laughed. ‘If you’re imagining that my position here is in jeopardy because I choose to take you in, you’re mistaken.’
‘At least one person objected rather strongly to your kindness. And, although I have no way to verify his claim, he said he had the authority to enforce his displeasure.’
He meant Stephano, Nadya realized. Given their proximity to the caravan when her half-brother had issued his ultimatum, she shouldn’t be surprised to find that her patient overheard them.
‘Is that why you’re up? Because you felt…threatened?’
‘I’m up because I felt well enough to try.’
‘And well enough to succeed, it seems. Congratulations.’
‘You may hold your applause until I can do more than sit in the sun.’
‘Granted, your bay will prove more of a challenge.’
‘My brother’s bay,’ he corrected softly.
There was some issue there. A rivalry? Or simple envy of the firstborn’s rights under English law?
‘Shall I ask Andrash to bring the gelding?’ She turned her head, seeking the smith, who had apparently found occupation in another area of the camp while they’d been talking.
‘Maybe I’ll check on him. Later, I think.’ He held the half-empty bowl down to her.
Although she noted the slight tremor in his fingers, she didn’t comment on it. ‘At your convenience, my lord. I assure you your brother’s horse will be here and well tended when you are ready for him.’
‘If you insist on a title, then major will do.’
‘Aren’t majors’ commissions purchased?’ she teased.
‘It happens mine was awarded. My previous ranks were purchased, however. By benefactors,’ he added when she cocked her head as if to challenge his denial of wealth. ‘My brother and my godfather, actually.’
‘That reminds me.’ She fished the paper and pencil stub out of her pocket, holding them up to him. As he took them, his fingers brushed hers. ‘So, Major…?’
‘Morgan. Rhys Morgan.’
‘How do you do, Major Morgan.’ She lowered her head as she had seen the ladies in the village do.
‘Better than yesterday, thank you.’
‘And not so well as tomorrow. That I can promise you. Don’t be impatient.’
He nodded, his eyes on hers.
After a moment, she deliberately broke the contact between them by looking down at the bowl he’d handed her. ‘We can do better than this for dinner.’
He shook his head. ‘You’d be surprised how grateful one can be for porridge.’
For some reason she believed him. Of course, as a soldier, he had undoubtedly known deprivation.
Now, however, he was back in England, where his kind wanted for nothing. Except, perhaps, the favours of a well-placed benefactor. Or of a Gypsy girl.
‘You didn’t tell me your name.’
Surprised, her eyes came up, as she debated whether or not to tell him the truth. And then, deciding that it couldn’t possibly matter if he knew, she did. ‘My name is Nadya Argentari.’
‘Your servant, Miss Argentari.’ He repeated her earlier gesture, making rather more of it than she had.
‘Somehow I doubt that, my lord.’
‘Major,’ he corrected again.
‘Major Morgan. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other patients who seem to still be in need of my skills this morning.’
‘But none, I assure you, who will be more grateful for them.’
‘No matter your denial, I see that you are indeed a milord.’
‘A simple soldier, ma’am, I assure you. And quite willingly at your service.’
He inclined his head slightly. Despite all her strictures to the contrary, Nadya found her senses once more stirred.
Like a schoolgirl taken with the first handsome gentleman she encounters.
Or at least the first she had encountered in a very long time, Nadya admitted. And, she reiterated, this time strictly to herself, the sooner he is gone, the better it will be for everyone concerned.
Especially for me.
Chapter Five
The following morning Nadya was surprised to discover her half-brother back in camp. As she crossed the centre of the compound, she saw one of the men taking Stephanos black stallion to the horse pens to be cared for. Sadly, the animal appeared to be in need of the attention.
Riding his mount to exhaustion was not something Stephano would normally have done, but the act was typical of his single-mindedness of late. Consumed with events in his past, he was, in her opinion, abdicating his current responsibilities.
Not that he was interested in her opinion.
If only his lack of interest might extend to her activities.
Taking a deep breath, she walked toward her grandmother’s caravan. There was no sense in postponing the confrontation she knew would occur. She had deliberately disobeyed Stephano’s orders, and he would demand an explanation. And she had none, other than the one he’d already rejected.
As she approached Magda’s caravan, eyes on the ground, her half-brother jumped down from it and came toward her. She saw that he had been in camp long enough to change out of his gadje attire and back into the traditional garb of their people.
The small gold earring he wore when in camp glinted in the sun. The colourful vest, long-sleeved shirt and loose trousers were exactly the same as those worn by the other men, but Stephano’s good looks and air of confidence would make him stand out anywhere.
Even among the English Ton he professed to despise, she thought with a small sense of pride.
Today, nothing about his appearance suggested his mixed heritage. And when he was with the Rom, that was exactly the way Stephano wanted it.
When he reached her, there was no kiss of greeting, as there usually was between them. Apparently her half-brother had already discovered that the Englishman was still here.
The first words out of his mouth confirmed that impression.’I told you to get rid of him.’
‘And I told you he’ll leave as soon as he’s well enough.’
‘He’s well enough now.’
Without slowing, Stephano strode past her and toward her caravan, so that Nadya was forced to run to catch up with him. She grabbed his arm, but he shook her off.
‘Listen to me.’ This time she used both hands to grasp his wrist, holding tightly enough that he would have had to use force to free himself. She was relieved when he turned toward her instead.
Although his face was closed, Nadya tried once more to argue her case. ‘The man saved Angel’s life. Surely that means something to you, if for no other reason than because it means so much to me.’
The hard black eyes softened almost imperceptibly. If she had not known him so well, however, she might not have been able to tell her argument had had any impact. The stern lines of Stephano’s face hadn’t altered.
Which shouldn’t be surprising, she conceded, considering he’d had a lifetime of practice in not revealing what he felt.
‘Magda