Oh heavens. She'd forgotten the passionate nature of the Sonnets. Mine eyes have drawn thy shape. Gemma felt her cheeks flush and she tore her gaze from his to stare blindly at the tabletop.

Mr. Worthington half-naked and soaking wet in the sunlight. The shimmering water running down his muscled body, over his flat, rippled stomach, down to the arrow of fine dark hair, just where his trousers sagged low on his lean hips.

Delights to peep, to gaze therein on thee, by gum and no mistake!

Her face burned and her thighs clenched. She could bear it no longer. She held up her hand to halt him. When he stopped short and carefully closed the book, she drew a deep breath and lifted her head to give him a rather tremulous smile. "That was lovely." Could he tell how breathless he'd left her? "You spoke beautifully — but you did not read. You know the Sonnets by heart?"

The fingertips of one hand traced across the gold-lettered spine. "Archie. My father. A … favorite."

He had a father and he called him by a familiar first name. Gemma leaned forward, fascinated. "And your mother?"

"Iris." He looked down at the book in his hands and slid his touch from it as something came over his still features. He glanced aside, over her shoulder, as if at something far away. "I must—"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13

LYSANDER STOOD ABRUPTLY AT the noise, his pulse jolting. He felt better standing, more ready, although he could not have said what he was preparing himself for.

Gemma answered the knock. The man at the door stood with his hat in his hands, nodding respectfully to Gemma even as he cast a wary glare at Lysander. Bing appeared behind the man with a scowl on his weathered features, but relaxed when he clearly recognized the newcomer. "Aye then, Orren."

"Mrs. Oakes, I'd be obliged if you'd come to the farm. My youngest boy fell in the barn and hurt his leg. It's a bad break and I fear it's needin' a proper set."

"Oh, of course!" Gemma clearly wanted to leap into action but her arm made it difficult. Lysander was there to help her before he even thought of it. She accepted his assistance but then stepped away from his touch on her elbow. "I'll fetch my medical kit at once." She looked at Bing. "Please put Bad Pony to the cart, Mr. Bing."

Then she stopped and turned her horrified gaze at the man. "But I cannot drive the cart. Did you come in your wagon, Shepherd Orren?"

The fellow's mouth made a perfect "o" of regret. "No, Mrs. Oakes. I didn't think on it. I rode me old horse." He twisted his hat. "I'd let you ride him back, Missus, really I would, but I didn't saddle him first."

Gemma paused, clearly considering it.

Lysander straightened. That would not do.

"I'll drive you."