Once the carriage was definitely off the land, they climbed back down the ladder. Dearne’s head was aching abominably, and his leg was burning. He was forced to allow Will to help him down the ladder, which didn’t do his temper a lot of good. He was pleased Will had agreed to journey with him to his sister’s house. He wasn’t ready to give up his irritable companion just yet. At least not until he had tasted that mouth again.
Will’s hands were strong as they steadied him when his leg failed. They stood at the bottom of the ladder until Dearne felt he could move without embarrassing himself.
“We should check your bandage before we leave,” Will said, his voice brusque. “I might have to go back up to the old house for more linen.”
“When do the new owners take possession?”
“I don’t rightly
