“You should have a portrait commissioned of you standing there in the sun.”

Tori turned. “Flattery, Captain Fitzgerald, will get you nowhere.”

“Help me sit up again, Miss Victoria. I want to try and stand.”

“I don’t advise it. Too much movement could cause you to puncture a lung.”

“I’ll take the chance. I can’t stand lying in bed another moment.”

She helped him stand and he clung to her for support. Tingles spread through her from his touch. She swallowed hard, too aware of his body heat. “How’s that feel?”

“Good.” His voice cracked. “I want to sit in the chair.” He took a small step, and she matched his pace until he settled himself in the armchair.

“Fifteen minutes then you’re back in bed.”

He saluted her. “Yes, Sergeant.”

“Don’t sass,” she warned, putting her hands on her hips.

“Never.” He shook his head in mock solemnity.

Their eyes met and she thought she saw longing in his. Fearing he saw the same in hers, she tried to move away, but he grabbed her hand.

“Stay. It’s lonely when you leave the room.”

It’s lonely when I leave the room, she yearned to tell him, but practicality got the best of her. “I need to change the bed linens while you’re up.”

“They’re fine. Leave them.”

“But-” her protest fell silent when he put one finger to his lips. Slowly he brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss across the back of it. Tori’s heart raced at the surprised action.

“I wonder what might have happened if we met under different circumstances, Miss Victoria.”

She knelt beside the chair since he still held her hand. We wouldn’t have met under different circumstances. The thought pained her greatly.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, letting go of her hand to tilt her chin upward. She closed her eyes, fearing he’d read more of what was evident on her face.

“The thought of never meeting ... it doesn’t seem possible.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Her words brought joy to his ears. Could she possibly feel something for him? He’d been aware of her body pressed against his as she helped him out of bed. She’d stayed to care for him instead of leaving with her family. Hadn’t her snippy sister accused her of being in love with him? She’d denied it, but he had to wonder. An awkward silence engulfed them and he began to feel tired.

“I think I’d better lie down again.”