Page 65 of Calling on the Matchmaker
“And stay with Riley unchaperoned?”
She waved a hand at Riley’s prostrate form. “Why would we need a chaperone under these circumstances? Riley’s too sick to notice me here. And if he wakes, he’ll be angry and send me on my way.”
“True enough.” Bellamy stared at Riley as though he was seeing inside Riley’s head.
Was Bellamy agreeing that Riley would be angry because of the breakup or because she’d exposed herself to cholera?
“I’ll draw more water for you and bring it up so you won’t be needing to go out.”
“Thank you, Bellamy.” She didn’t think she’d need to give Riley much more of the sugar-salt water, but she might as well have extra water at her disposal just in case. If she should need to fetch water, she’d discovered earlier that the closest pump was down the street, and she didn’t want to leave Riley alone any longer than was necessary.
Bellamy made short work of going after the water. Upon his return, his footsteps clomped heavily down the hallway, but then he halted suddenly and released a soft groan.
Was Bellamy getting sick now? She shook her head firmly, as if her silent protest could somehow prevent it.
At another groan, she jumped from the chair she’d positioned back at Riley’s bedside and strode out of the room.
“Bellamy, is everything alright?” The moment she stepped out of the room, he stumbled, then tripped. As he did so, the full pail in his hand tilted, and water flew directly toward her. She had no time to duck or dodge out of the way. A deluge splashed against her chest and ran down the length of her gown. Icy-cold water.
She sucked in a sharp breath as it drenched her and made contact with her skin.
Bellamy straightened himself and then looked from the pail to her gown and back. “Guess I’m more tired than I realized and getting clumsy.”
She held her arms wide. Her gown was more than just a little wet. It was uncomfortably so. But what did that matter if Bellamy was sick now too?
She searched his face for signs of his distress. His skin was its natural swarthy color, his shoulders edged with strength, his body exuded energy. The only thing different was the glimmer in his eyes. Was he finding mirth in her predicament?
What if he’d planned to splash her with water in order to force her to leave Riley’s apartment and return home? He’d assume she’d want to change garments. But once home, he’d make certain she stayed there for the night to ensure that she was safe and secure.
“I know what you’re up to, Bellamy McKenna.” She fisted her hands on her hips.
“Oh, aye, do you now?” His eyes narrowed enough for her to know he was hiding something and that she was right.
“You made up the groaning to get me out here so you could toss water on me purposefully.”
“Is that a fact?”
“’Tis one if I ever saw so.”
“And whyever would I be wanting to toss water on youpurposefully?”
“Because you don’t think I should be staying here overnight with Riley, and you’re trying to send me home.”
“Oh?” His brows shot up.
Had she guessed wrong? She hesitated.
He dropped his sights to her wet gown, which was growing increasingly cold. “Naturally you have no choice but to go home.”
“I do have a choice, and I’ll be staying here.”
“Not in a wet garment, you won’t. And dontcha be telling me you’re planning to take it off.”
She held out the soggy skirt. Aye, that’s what she’d do. She’d take off the gown. “I’ll lay it out in front of the stove. By morning it’ll be dry enough to don.”
Bellamy pursed his lips and shook his head.
She lifted her chin and glared at him. “You know nothing will happen. Besides, my whole family is away, and the gossipmongers won’t have to know I didn’t come home for the night.”
