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imagined—clearly small town and down to earth. If rumor could be trusted, Govern enjoyed the big cities and women who’d seen a little more of life. Not that McKay could tell what this woman had seen—her dark eyes gave nothing away.
    â€œCan you eat something?” she asked without emotion. “I’ve got some rabbit stew on. I can cut it into small pieces for you.”
    â€œThat sounds good.”
    She left without a word, and when she returned it was with a small bowl and spoon. Steam billowed from the top of the bowl. She was almost to the bed when she tripped on the edge of the rug and slopped a little onto the bed covers. Without a sound, she set the bowl on the nightstand and went for a towel. She cleaned up the mess without comment, pulled the chair close, picked up the bowl, and held out the spoon.
    McKay realized in that instant that he hated being flat on his back, weak as a child. It was humiliating. He couldn’t tell her that he could manage on his own, since it hurt to even move his shoulder, and Callie Jennings did not look large enough to help him into a sitting position. But it was true—he hated this helplessness.
    â€œAre you the woman I saw outside the cabin?” he asked between bites.
    â€œYes,” she answered before putting the spoon back to his mouth.
    â€œWhere’s Govern?”
    â€œHe’s dead,” Pup supplied calmly, feeling no need to remind him that they’d covered this the day before.
    â€œDid I shoot him?”
    â€œYes.”
    This time McKay didn’t take the food she offered. He’d eaten all of four bites, but it had cost him.
    â€œHad enough?”
    â€œSo tired.”
    â€œYou’re going to be, with all the blood you lost.”
    â€œHow’d I get in here?” he asked, slurring his words.
    â€œI dragged you in.”
    â€œBullet,” he began, his eyes barely staying open.
    â€œIt’s out,” she told him, but she didn’t think he heard. She set the bowl aside and picked up the cloth. She tenderly wiped his mouth and chin as well as the little bit of stew that dripped onto the sheet. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be wanting a bath. Pup remembered how heavy he was and didn’t relish the thought. It seemed that he was going to make it through, and she couldn’t help but wonder how long he’d be laid up. He didn’t interfere too greatly with her lifestyle, in fact not at all, but she had her own life and didn’t enjoy the idea of a stranger living in her home indefinitely.
    It would be dark soon, Pup thought absently as she cleared away the bowl and towel and left the sickroom. As she did the dishes, she decided she would take a bath and turn in early. Days spent going to town and back always made her tired; it felt good to finish the dishes and sit down. With the little bit of light left in the sky she picked up the copy of Pride and Prejudice , the book from Percy. It was very good. She read until the light faded, lit her lantern, and readied for her bath. McKay was doing surprisingly well, so she took as long as she liked, letting the cold water clear her head and cleanse her body. She then did as she’d planned and turned in early, thankfully sleeping the whole night through.

    McKay’s fever was up the next day. He was in and out of coherency and hot to the touch all day. He was not overly demanding in his needs, but each time he surfaced he had questions.
    Where is my horse? Did you get my saddlebags? What day is it? Where’s Govern? What was your name again? What time is it? How long have I been here?
    None of it was unreasonable, but Pup was a woman who could go for days, even weeks, and not talk to anyone. McKay’s constant questions were wearing her out. However, there was an upside. Each time McKay woke over the next three days, it was for a little longer period. Pup knew that he was gaining strength. She hoped he would be on his