Chapter 13
He had never been thinking of Katherine’s efforts.
He had only been thinking of Samantha.
The memory had once lodged in Katherine’s chest like a splinter. For years, it hurt whenever she touched it.
Now, hearing him ask her to make the same dishes for Samantha, she felt almost nothing.
Without another word, she sat up, got out of bed, and walked to the kitchen.
Several hours later, a full spread of fragrant dishes covered the small table.
Katherine stood by the stove, face pale, sweat beading at her temples, using one hand against the counter just to stay upright.
Nicholas looked at the food, something unreadable in his eyes.
He saw how weak she was and, for once, real guilt flickered across his face.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “You used to say you wanted me to sit down and have a proper meal with you. Today I can stay.”
Katherine was about to refuse when a maid rushed in.
“Mr. Padilla, Miss Lester says she’s hungry and wants to know if it’s ready.”
The softness on his face froze.
He looked at the dishes, then at Katherine.
Katherine spoke before he could.
“You don’t need to stay. I can eat alone. Pack it up and take it to her.”
Nicholas seemed almost relieved.
He quickly called for containers and began packing the food. He was in such a hurry that when he reached for the last bowl, his elbow struck the copper kettle of boiling water on the stove.
The kettle tipped.
Scalding water poured down across Katherine’s calf.
She gasped and stumbled backward.
Nicholas jumped. “Are you all right?”
But even as he asked, his eyes were already flicking toward the food containers, and one of his feet had unconsciously shifted toward the door.
His mind was with Samantha.