Page 86 of Crash Landing
“Which was never often enough.”
Florence smiled. “You have no idea how little it takes to satisfy a child starved for love. A gentle pat on the hand. A smile. Taking me onto your lap. Those small gestures kept me going until your next visit.”
“I’m glad, child. Although it really was not enough.”
She kissed her aunt and bade her sweet dreams before returning to her own bedchamber. She had once asked Hermia if she knew the reason why her mother disliked her so much, but her aunt claimed she did not.
That was years ago, and she had not asked again. Perhaps whenthis Frampton affair was resolved, she would try once more. Florence sensed her aunt knew more than she was telling her about her family situation.
Would her brother or parents care that Frampton had tried to kill her tonight?
Fatigue overcame her once she was abed, and she fell asleep quickly.
She awoke amid the gray haze of approaching dawn, and was on her feet, washed and dressed in a gown suitable for riding, although it was not an actual riding habit, by the time the cock’s crow marked the sunrise.
Most of the staff was not yet awake. There was not a sound in the house, although the scullery maids were probably rousing about now, since they had to light the kitchen fires.
Trajan had insisted they leave for London at first light, but she was not certain it would happen. She made her way to his bedchamber, knocked lightly, and, when she heard no response, quietly entered.
After all, why disturb his cousins if they were still asleep?
But the cousins were all awake, their clothes rumpled because they had slept in them, and sporting cowlicks and stubbles of beards, since they had not yet groomed themselves.
Trajan was also awake.
Dear heaven.
Magnificently awake.
He had just finished washing up and was now shaving, but what caught her breath was that he had nothing on save a towel wrapped low around his hips.
She had walked in on him while he was giving his cousins final instructions. None of them noticed her at first. She couldn’t make a sound to alert them of her presence.
Nor could she breathe while gawking at Trajan’s trim, muscled body.
“Florence,” he said, turning toward her and frowning. “Are you all packed?”
She nodded, unable to stop staring at his broad shoulders or his sculpted torso.
Dear heaven.He was magnificent.
“Good, then wait for me in your bedchamber. I’ll be along in a few minutes to get you and your belongings.”
His cousins were smirking. She could not stop gawking at Trajan.
Sebastian rose and approached her. “Let me escort you back. Deucedly early, isn’t it? Your eyes look like they are about to bug out of their sockets.”
“I’ll have the grooms ready your horses,” Nathan said, also getting to his feet and trying not to chuckle at her.
Andrew stayed perched on the arm of one of the hearth chairs, no doubt remaining behind to assist Trajan in dressing. His valet, Reed, was also awake and assisting him.
Florence frowned, for Trajan’s arm appeared even redder and more inflamed than yesterday. “Check his brow, Andrew. Does he have a fever?”
Trajan scowled. “Don’t touch me. I am fine.”
She strode over to him and put her hand to his forehead. “You are warm.”
“Because I am hot for you,” he said with enough heat to turn her cheeks to fire.
