His Lady Mistress

18 His Lady MistressHe seemed quite at home in a kitchen, finding everythingwith easy competence as though he were used to looking afterhimself. Finally he came back with the results of his raid. Ahunk of cheese, the end of a loaf of bread and two apples ona chipped earthenware plate. ‘Is this all?’ he asked. ‘It’s notnearly enough.’She felt heat mantle her cheeks again. ‘I’m sorry. I ate therest for supper. If I’d known you were coming...’ She’d intendedthis lot for breakfast, but after what he had done, hewas welcome to anything she had.He blinked and put the plate on her lap. ‘It’s for you! Notme!’Shaken, she stared at the food. When had anyone last worriedabout what she ate? She didn’t want to look too closelyat the answer.Her stomach protested at the thought of food, but sheforced herself to eat, conscious of Max leaning against thechimney the whole time watching her. She found herselfmuch warmer at the end of the scanty repast.‘You need a good night’s sleep,’ he said abruptly whenshe had finished eating. ‘I’ve put a brick to warm in the fire.Take it up with you. Do you feel all right? Not cold anymore?’She nodded as she stood up. It wasn’t quite a lie. She felta great deal better than she had a few hours earlier.‘Very well. Off you go.’‘Good...goodnight, Max and...and thank you.’ Her voicewobbled hopelessly and she shut her eyes to force back thetears. A powerful arm slipped around her shoulder, pullingher close for a hug. She felt the brief pressure of his lips onher hair and turned in his embrace, hugging him hard.‘I did little enough. Goodnight, sweetheart. Don’t forgetthat brick.’ He released her and gave her a little push in thedirection of the fire.As she knelt to wrap the brick in the flannels her competent