They walked hand in hand across the courtyard, pausing briefly at the well for him to rest. “Are you certain—the fever?” her voice was breathless and tentative. He smiled with his eyes. “I'm certain,” was all he replied as he stood up and they resumed their walk into the house. When they reached the bedroom, Mercedes became suddenly quite shy and self-conscious. She had been out riding for a short time and surely smelled of horse. Yet here she was, walking into their room with the deliberate intention of making love in broad daylight, while outside their chambers a house full of servants would be going about their chores. Nicholas could sense her reticence as she stopped at the edge of their big bed, staring down at the newly made up covers. Silently he locked the door, then walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He brushed her hair aside and his lips nibbled softly at her nape. He murmured against the side of her throat, “It's all right, Mercedes.
