doubt the sight of it would turn her stomach.
“How are you faring today?” She started across the room toward me.
“Better now that you’re here.” It was the kind of flattery I’d wielded many times with other women, but with Rory it was actually true.
I thought I heard Chester snort from the doorway.
“Tell me the truth. How is your wound?” She stopped at the edge of the bed and lowered herself to a crouch so she was more at my level.
“Truly. Your presence is the medicine I’ve needed.”
Another snort, this one more distinct, came from Chester’s direction.
Rory cast him a brittle look. “You may close the door.”
“Absolutely not. The door stays open, and I stay right here.”
“Kresten’s companion will act as our chaperone.”
“And I will too.”
Rory and Chester locked glares. Perhaps Aunt Idony would need to intervene again.
Thankfully, Jorg broke the tension. “Here, you’ll be more comfortable sitting.” He placed his stool next to Rory and motioned to it.
“Thank you for your kindness.” She took her place on it, arranging her frayed skirt over her feet, but not before I saw her toes. She was barefoot again. “And thank you for bringing Kresten here. Aunt Idony says in doing so, you saved his life.”
Jorg bowed his head slightly. “I’m grateful your aunt is willing to assist him. She’s very skilled.”
“Yes, she is quite gifted in the healing arts.”
Aunt Idony had implied that Rory’s visit must be kept short, and I wanted to make the most of every second with her. So when Jorg opened his mouth to continue the conversation, I spoke first. “I regret that I’m displacing you from your chamber.”
“Think nothing of it.” She folded her hands in her lap and studied them. “I am bedding down with my aunts in the dormer room above.”
“We shall not stay long—”
