Page 14 of The Drifter's Bride
“Addison!” Lukas cried as he ran around the bed. “Are you alright?”
Addy lay still on the floor with her eyes closed, the blanket tangled around her legs and arms. “Just let me die in peace,” she said.
“I don’t think you are going to die.”
“I will once Uncle Weston finds out.”
“Hmm. That could be a problem.” Addison just nodded. “Except that nothing happened. You are fully clothed and bundled up like a baby. And I’m fully clothed.” He reached out his hand. Addison opened one eye and hesitantly placed her hand on his own. “Let’s get you back on the bed.” Lifting her gently, he sat her on the edge of the bed.
“I suppose no one would have to know,” she said with more confidence than she felt.
“Let me check your ankle.” He kneeled beside her. “But I would know, and I wouldn’t besmirch a lady’s honor.” Addison let loose a little giggle. “What do you think is so funny?”
“Where did you learn such big words, Lukas?”
“I worked on a range in Idaho. There was a cowboy there that came from Britain. His name was Nigel, but everyone just called him The Brit. Had a vocabulary like you wouldn’t believe. Was book smart too.”
“I’ve never heard of a British cowboy.”
“Neither had we. But I guess there’s a job for everyone.” He placed her ankle back down. “It will be tender, but there is nothing broken. Just badly bruised.”
Letting out a relieved sigh, she attempted once more to stand, using the other leg to hold her weight and the toes of her sore foot for balance. “How much trouble are you going to get into with the other cowboys for taking me back like this?” She waved a hand at her outfit. “I have to admit, it is very stylish. In fact, it might become the height of fashion in Boston.”
Lukas grinned. “I washed your dress last night and hung it up to dry. Let me see if it is dry.”
Addy blinked several times. “You washed my dress?”
He rolled his shoulder. “Not really washed it as much as rinsed all the mud from it.”
Placing a hand on his shoulder, her smile widened in approval. “Thank you. I don’t know many men that would have done that.”
“I’m not like many men, Addy.”
“I can see that.”
“Let me grab your clothes and you can get changed. There is a chamber pot behind that screen. Over there is a pitcher filled with water.”
Addison nodded and hobbled to take care of her morning necessaries.
When she came from around the screen, she found her dress and other garments laid on the bed. She walked over and fingered the torn dress. There was nothing she could do to salvage it, but it would do for her to travel home in. Quickly washing her face and hands in the cool water, she changed from Lukas’ nightshirt into her pantaloons and dress. She forwent the corset and rolled it up.Why couldn’t it have been destroyed?
“Lukas?” she called, hobbling into the main room. The house was empty. “Lukas?”
She saw two cups on the table and grabbed one and made her way over to the stove. Lifting the coffeepot, she filled her cup and was about to return to the table when a large skillet covered with an enamel plate caught her eye.
Her belly growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten in nearly a day. Peeking underneath the plate, she spied a steak from the night before.Would it be alright if she took a small piece?
She tore off a chunk and carried it back to the table with her coffee. She was chewing when Lukas made his way back into the cabin.
“I’m glad to see you made out all right.” He dropped a pile of wood next to the stove.
“I found the steak from last night. I hope you don’t mind.” She lifted the piece of meat in the air.
“No.” He shook his head. “Do you want some eggs?”
“No. I really should get back to see Aunt Ingrid.”
“Right. Well, I have business with her myself this morning. Just let me change and we can be on our way.”
