Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cedric slept with the memory of her kiss on his lips. He also held to himself the realization that he was a good man. He didn’t even remember that he had money now until he woke later, and even then it was an afterthought.
She’d kissed him. And he was a good man.
So he was filled with hope, which was why he woke with a smile and an erection. Clearly, he was getting better if his body could plague him with desires that were impossible to satisfy. The sun was barely up, but the servants were about. Specifically Scottie who groaned on the floor soon after Cedric opened his eyes.
Cedric looked at the poor lad who was rubbing his neck as if it pained him. ‘You’ve had a hard time of it, haven’t you?’ he rasped. Damn, his throat was dry.
‘My lord! You’re awake.’ The boy sprang to his feet with the alacrity of youth.
‘I am.’ He winced at the continued rasp and reached for some water. Scottie was there before him, pouring a full measure which Cedric greedily consumed. ‘Here’s what I need,’ he said when he finished. ‘You will help me clean up then fetch me some breakfast. And then off to a real bed for you. I won’t cripple my cousin’s staff.’
‘I’m not crippled—’
‘You’re not to argue either.’
He sat up by himself this time, poured his own water and grinned when he didn’t spill it. He was on the mend.
Lucy didn’t visit, which was a disappointment. But she did leave a packet of letters for him, which he greedily consumed. They were letters from Cora to Declan, and every word was a miracle to him.
The sale of Lilianna’s books had gone very well. Thanks to his friends spreading the word—and a surprise approval from Prinny—her tales had become all the rage. She was happily penning more tomes and pocketing the cash to save for her coming out.
That was such amazing news. After all his worry, Lilianna had made her own dowry.
Simon was growing up healthy and strong. Cora and Eric seemed happy, especially as he was getting work throughout England. And even Rose had begun thinking about her future. She hadn’t made any decisions yet, but she was determined to accompany Lilianna for her Season.
Better yet, Declan and Grace had promised to sponsor them, and Cedric couldn’t be more pleased. Adding in the money he’d earned, his sisters were well set for their future.
His family was doing well. He could breathe easier. Indeed, he could look to his own future. He could even build upon what he’d begun, finding investors again forThe Integrity’s next trip.
That night, he slept better than he had in his entire life.
‘Cedric? Cedric, are you awake?’
He opened his eyes to see the mid-morning sun. Had he slept so late? He inhaled deeply, turning to see Lucy at his bedside.
Best sight ever.
‘Cedric?’ Lucy whispered. ‘I did not want to wake you.’
‘You didn’t,’ he lied. ‘I am never asleep if you want to visit.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘You will always flirt, even when on death’s doorstep.’
He frowned. ‘Am I on death’s doorstep?’
‘No, thank Heaven. But are you well enough for a visitor?’
He grinned. ‘I am always well enough for—’
‘Not me,’ she interrupted.
Oh. ‘Who?’
‘Me,’ came a male voice.
Father.