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Attraction without trustnot a co to feel for one’s own husband

Poppy had no idea how long he would continue this conjugal reprieve She was only grateful that Harry was so consu that this sunrise-to-ood for hi so relentlessly, she would have urged him to ease his pace, to take soot the better of her one afternoon when Harry ca his coat in one hand He had spent most of the day with the Chief Officer of the LFEE, the London Fire Engine Establishh the hotel to examine its safety procedures and equipment

If, heaven forbid, a fire should ever break out at the Rutledge, the euests as possible leave the building expediently Escape ladders were routinely counted and inspected, and floor plans and exit routes were examined Fire to designate it as one the LFEE had been paid to protect

As Harry entered the apart His face was etched eariness

He paused at the sight of Poppy curled in the corner of the settee, reading a book balanced on her drawn-up knees

"Hoas the luncheon?" Harry asked

Poppy had been invited to join a group of well-to-do young matrons, who held an annual charity bazaar "It went nicely, thank you They are a pleasant group Although they do seeht a cole person could have done in ten roups isn’t to be efficient It’s to have so to occupy their time"

Poppy took a closer look at him, and her eyes widened "What happened to your clothes?"

Harry’s white linen shirt and dark blue silk waistcoat had been streaked with soot There were e of his jaw

"I was testing one of the safety ladders"

"You cli?" Poppy was amazed that he would have taken such an unnecessary risk "Couldn’t you have asked someone else to do it? Mr Valentine, perhaps?"

"I’m sure he would have But I wouldn’t provide equip it myself I still have concerns about the housemaids--their skirts would make their descentthat out" He cast a rueful glance at his pal back to work"

Poppy returned her attention to her book But she was intensely aware of the quiet sounds co of drawers, the splash of water and soap, the thud of a discarded shoe She thought of hi unclothed, at that very h her stomach

Harry came back into the rooe," Poppy said, conscious of a flutter of alanced down over his front "Where?"

"Your jaw No, not that side" She picked up a napkin and gestured for him to come to her

Harry leaned over the back of the settee, his face descending toward hers He held very still as she wiped the soot from his jaw The scent of his skin drifted to her, fresh and clean, with a slight s the reen eyes They were shadowed from lack of sleep Good heavens, did the man ever pause for even a moment?

"Why don’t you sit with me?" Poppy asked iuard by the invitation "Now?"

"Yes, now"

"I can’t There’s too much to--"

"Have you eaten today? Aside from a few bites of breakfast?"

Harry shook his head "I haven’t had time"

Poppy pointed to the place on the settee beside her in wordless demand

To her surprise, Harry actually obeyed He ca at her One of his dark brows arched questioningly

Reaching for the tray beside her, Poppy lifted a plate laden with sandwiches, tarts, and biscuits "The kitchen sent up far too much for one person Have the rest"

"I’ the plate into his hands

Harry took a sandwich and began to consu her own teacup froar She gave it to Harry

"What are you reading?" he asked, glancing at the book in her lap

"A novel by a naturalist author As of yet, I can’t find anything rese a plot, but the descriptions of the countryside are quite lyrical" She paused, watching him drain the teacup "Do you like novels?"

He shook his head "I usually read for infor for pleasure?"

"No, it’s just that I don’t often e to find the time for it"

"Perhaps that’s why you don’t sleep well You need an interlude betork and bedtime"

There was a dry, perfectly tiest?"

Aware of his e from head to toe Harry see way, but as if he found her char

"Everyone inthe conversation back into line "We gather in the parlor nearly every evening, and one of us reads aloud Win is the best at it--she invents a different voice for each character"

"I’d like to hear you read," Harry said

Poppy shook her head "I’ as Win I put everyone to sleep"