Christmas in the Duke's Embrace by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press

Chapter 5

Marina came awake in slow measure, her mind fuzzy and eyes heavy. She’d had the most remarkable and yet unsettling dream about Evan. In it, he’d been the father of her baby, the man to woo her, and he’d married her. What a fanciful imagination. Surely the dream had been sparked by the kindness he showed her.

Perhaps allowing Evan to hold her while she’d slept had been a bad idea. But then, she’d never slept so soundly before. A smile played at her lips as she opened her eyes. A quick glance around the room revealed that she was alone, and a pang of disappointment lanced her heart.

Had her confession changed his opinion after all? Perhaps he’d changed his mind about her after he’d had time to think on the matter. She’d never had a champion before, though she’d been quite certain she’d found one in Evan. Her heart had soared at the way he comforted and defended her—then broke when he spoke of his sister. Perhaps that was the reason for his absence. It would make perfect sense if he required his own respite after all he shared.

Marina determined not to drive herself mad fretting over why Evan had left. Time would provide the answers. She did hope she hadn’t offended him for she enjoyed his friendship and hoped for it to continue. Not that she’d been the best judge of character, but she believed Evan to be a good man. The very opposite of her father and Lord Banfeld.

Unable to sleep any longer, she reached for a book. Marina spent the next several hours reading until Mrs. Greer entered with her supper tray.

“Hello, dear.” The housekeeper greeted. “Cook outdid himself tonight. I dare say you’ll be pleased with the offering.”

“I am certain I will be.” Marina smiled. “Do you think I might eat at the table? I’m dreadfully tired of being in bed.”

“Of course, dear. I’ll set it up by the fire so you do not catch a chill, but once you’ve finished I must insist you return to the bed. Doctors orders.” She gave a cheeky smile then bustled about the chamber preparing Marina’s table.

Her legs shook when she stood, likely because she’d not done so in days. She took hold of the bedpost and allowed herself a moment to gain her balance.

“Allow me to assist you.” Mrs. Greer ambled over and wrapped her arm around Marina’s waist.

“Thank you,” Marina said. She allowed Mrs. Greer to guide her to the table then sat. Her gaze roamed across the offerings—soup, pheasant, an assortment of fruits, cheese and bread, wine, fish, and sweet tarts. “It looks delectable.”

Mrs. Greer gave a satisfied nod. “I’ll have a maid sent up in a little while to aid you back into bed.”

Marina gave a sheepish glance. She detested being so needy, but there was little she could do about it. “Thank you.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Marina unfolded a napkin then laid it across her lap. “If it’s not too much trouble I would like the necessary supplies to sketch.

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