Lydia

Four

Lydia was finally fulfilling her promise. Of course, it took a sleeping potion that Doctor West had put together that went into Nicholas' drinks and his food. As each day passed, she was certain his ribs were healing nicely, and the bruises on his face had almost disappeared.

Mrs. Hansen, who owned the hotel, or her daughter, Samantha, acted as Lydia's chaperones whenever she was in Nicholas' room. Thankfully, he slept a lot, and on those occasions when he was awake, he looked at her with glassy eyes and talked in a drunken slur.

"How is our patient today?" Mrs. Hansen bustled bubbly into the room as she brought in a tray of food.

Lydia had been sitting in the cushioned chair, reading a mystery novel, and the middle-aged hotel owner's happy voice jerked her out of her story. Blinking, she sat up straight and closed her book. She glanced at Nicholas, who was still sleeping. She almost felt sorry for him since the doctor's concoction kept the patient asleep most of the day.

"He's still asleep," Lydia answered with a smile.

"Perhaps we should wake him up to eat a little something."

Lydia nodded and stood, placing her book on the chair as she hoped she could return to the story soon. She was certain she had the mystery figured out, and she was anxious to see if she was right. Figuring out mysteries what one of her favorite things to do.

She moved to the bed and stopped. Poor Nicholas needed a shave, but she didn't dare do it for him. Touching his face in that manner would remind her of the time they'd spent alone in the glade right after she'd discovered her sister was in love with Lydia's mail-order groom.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and shook him. "Agent Drake? Wake up. It's time to eat."

After a few seconds without him stirring, she shook him harder. This time when she spoke, it was louder. "Nicholas Drake, wake up."

Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open. His gaze met Lydia first before jumping to Mrs. Hansen. Confusion filled his expression as he glanced around the room briefly. When his gaze rested on Lydia, his face relaxed, and he sighed.

Her heart fluttered, and she wished it hadn't. At least he recognized her and wasn't upset about her being in his room. For now, anyway.

"Nicholas," she said, "do you want to sit up so you can eat?"

Nodding, he scooted to a sitting position as Lydia placed pillows behind him to prop him up. She'd done this before, but today he didn't wince and hold his bruised ribs. She prayed that meant he was healing.

"How are you feeling today, Agent Drake?" Mrs. Hansen asked as she set the tray of food on his lap. "Your face is looking better and better each day."

He took the glass of milk and sipped it. "How long have I been here?"

"Five days." Mrs. Hansen moved to the window and pulled the drapes open a little more.

Lydia couldn't tell if Nicholas was scowling or just cringing to the brighter light in the room. But at least he was slightly more alert this time. Then again, once he ate his breakfast, she was sure the doctor had Mrs. Hansen laced it with the sleeping draught, and poor Agent Drake would be drifting back to sleep.

"My lovely daughter, Samantha," Mrs. Hansen continued, "has been assisting Miss Swanson with tending to your care."

He nodded. "Yes, I do recall seeing another woman in my room." He paused as his gaze narrowed on the middle-aged woman. "Are you the one who has been drugging me?"

Mrs. Hansen's shocked gasp ripped through the air as Lydia tried not to laugh. Although it wasn't funny, seeing the older woman's expression was priceless.