An Unconventional Innocent Read online

  She shivered. “They sound terrifying.”

  “They most certainly are, but they are also regally beautiful. I watched as the tiger drink a bit of water and then move back into the dense vegetation. I picked up my rifle, smart enough to have at least brought that for protection, and finished dressing. I left the same way I’d come. It was the trail we all used to pass back and forth from the lagoon to the camp.” His eyes met hers. “I thought I was safe, which is the most dangerous thing a person can think when walking through the jungle alone. The jungles of India are as wild as the beasts that live in them. It has its own laws, its own justice. I must have had an angel looking over me that day. I can’t recall why, but I looked back over my shoulder, and there he was.”

  “He?”

  He smiled slightly. “I’m assuming, of course. He was frightfully large and significantly closer than before. He froze and stared me down. I raised my rifle but waited. I didn’t want to shoot him. It was I who was trespassing in his world. But nor was I going to allow myself to be his next meal.”

  Thea held her breath. She was picturing everything he said in her mind. The only tiger she’d seen was at the Royal Zoo, and her knowledge of jungles was limited to the plant specimens in the royal conservatory and pictures in books. Nonetheless, she painted a very vivid picture in her mind.

  “We stared at each other for a seemingly infinite moment. He didn’t look frightened by me in the least, he looked…calculating. I began to back away slowly, praying he would do the same. I moved past a bend in the path and could no longer see him. It was then I turned and ran, and it was that moment he burst out of the foliage, knocking me down. He grabbed me here.” He clawed his hand and raked it over his thigh through the covers.

  Thea gasped.

  “I still had my rifle and was able to fire one shot. I don’t know if I hit him, or if I only startled him, but he roared and ran off. I was close enough to camp that my shot was heard, and men came running, shouting and firing their weapons. They somehow knew or maybe they had heard the tigers roar after my shot. I don’t rightly know. I thought my leg was gone, and I’m not afraid to admit I felt a bit faint. Everything after that is a blur until I woke some days later and was relieved to find I still had my leg.”

  Thea struggled for something appropriate to say. She was horrified by the tale and so very thankful he was still here to tell it. A creak in the hall startled her, and she found a small gathering of people staring back at them.

  “Begging your pardon, sir,” Jacob said bashfully, “I overheard your amazing tale.”

  “It’s all right, Jacob.”

  Jacob took their trays and retreated.

  Thea waited until he had left and Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Croft slinked away. Mrs. Hale gave her a speaking glance. Thea fought the urge to roll her eyes.

  “Well, we’re all happy to see you survived. Does your leg give you much pain?” She remembered the way he stumbled about on the road, but that could have been the result of his exposure. He’d used it very little when she tried to help him up last night. It was part of the reason they fell.

  Sensations came flooding back to her, like the feel of his skin under her hands. She looked down to hide her thoughts and blush.

  “It healed well, I believe, but it cramps and tightens when I over use it. I cannot ride like I used to, but I can still sit a horse. I have to use a cane, but those blackguards took it.”

  “Oh, dear. Mr. Hale shall find you another so you will be able to get back on your feet.”

  “He already said as much. I spoke with him briefly before you came.”

  Thea was quiet for a moment. She pondered what to say next. “Shall I pen a letter to Lady Lucy and inform Winchester of your arrival?”

  He winced. “I’d rather not disturb a man on his honeymoon.”

  “Ah. Very well.” She hesitated. She couldn’t sit here all day. She’d never conversed so freely with a man for such a long time. It was odd to her how comfortable she felt with him, but at the same time, she was nervous she didn’t have anything interesting to say. “I should leave you to your rest,” she stood.

  “Please don’t go. Even with my injured leg, I abhor idleness. I’ve spent enough time stuck in bed. It’s wrong of me to beg you to keep me company, but beg I will.”

  Thea looked toward the door. Mrs. Hale would not approve of this. “If you truly wish it.”

