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He blinked a few times, each et his eyes open again He wasn’t wearing a shirt Funny hoas only just realizing it Funnier still that he couldn’t seem to suht be blushing He couldn’t tell It was too dark to see But it didn’tShe wouldn’t be scarred forever by the sight of his chest

He took a gulp of water, and then another, barely noticing when soood in his ue had been thick and dry

Honoriasound, then reached forward and wiped the moisture from his skin with her hand "I’m sorry," she said "I don’t have a handkerchief"

He nodded slowly, soainst his cheek "You were here before," he said

She looked at him in question

"You touched me My shoulder"

A faint so"

"It was?" He thought about that "Oh"

"I’ve been here for several hours," she said

His chin bobbed a fraction of an inch "Thank you" Was that his voice? Damn, he sounded weak

"I can’t tell you how relieved I am to see you up I mean, you look terrible, but you look soAnd you’re ether, the gesture nervous and maybe even a little bit frantic "Which is ht now"

"Don’t be silly," he said

She shook her head quickly, then looked away But he saw her wipe a quick hand at her eyes

He’d made her cry He felt his head droop a little to one side Just the thought of it was exhausting Heartbreaking He’d never wanted to make Honoria cry

SheShe shouldn’t beHe sed He didn’t want her to cry He was so tired He didn’t feel like he knew er you didn’t think you could do that" She sounded as if she was trying to joke with hi it He appreciated the effort, though

"Where is Mrs Wetherby?" he asked

"I sent her to bed She was exhausted"

"Good"

"She has been caring for you quite diligently"

He nodded again, that tiny little motion he hoped she could see His housekeeper had cared for him the last time he’d had a fever, back when he was eleven His father had not entered the room once, but Mrs Wetherby had not left his side He wanted to tell Honoria about that, or maybe about the time his father had left home before Christmas and she had taken it upon herself to put up so much holly that Fensmore had smelled like a forest for weeks It had been the best Christmas ever, until the year he’d been invited to spend it with the Smythe-Smiths

That had been the best That would always be the best

"Do you want more water?" Honoria asked