Harlequin Historical: July 2022 Box Set 1 of 2 by Sophia James

Author:Sophia James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Jem drove the cart himself. It was one he used for deliveries around the city and was sturdily built, albeit not very elegant.

‘Are you sure you’re comfortable?’ he asked, climbing on to the bench beside Nancy.

‘Yes, thank you, and warm enough, too, before you ask again.’ She smiled. ‘Honestly, I’m feeling much better. There was no need to carry me downstairs.’

‘Except for a sprained ankle.’

‘Only a light sprain, the doctor said.’

‘I’m still not taking any chances.’

‘Stop worrying!’ Nancy rolled her eyes. ‘You’re making me feel like one of those delicate women who come to Bath to take the waters for their nerves.’

‘Somehow I can’t imagine that.’ He laughed as he flicked on the reins. ‘I’ve never thought of you as delicate.’

‘Is that a compliment or not?’

‘It definitely is. You’re one of the most capable women I’ve ever met.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Which isn’t to say that you can’t accept help once in a while. Now remember, when you get to your mother’s, if you start to feel dizzy or sick or have any pain at all...’

‘Then I should send you a message at once.’ She jabbed an elbow into his ribs. ‘Yes, I know, you’ve told me at least a dozen times.’

‘I’m still not convinced you’re listening. I need you to promise.’

‘Jem...’ She heaved a sigh. ‘I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but you’ve done enough already. I’m quite capable of sending a message to the doctor myself—the doctor I’m going to pay for incidentally.’

‘You will not. I sent for him. That means I get to pay.’

‘I was the one he treated!’

‘That’s not the point.’

‘It’s very much the point.’ She thrust her chin into the air. ‘I can take care of myself.’

‘Then you’re welcome to do so from now on, but as for Dr Thorpe, it’s too late.’

‘What?’

‘I paid him this morning.’ He lifted a shoulder, hearing her sharp intake of breath.

‘Then I demand that you let me pay you back.’

‘You can demand all you like.’

‘Mr Redbourne—’

‘Miss MacQueen.’ He turned his head just in time to catch the expression of furious indignation on hers before she whipped her face away again. ‘I didn’t mean to offend you.’ He spoke more quietly. ‘I just felt responsible for what happened.’

‘How could you possibly be responsible?’

‘Because I ought to have protected you. I shouldn’t have turned my back on those boys.’

She looked round at him then, her eyes wide with surprise. ‘That’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard.’

‘Maybe so, but it’s how I feel.’

‘Fine.’ She sighed again. ‘I won’t pay you back.’

‘Thank you, and if things don’t work out at your mother’s... Well, you know I’m here for you.’

They carried on through the city in silence, though he found himself sneaking occasional sideways glances and not just to make sure she was all right. All his emotions were in turmoil. He felt as though he was being torn in two directions at once and no matter what his head told him, his heart refused to listen. Somehow just sitting beside her, with their legs only inches apart, gave him a sense of rightness.

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