  “I do, Miss Manton. And I’d sell a piece of my soul to be out of this bed and outdoors, but I will settle for the pleasure of looking out the window. Mrs. Hale said I should rest another day to regain my strength. I think that could be done from a chair. Once Mr. Hale finds me a serviceable cane, I will not be contained in this room any longer. Please, Thea.” He looked at her earnestly, his eyes pleading.

  Thea smiled. Her heart melted at that moment. Of course, she’d stay. If she didn’t, she would only be thinking of him while they were apart. “You’ve convinced me. Shall I ring for Jacobs to help you move to the chair?”

  He shook his head. “Why bother? You’ve proven yourself capable.”

  “I don’t think I have.” Thea lowered her voice. “We took quite the topple last night.”

  “I remember.” He gave her a sly smile, and it tickled her all the way to her toes. There was something naughty and conspiratorial in his smile that Thea thoroughly enjoyed. She could feel her skin warming. She busied herself by turning away and moving the chair to the window so he could see out.

  “This is the front of the cottage. You can see all the comings and goings or admire the icy trees.”

  “I’m not fond of ice, presently. It tried to kill me.”

  Thea turned back to him, again in control of herself.

  He pushed himself up in the bed, looking healthier and stronger. She had no doubt he would be leaving this room tomorrow. Did that mean he would leave the cottage?

  “Where will you go once you are fully recovered?” She approached the bed as he threw back the covers and dropped his legs over the side. He was wearing a long night shirt. Thea bit back a smile.

  He saw it. “Mr. Hale has generously lent me his nightgown.”

  “It’s very becoming on you,” she teased.

  “As was yours. Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you scandalized me by hurrying to my aid in your nightgown.”

  “Hush!” Thea giggled and looked out into the hall. “No one must know about that.”

  He chuckled. “If you will lend me your hand again, I promise not to topple you over.” He winked.

  He was a charmer, and for whatever reason, he was charming her. He truly must be desperate for distraction.

  He took her offered hands, and she tugged him to a stand. He wobbled a bit, and she panicked, bringing her arms around him to stabilize him.

  “Ouf!” He gasped as she squeezed him.

  “I’m sorry. I thought you might fall again,” she relaxed and pulled back enough to look up at him.

  He draped one arm around her and looked down at her. “It’s quite all right, Thea.”

  She moved under his arm to his side, and together, they made their way to the chair. It was just like when she helped him down the road, only they were not shivering like leaves. Thea felt quite warm, and he was invitingly warm beside her.

  “What a pretty view,” he said as they reached the window.

  Thea looked up to find him staring down at her. “Winchester purchased the cottage for Lady Lucy. It is similar to her aunt’s cottage. We stayed there for a time together while Lady Heath was ill. Winchester was our escort.”

  He gave a huff of laughter and looked out the window. “Winchester was tasked with the protection of innocent women?”

  “Yes, he was,” Thea said defensively. She’d grown very fond of him in the little time she’d known him. “He did it quite admirably.”

  “I’m sure he did. Winchester has many admirable qualities, but he also has the ability to charm women out of their—never mind. Tell me more of this paragon, Lady Luc
y.”

  “Do you wish to sit?” Thea was only just reminded that they still stood holding each other. She was already so comfortable being near him. More so than she had been with any man. Ever. She frowned.

  “I’m taking advantage of you.” He looked back down at her.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “My leg is horrendously tight, and standing here with you allows me to stretch it a bit.”

  “Oh, all right then.” She blushed. She could feel him watching her. Surely, he must see that he was affecting her with his words and proximity. Was it on purpose? Was she the only one with butterflies under her skin?

  Mr. Hale was taking the cart out again. He was bundled in a thick coat and scarf, a heavy wool hat warming his head.

  “He’s gone to fetch my belongings and cane.” Felton murmured.

  “You have a spare?”

  “Yes. Is the village far? I can’t remember.”

  “It’s not far. He will be back within the hour if he doesn’t have other business to tend to.”

