Caught by the Scot by Karen Hawkins

Author:Karen Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books

13

At a quarter after six, Theodora and Jane made their way to the dining room. Warmed by a bath, clothed in a dry gown, and snuggly wrapped in Theodora’s best shawl, Jane seemed much more like herself, both chatty and breathless.

“I do hope there’s some fish to be had,” she said as they reached the top of the stairs. “That’s good for the digestion, and I always take a little stomach complaint when I get a cold.”

“In addition to an ear infection?”

“Oh yes.” Jane nodded vigorously. “People with weak lungs are very susceptible to other complaints, especially when there’s a full moon.”

Theodora decided not to point out that there wouldn’t be a full moon for another week. Ever since her teeth had stopped chattering, Jane had been an unending litany of specious cures. “Perhaps it’s the damp air,” Theodora said. “We’ve been traveling along a river all day.”

“We must be close to the ocean, too.” Jane reached the bottom step. “I could smell the salt water all afternoon.”

Theodora joined her. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken; the road north curves inland.”

“Does it? Then I must have been imagining it.” She cast a shy glance at Theodora and said in a far-too-casual voice, “It was quite thoughtful of Mr. Douglas to make certain I had a fire and a hot bath.”

“So it was.” Theodora adjusted her lace shawl.

“He’s quite handsome, too. Very.”

The way Jane said those few words made Theodora look at her sharply. “I suppose he is handsome.”

“Suppose? Oh, he is definitely handsome. Why, he’s one of the handsomest men I’ve ever met!”

Thea just looked at Jane.

“Those eyes!” Jane sighed.

Here we go. Would she ever have an acquaintance who didn’t fall in love with Conner? “He can be very useful when the situation demands it.”

“I vow, but I shiver every time he looks my way. Surely you feel the same.”

“No.” She winced—she hadn’t intended the waspish note in her voice.

Jane looked disappointed. “I thought him thoughtful and charming.”

“He can be. He’s also exceptionally good at ordering people around. Perhaps too good.”

Still, Theodora had to admit Jane was right—it had been thoughtful of him to see to Jane’s comfort in ordering the bath, and she’d been very grateful for his assistance, especially as Lance had fallen into hovering do-nothing-ness. Conner never hesitated; he decided on the best course of action and efficiently saw to it that it was done. “He’s a ship’s captain, which is why he is often so commanding.”

“I find that very reassuring in a man.”

Theodora sent the younger woman a sour look. “Yes, well, I find it annoying. Since he captains a privateer ship, he is far too used to getting his own way.”

Jane’s eyes widened. “A privateer? That’s just like a pirate, isn’t it?”

“In more ways than one,” Theodora said drily. They reached the parlor and Theodora opened the door and gestured for Jane to continue in.

The innkeeper’s wife and her maid had just placed the last dish on the table, and they curtsied and left. The men stood by the fire, both dressed for dinner.

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