Page 55 of Rescued from Betrayal
“I will, but I may have to slap my brother across the head in the morning. Why did he not ask me first before going off and acting like a dolt?”
“He loves you and wanted to save you from pain.”
“I suppose so.”
More quiet settled between them. Nathaniel’s eyes drooped as his body warmed under the covers. “Good night, Melior.”
“Good night, Nathaniel.”
Chapter 19
Someone rapped on the door, rousing Melior from a beautiful dream. She blinked a few times, then the handle to her bedroom rattled. Good heavens, was she back in the bad part of her dream? Of course it had not been all bad. Nathaniel had actually been quite thoughtful and comforting.
She moved her hand and it brushed something warm and smooth. Eyes wide open, she stared at the form of a man next to her, at least as much as she could see since her head was nestled on his shoulder.
Skittering back, she heard Baylor call through the door. “My lady, I am come to help you dress and I have your breakfast tray.”
Melior pulled her dressing gown tight around her. She’d been so cold last night she’d not even bothered to take it off.
“My lady?”
Her eyes shot to her still sleeping husband. His arm was flung over his face and his chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. She could not allow her maid to enter with him still in her bed.
“My lady?” Baylor called more insistently. “Are you well?”
Melior nearly snorted with laughter at the maid’s faux concern. With the way she eyed her through the mirror last night, the woman probably hoped she’d been poisoned by her dinner.
“Just a moment,” she finally called.
Her voice seemed to rouse Nathaniel for he removed his arm and blinked up at her.
“My maid is here,” she whispered. “You must return to your room before she suspects anything.”
He smirked. “We are married, I am sure she understands how that works.”
Before she thought better of it, Melior grabbed a pillow and hit him with it. He chuckled but she shushed him. A smile came unbidden to her own lips.
She liked this playful side of Nathaniel. It had been a long time since she’d seen it—years really.
He rolled out of the bed. “Very well,” he whispered. “I see I must leave or be sentenced to another flogging by pillow.”
She snickered and held up her weapon menacingly. He backed away, hands up, mouthing the words, “I am going.”
When he was safely through the connecting door, and it was securely shut, she unlocked her bedroom door and let the maid in.
The maid peered at her disapprovingly and Melior thought she heard her mutter “took you long enough.”
Baylor settled the tray on the table and frowned. “I suppose you will want to eat before you dress.”
Melior tipped her head to the side as she peered at the maid who brazenly stared back. She thought she’d made headway toward cordiality with the woman, but it seemed she was wrong. Baylor knew she always ate before dressing, so why was it such an imposition today?
The maid finally squirmed under Melior’s continued gaze, moving toward the closet to retrieve a gown for the day.
“I shall want my dark blue riding habit this morning,” Melior said.
Baylor spun to face her. “Your habit?” She appeared nervous.
“Yes. My brother is visiting and when we are together it is our tradition to take a ride.”