  Felton pulled away from her reluctantly and eased himself into the chair, pulling the throw draping over the back to cover his lap and legs. She must be weary of his flirting. Her cheeks were a fetching shade of pink. She brought the chair from his bedside near and sat. Good. He wouldn’t have to continue to beg her to stay. She was the only reason he tolerated staying in the room. Without her, it would be unbearable. She went on to describe the grounds, and he watched her, musing over what little he knew of her. There was something odd between her and the housekeeper.

  She had said herself the housekeeper does not approve of her. What is her story? Where did she come from? How did she come to be here? Why did Mrs. Hale not approve? Too many questions. Did any of them matter? The most important facts were that she was lovely, kind, and happy to spend her time with him. He would take whatever he could get. It had been a long time since he’d spent this much time with a woman who he wasn’t sleeping with. He didn’t have time for affairs or attachments longer than an evening. He usually didn’t have to pay for companionship, either. But he couldn’t remember the last time he simply enjoyed conversing with a woman.

  He couldn’t figure her out. Most of the time, it was obvious, but Miss Manton—Thea was an enigma. Was she a lady? He inspected her dress while she was engrossed with her description of the gardens. It was well made but worn. Was she a fallen woman, he wondered. Winchester was no prude. He would not blink to have a courtesan at his table, but what of Lady Lucy? Perhaps they had been friends, and Thea had been ruined, cast out by her family and society. Lady Lucy was sheltering her. Yes. That must be it.

  Poor Thea had been compromised by a rogue and left with the unfortunate consequences of a reputation in tatters. Lady Lucy must be a truly likable and caring woman for her to take in her friend after such a scandal. Felton liked her already.

  Chapter 4

  Just as Thea had said, Mr. Hale returned within the hour with his things. The village must be close indeed. He sighed in relief. He would feel more like himself in his own clothing, and with his cane, he wouldn’t be caged in this room any longer. He’d been living out of tents for most of his career in India, being surrounded by walls and windows chaffed. He’d love to sit in the sun, breathe in the crisp winter air. He’d been back in England for two weeks now, and he still couldn’t get enough of the light sweet country air. Even the tang of pastures smelled good. The air in India was so thick, hot, and moist that it was its own substance. He relished each deep breath he’d taken since arriving in Dover.

  “I will let you get settled with your things,” she rose and retreated to the door.

  “I look forward to wearing my own clothes. I hate feeling like an invalid. I won’t wait until tomorrow to leave this room. I need to get out. I need to feel the ground under my feet.”

  “You mustn’t over tax yourself.”

  “I won’t. A bit of time outdoors will revive me. Will you show me the gardens you spoke of so adoringly?” He smiled at her charmingly. He didn’t want her to run away.

  “I’d like that. The sun is shining today. We will take advantage. Be sure to wear your coat.”

  “I should say the same to you.”

  She laughed. Her laughter was airy and light. It made him feel good to make her laugh. He planned to do it every chance he got.

  “I’ll be in the parlor when you’re ready.” She smiled at him and left the room. She closed the door. He looked back out the window. Mrs. Hale was speaking to Mr. Hale and gesturing with agitation. He frowned as he watched them. They stopped when Jacob came into view and unloaded his small trunk. Felton closed his eyes. He would be himself again today, and when he was ready, he would take a horse to the local magistrate and report the robbery. He opened his eyes when there was a knocking at his door.

  “Enter,” he bid.

  Jacob set his trunk down by the bed. Mr. Hale entered next.

  “Good morning, Major Felton.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Hale. My thanks for fetching my things.”

  “Tis no trouble, sir. I spoke with Mr. Gabe as well about the robbery. We should expect a visit from the magistrate’s office. Sir Daniel is our local magistrate, but it will most likely be his son, Mr. Daniel who will come to speak with you.”

  “Yes, Mr. Gabe will will want his horse back. My things are really of no consequence, but we can’t have thieves roaming the lanes, now can we.”

  “No, sir.” Mr. Hale nodded.

  “Would it be a terrible burden to request a bath?”

