Page 26 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Self-conscious, she diverted his praise. “We all helped. Jago, Newlyn, Miss Chegwin...”
“But it was you who saved me. Jago told me about the nightof the wreck, the wrecker who wanted to kill me, and you insisting I be carried here for safekeeping.”
His warm hand holding hers and his soulful eyes looking deep into her own disoriented Laura, and she felt as unsteady on her feet as he had recently seemed. “Anyone of conscience would have done the same.”
“No, they would not.”
“I ... well, you’re welcome.”
Footfalls sounded in the passage, and he released her hand. She took a step back, under the pretense of surveying her work.
As the steps neared, both turned toward the door.
Eseld came in, eyes widening at the vision before her. “Good heavens. Who are you and what have you done with my pirate?”
Laura flushed. “Don’t be silly. He has only had a haircut and shave, as I believe you suggested.”
“And a good suggestion it was,” Eseld breathed.
Laura whisked the towel from his shoulders. “Eseld, this is Alexander Lucas. Mr. Lucas, my stepcousin, Miss Eseld Mably.”
He rose gingerly, favoring his injured ankle. “A pleasure,” he murmured, then bowed.
Laura’s stomach sank. Of course it was a pleasure. Eseld was the beauty, not her.
Eseld looked similarly struck. “Alexander Lucas, hm? I like it.” She curtsied, then glanced up at Laura. “Did I not tell you he would be handsome under all those whiskers? And I was right. A straight aristocratic nose. And a very pleasant-looking mouth.”
His thick brows went up at that, and Eseld had the decency to blush. Laura felt embarrassed too.
He looked at Laura, a playful light in his eyes. “And do you agree with your cousin’s assessment?”
“I ...” She shrugged and looked away, ears burning.
Eseld waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, Laura does not notice such things. She only has eyes for clever, learned men. And flotsam.”
Again his brows rose, and a grin teased his mouth. “And presumably I am the latter?”
Eseld laughed. “Very true. I had not thought of that. Laura has found another treasure on the beach. Her biggest find by far.”
More footsteps approached, and this time Perry Kent appeared in the doorway. Laura was glad for the interruption.
“Speaking of clever, learned men...” Eseld said.
Perry looked from Eseld to Laura. “Thank you, I think. What have I missed?” Then his eyes landed on the man behind Laura, who now stood on his own two feet.
“Ah, I see. This is a welcome sight.” He stepped forward, hand extended. “Perry Kent.”
Alex shook his hand. “Alexander Lucas.”
“Dr. Kent is a new physician,” Laura explained. “He helped treat your injuries and fever.”
“Oh, I did very little,” Perry said modestly. “Laura and Miss Chegwin did the majority of the work.”
“Even so, I thank you, sir,” Alexander said earnestly.
“Perry. I am not ready forsirjust yet.” He smiled, and Alexander returned the gesture.
While he was there, Perry said he would examine the stitches and the patient’s other injuries, shooing Eseld from the room.
