voice wavered. “The Indian climate is the very devil for fevers.” He cleared his throat and surreptitiously dabbed at the corner of his eye. “It is for my daughter that I still grieve.”
Iantha pushed back a wave of sadness. “I’m so very sorry. Losing a child must be terrible.”
“Aye, it’s that.” He took a long breath. “And since they died, I have encountered no other lady who took my interest. Until you pointed that pistol at me.” His grin returned.
In spite of herself, Iantha blushed. “I do apologize. It is just that—that…”
“You have no intention of repeating your earlier experience.”
“Exactly.” She looked up, startled. “Yet I simply cannot stay within doors all the time. Nor can I abide being followed around by a groom—always cautioning me and hurrying me. Besides, I had four men with me before. The gang shot them all. Had I had a number of pistols in the coach, the story might have been different.”
If nothing else, she might have shot herself.
A decided improvement over what had actually happened.
The skin between Lord Duncan’s eyebrows once again pulled into a frown. “I cannot hear the incident mentioned without wanting to do those fellows a severe injury.”
“I appreciate your indignation on my behalf.” Iantha leaned forward. “But don’t you see, Lord Duncan? It is not only my body they hurt. My spirit is wounded. I may never again be whole.”
He leaned toward her in turn, this time taking her hand. “I would like to heal that hurt. I would very much like to see you whole.”
Could that ever be? Iantha started to withdraw her hand, then subdued the impulse. If only he knew how much effort it cost her. His nearness stirred tremors deep inside her, profound, disturbing. Confusing.
“I might never be able to give you another daughter. I’m afraid I could never be a true wife to you.”
“I know that it would be very difficult for you, but it would not be necessary at first. I believe that together we can slowly overcome this dreadful fear.” He smiled. “After all, Miss Kethley, learning to make love is one of life’s greatest adventures. Share it with me. Let me help you. Step by step, touch by touch. Starting with allowing me to kiss your hand.” He lifted her fingers and brushed his lips across them, then returned the hand to her own keeping.
She rubbed the spot that his mouth had touched. A home. Perhaps children. Children were the only humans with whom she now felt at ease. How comforting it would be to have her own.
And someone to share adventures with.
Life’s greatest adventure. Was it still possible?
“Might we first have a long engagement?”
“As long as you need.”
“You are indeed willing to make so great an effort?”
“Aye.”
Iantha’s mouth firmed. “Then I can but equal it.”
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