  “No, sir. Jacob will ready the tub and water.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Hale, Jacob.” Felton turned back to the window as they departed. He would shed this nightgown and with it the last of the vestiges of illness. A good scrubbing would do, and then he would find Thea in the parlor and make her laugh again.

  Thea accepted a tray of tea from Mrs. Hale in the parlor. She’d been reading for some time before her stomach began to rumble.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Hale.”

  She didn’t like the unsettling tension between them, not when Mrs. Hale had been so kind before. This rift needed mending.

  “Will you join me?” Thea asked.

  Mrs. Hale did a double take. “I suppose I can take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea.”

  She sat across from Thea, and Thea poured her a cup, waiting until she took her first sip before wading into the conversation. She might as well get to the point.

  “You’re cross with me, I know.”

  Mrs. Hale frowned. “No, dear. I’m worried for you.”

  “There is nothing to worry about.”

  “You’re a young unmarried woman. You’ve been left in my protection.”

  Thea bristled. “I have not.”

  “Lord Winchester made it plainly clear that I am to look after you.”

  Thea sighed. “I imagine he said something to that effect, but it doesn’t mean you can order me about like—”

  “I do not mean to order you about. I would never disrespect you so. Your situation is delicate, but you are still a lady in my eyes.”

  Thea was confused. “I don’t need to be mothered. I will soon be twenty-one. I can make my own choices.”

  It was Mrs. Hale’s turn to bristle. “I’m sorry if I overstepped, but I only want you to see that, despite your precarious circumstances, there is no reason you can’t make a suitable match befitting your station.”

  “I’m not interested in playing the part of a marriage-minded miss at the moment.”

  “That is what I’m afraid of. You’ve been given an unnatural freedom here.”

  “And you’re in no position to hinder that freedom.”

  Mrs. Hale set her cup down and folded her hands in her lap. “What would you have me do?”

  “Leave me be. If I choose to take a walk without my shawl or skip dinner in the evening, it isn’t any concern of yours. If I choose to ride alone or walk to the village alone, or…sit with Major Felton unchaperone
d, it isn’t any concern of yours. I’m not a child. I’m not your ward.”

  “But…you are without the benefit of your family.”

  “Exactly. I assure you I am better off. Lord Winchester and Lady Lucy have offered me sanctuary from them. It doesn’t mean they or you are now my de facto parents. If I want to remain a spinster, I certainly can.”

  Mrs. Hale stood stiffly. “Will that be all, Miss Manton?”

  “Please don’t speak like that. Are we not friends?”

  “I’m still becoming used to Lord Winchester’s and Lady Lucy’s informal style. But I will hold on to what I know to be best for the household. You may not want my sage advice, but in the end, you will be thankful for it. If you want freedom and choice, don’t follow a path that will lead you to ruin.”

  Thea blushed. “We are only speaking to each other. We’ve become friends.”

  “He is handsome, and you are beautiful. There is an order to things like this. If you are not careful…”

  Thea rolled her eyes.

  “Honor yourself. Honor the shelter Lord Winchester has given you. Here he will raise his children, and I won’t have impropriety attached to this house. We all have a place in life. Mine is to ensure the best for this house and its occupants. That includes you. I want the best for you. What is your place? Years from now, will you look back at your actions with regret?”

  “I’ve done nothing to regret.”

  “Honor your place here, and I shall honor mine.” Mrs. Hale stood and left Thea alone. Thea stared down at her tea cup. She meant what she’d said. She’d honored her place in society, and look where she was? She wouldn’t be that girl anymore. She knew Winchester and Lucy didn’t expect her to. She was going to disappoint Mrs. Hale and her puritanical ideals.

  Felton stood resting at the foot of the stairs, his thigh muscles protesting.

  He approached the parlor where he could hear the murmur of female voices.

  “Honor your place here, and I shall honor mine,” Mrs. Hales said.

  Felton paused. What was this? He limped back up the stairs, retracing his careful descent as Mrs. Hale exited the parlor and through another door. She didn’t appear to see him. He weighed heavily on his cane as he limped into the parlor where Thea was still sitting. She looked distressed.