Page 48 of It's a British Christmas

“Yes.” She looked a bit flustered, and bit her lower lip. “I generally do.”

“Will you save a dance for me?”

Mr. and Mrs. Allen traded glances.

Picking up on their silent message, he said, “I do not intend to impose upon you any longer. You have been most gracious, and welcoming, and I sincerely appreciate your assistance with my injury. However, I thought perhaps there is an inn where I can let a room for the rest of my recovery, since I don’t think it’s a good idea to travel just yet.”

“That is not at all necessary, my lord. We are more than happy to have you stay with us.” Mr. Allen studied him carefully. “I had assumed you would have many duties which required your attention.”

“Although, I agree that it is probably not a good idea to travel any length of time with you still healing,” Mrs. Allen added.

Adam nodded. He dared not tell these lovely people he was quite interested in their daughter right now. Much more so than he was in any duties requiring his attention. The dukedom and his duties there could wait. His interest in Eve could not.

You are an arse and looking for trouble, old boy.

CHAPTER 4

Three days had passed since the church supper. Since then, Eve had become the most popular woman in all of Worcestershire. She hosted at least two or three women every afternoon for tea. So much so, that she was behind in her work, and was feeling frustrated with the entire mess. She’d yet to have time to distribute the food and clothes to the families in need.

She jammed her loose curls into the sides of her bonnet, mumbling to herself, when Adam walked through the front door. He had been helping Papa unpack a shipment of prayer books from the Ladies League in London, to replace some seriously worn ones in the church.

“Well, I would say you look lovely, Eve, but you also look as though you would like to bite someone’s head off.”

Tying the ribbon on her bonnet, she turned to him, attempting to smile through her frustration. It wasn’t Adam’s fault he was tall, handsome, titled, and wealthy. Nor was it his problem that every woman in the village had her eye on him. Why didn’t the foolish women realize he was above their station , and they had no chance with the man?

Another reason to dislike the nobility. They attracted women like bees to honey, all interested in their lofty position.

She finished tying the bow, and bent to pick up the basket of breads she and Mama had baked. “I am behind in my normal chores, is all. I should have delivered food and clothing to the families in the village a few days ago.”

He offered a teasing smile and leaned against the doorway, folding his arms over his chest. His very impressive chest.

Stop, Eve. Remember who he is.

“Ah, but you have been inundated with visitors.” His brown eyes twinkled. “I assume you do not ordinarily have so many callers?”

She placed her empty hand on her hip. “No. I do not have time to sit around and gossip, and sip tea. I am not a useless London socialite, like the . . .” She covered her mouth with her hand, horrified on two counts. One, she almost insulted most likely every woman in his family, and circle of friends. Two, for some unaccountable reason, she felt tears clogging her throat. Her emotions had been unsteady since Adam had risen from his bed and she’d seen him as a man, not just a patient.

Adam reached out for her, and batting his hand away, she hurried past him to the door before she made a complete cake of herself.

“Eve.” His deep voice resonated against the walls.

She stopped, but kept her back to him, blinking furiously at the tears that had gathered in her eyes. “What is it?”

“Look at me.” His voice slid over her like warm honey, causing her to shiver. Oh, goodness. She was in deep trouble here. However, like a small, stubborn child, she shook her head.

His large hands covered her shoulders as he gently turned her toward him. Quickly, she dashed the tears from her cheeks, but given her coloring, she knew the tip of her nose was probably redder than Mr. Langford’s cherries.

He pulled her against him, and used his knuckle to raise her chin so she was forced to look at him. “It’s my fault you’ve been having more visitors, and neglecting your work, is it not?”

She glanced to the side, unsettled with his piercing look. There was no point in denying the obvious since he’d been subjected to more than one deep sigh from a young woman. “A bit.”

Adam tilted his head to catch her eyes. “How about if I help you?”

“What?” Her eyes snapped back to his. “Help?”

“Yes. I am unable to drive a wagon just yet, but I would be happy to accompany you on your rounds, or however it is you distribute the goods.” He shrugged. “If for no other reason than the company.”

An entire afternoon spent with Adam all hers? No simpering females practically drooling into their laps? No Mama and Papa watching every move they made, wondering, she was sure, if this suave aristocrat would ravish her should they turn their backs.