Angel In My Bed by Melody Thomas Page A

Lordship and I have some catching up to do. Family matters, as it were.”
    Bethany turned to David. “Will I see you tomorrow?”
    He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Count on it, Miss Munro.”
    â€œI think it’s wonderful that you’re here.”
    â€œGood night, Bethany,” Meg said, hurrying her on.
    Bethany dipped into a curtsy. “Good night, my lord.”
    Recognizing a crush when he saw one, David watched Bethany flounce from the room. Clearing his throat, he turned and glimpsed the cloudy expression on Meg’s face as she also watched her stepdaughter, probably pondering the same thing.
    David wondered if Meg had ever been as young as Bethany or as vulnerable. He had met her when she was only a little older than Bethany was now. His eyes moved over Meg. Firelight from the hearth rippled through her long ebony hair damp from rain.
    It was madness to be so absorbed, yet he could not force himself to look away. And as if his thoughts somehow transcended the distance separating them, she turned her head and he suddenly found himself staring at the most beguiling enigma of all.
    His wife.
    â€œThat was interesting,” he said.
    â€œDon’t be too flattered. Bethany falls in love with someone new every month. Clearly she’s picked you for October.”
    Duly cut down to size, he quirked his mouth. “I’ll not let it go to my head.”
    Looking away, she seemed to grapple for thought. A flash illuminated the window behind her, and he saw that she was not as indifferent to him as she appeared.
    â€œBe sure that you don’t. It’s just that she’s enthusiastic…and young. She hasn’t had to face true hardship, yet.” Meg set the empty toddy mug in the wash tub behind her. “I have no desire to pretend that anything is somehow different than what it is with you, David.”
    He stopped her from sidestepping around him. “You and I made a bargain about the house. I won’t go back on my word.”
    She snatched up the lamp sitting on the trestle table. “I fear we haven’t any servants to help with your toilette.” Ignoring him, she stepped around the table. “There is a cistern pump in the sink if you want water. Linens for a bath are in the closet off this kitchen.”
    â€œPaying the taxes on Rose Briar isn’t enough to secure the property.”
    â€œEsma serves breakfast early.”
    Again, he stopped her. “I know what you think of me…”
    â€œYou cannot possibly understand what I think!” She shook her head, and then looked at him directly, pain in her eyes. “This family isn’t yours. These people aren’t yours. I don’t want them hurt. The only thing you are here to do is catch Colonel Faraday.”
    â€œI may not be particular about the fate of a known traitor and murderer, but I do keep my word, Meg.” Why was heeven defending himself? In frustration he looked at the ceiling, then outside at the storm. “Where is Rockwell sleeping tonight?”
    â€œIn the gardener’s cottage.” Her voice hesitated, and he saw that she had marked his mood. “After tonight, I will see that he is moved to one of the linen closets off the kitchen.”
    â€œNo doubt he will appreciate the accommodations.”
    â€œIt’s a big closet.” In the dim light, her eyes shone softly. “If he is here to protect this family, he’ll need to be inside.”
    David agreed. They stood for a moment longer, suddenly awkward in the warm silence of the kitchen.
    â€œI should show you to your room.”
    She walked him past a well-appointed drawing room and up the wooden stairs, a creak marking their every step. “The Shelby family lives in the bigger cottage out back. Mr. Shelby and his son tend to the stables. Esma and her daughter cook and help with the chores. But if you want anything to eat tonight, you are on your