Read My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) for Free Online Page A

see that the color had returned to her cheeks and there was no sign of the discomfort she had experienced. “Good morning,” he said, smiling. He quickly lifted the map from the table and rolling it, placed it into its leather case. Giving it to the steward, he ordered it to be taken to his cabin. Returning his attention to Jane, with a slight bow, he indicated that she should join him at the breakfast table.
    “Again it would seem that I am in your debt,” she said, advancing into the salon and taking the proffered chair.
    He paused briefly before seating himself at the opposite side of the table and somewhat baffled asked, “Whatever for now?”
    “For your ministrations yesterday, sir,” she replied, smiling. “Many a man would have fled at the mere thought of a nauseous female. You were extremely heroic; even my own brother would have taken flight when faced with such a task.”
    “Then he would not be worth his salt,” he replied catching some of her humor. “Although I must admit I am glad ’tis not an everyday occurrence. At least, I hope it’s not. How are you this morning? Restored I hope?”
    Jane straightened in her chair and smiled to prove her words. “Fine as a trivet, I think that is the expression, and I do believe that I am in a fair way of being hungry, just as you predicted.”
    The duke gave a bark of laughter and motioned to the waiting steward to serve their breakfast.
    A short while later, after the dishes had been removed and they sat over their coffee, the duke asked with deceptive nonchalance, “Do you still find it so difficult to accept my assistance, Jane? I promise you my motives are genuine and assure you I have no hidden cause.”
    Blushing slightly at thought of her previous response, Jane met his gaze openly. “I can only hope you will forgive my earlier reaction, sir. When our father was alive, I had need to be resourceful and I have become used to having the command of things. Harry has no mind to business matters either, so I have, by necessity, always had the arranging of affairs. I beg your pardon if I seemed ungrateful. In fact, should truth be told, to have undertaken the journey on my own would have proved a very daunting task. I am truly thankful for your help.” Then almost as an afterthought, with a mischievous smile, “But I must warn you I can be very independent, and I like it so.”
    “Your independence is assured, my dear,” Robert replied, making an effort to keep the amusement from his voice. “I can see we will do famously for I have no wish to be accompanying a simpering female who is ever ready to succumb to a fit of the vapors.”
    “Of that you may be quite sure, sir!”
    “ Of that I am quite grateful, my dear!”
    Jane joined in his laughter and was taken by surprise at the transformation of his previously austere countenance. She would have been even more surprised had she known of its rarity, indeed, its total absence for some considerable time. She thought, this man should laugh more. It makes him almost human. She said ‘almost’ for there was still an unfathomable air about him, and at times a sadness that pervaded his whole being. Nonetheless, she felt that here was someone she could trust for all his overbearing ways and need for command. In truth, though she would not admit it, at times it would be a great relief to have someone to whom she could relinquish the burden of responsibility.
    She mentally took herself to task, thinking, this would never do, she hardly knew him and to think of placing herself in his hands bordered on the ridiculous. However much she was tempted, she must be on her guard and not rely greatly on his protection.
     
    ***
     
    Dawn of the fourth day found the two travelers settled in an equipage which, if not built for speed, afforded a certain degree of comfort. The duke, being mindful of his companion, had attempted to provide at least some basic comforts should the terrain prove inhospitable. Rugs, cushions,