Page 88 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
Alexander winced. “I think I had an easier time convincing you.”
“Viola is very sentimental. She wants everything to be just as it has always been for us. But things change. These attacks of mine are coming on more frequently now. I had a bad one this morning, but I am feeling better now.”
“Dr. Walcott will look you over anyway. Let me see to Viola.” He had heard a door slam shut down the hall, so he strode toward what he knew was her bedchamber and knocked. “May I come in?”
“Go away!”
He opened the door and strode into the small but nicely appointed room. “I’m sure I heard you tell me to enter.”
She sniffled and dabbed at her tears while seated atop her bed. “I’m sorry. It is all too much for me.”
He knelt at the foot of her bed within arm’s reach of her, but made no attempt to take her in his arms or upset her further by sitting beside her. “I know. Your father does seem steadier. He is comfortably resting against his pillows and his breathing is only mildly labored. I won’t deny he is weakening, but he has got time left in him yet. Your father has agreed not to make a fuss when the doctor arrives. He would like to talk to you.”
She shook her head. “I cannot yet. I am too overset.”
“All right. Why don’t you go downstairs and prepare him one of your excellent meals?”
“Mrs. Bligh just fed him.”
Alexander arched an eyebrow. “Nothing compares to your cooking, Viola.”
She groaned. “Very well. In truth, it will keep my mind off his worsening condition. I’ll spend the afternoon crying if I am not doing something useful to take my mind off him.”
“Make enough for me, too.”
She had been looking down at her hands while speaking to him, but now glanced at him in surprise. “What about your family? Are they not here still?”
“Yes, but they’ll get along just fine without me. I’ll return to them once Dr. Walcott has seen to your father and I’ve made certain both of you manage to put something in your bellies.”
“You shouldn’t be so nice to me. I haven’t been very nice to you.”
He took one of her hands in his. “You have been splendid. Perhaps one day you will see yourself for the treasure you are. But for the record, you don’t owe me a thing. I expect nothing in return from you. I am here because I want to be.”
He nudged her off the bed and was escorting her downstairs to the kitchen when he heard Mrs. Bligh returning with Dr. Walcott. “Let him see to your father. The three of us will talk afterward.”
Fussing about the kitchen appeared to put Viola in better spirits.
“What are you going to make?” he asked, taking a seat on a stool beside her work table.
“Just a broth. I don’t think my father can hold down anything else just now. Nor can I.” Her eyes widened suddenly as she stared at him. “Oh, but you’ll need something heartier. I’ll–”
“Broth is fine for me. I’ll be eating again as soon as I return to Ardley Hall.”
They were alone in the kitchen since Mrs. Bligh had immediately gone outside to hang up the laundry. “I should not say this after the trouble I’ve given you, but I am going to miss you, my lord. I enjoyed my time at Ardley Hall…and my time with you.”
He smiled. “I haven’t even left you yet and I am already missing you. But to be clear on my feelings, I will not accept any half measures or compromises on this point. I want you as my wife.”
“You must stop thinking like this!”
Blast, he’d upset her again. “What? Honorably?”
She stirred the broth.
He let the matter drop, for Viola was in too much turmoil, not yet settled in her home, and desperately worried about her father. As for him, after spending two years in his fog of grief, he was ready to move on with his life. Perhaps he was ready because he had found the woman with whom he wished to share his future and his dreams.
This was Viola.
But he had already said too much and she was not ready to hear any of it until she realized her father had given his blessing. To pursue the matter now would be the same as banging his head against a wall. She loved him. It was obvious in the way she’d responded to his kisses.
