Hot
"Alice, no—!"
The shouted warning came too late; her hand had already come down on the top of the pot-bellied stove. She shrieked, yanking her hand back almost instantly, but the stinging pain was proof she'd not been quick enough.
Reginald was at her side in a second, gripping her wrist and turning her palm for his inspection. The skin was a bright pink, the pads of her fingers dotted white. He made a low sound of disapproval and tugged her arm once. "Kitchen—go."
She hurried along in front of him, rushing to the sink and turning on the tap, thrusting her hand into the cold water. He was beside her directly, his gloved hand resting low on her back. "Keep it under the water; I'll get a wrapping and salve." He disappeared, returning momentarily with a round tin and rolled bandage he placed on the counter beside him. "Let me see."
"It hurts."
His eyes met hers. "I know, dearest, but I can't make it better if you don't let me look at it."
She relented, holding out her hand, palm up, skin burning from the feel of the air alone.
Reginald sighed heavily. "I'm going to put the salve on it, Alice. It will hurt to touch, but I promise to be quick about it."
She nodded, grimacing.
He led her to a chair in the corner, crouching at her feet. His touch was light, liberally applying the balm to her injured flesh. She winced, biting her lip and holding back tears.
"I'm so sorry, cricket."
"Why did you have a fire? It's July!"
He looked abashed. "I was blacking the stove—it was looking a bit ratty. The blacking has to cure…"
"By heat." Her words were flat.
Reginald turned away, reaching for the wrapping. "Yes—the heat burns off the wax." He began gently covering her hand, up to the wrist, in gauze. "I'd not expected you...I didn't think to mention—not until I saw you beside it." He tied a small knot in the bandage and looked into her eyes. "I really am very sorry. This is my fault."
Alice let her injured hand rest in her lap, her good hand reaching out to him. Her fingertips grazed his cheek and tugged gently on a white curl. "Stop. It was an accident." She smiled at him, not quite her usual smile, but a close approximation. "I'll be fine."