Chapter 8
Thomas woke at the touch of a gentle hand on his shoulder. He opened his puffy eyes and squinted. It was early evening, judging from the light slanting through the room, and Eileen was standing by the edge of the bed.
He smiled at her. “Hello.”
“Hello.”
“Have I missed dinner?”
“Mother kept some warm near the fire for you.”
“Good.” He started to sit up, felt his ribs and stomach muscles protest.
“Thomas…”
The tone of her voice stopped him. “What’s wrong?”
“Your brother’s here.”
“My brother?” Thomas tossed back the blankets and rolled out of the bed, groaning at the pain the movement caused. Eileen jumped back, her mouth opening in what Thomas guessed was a protest. It went unvoiced when she saw he was still wearing his breeches. Thomas took the moment to run his hands ov
