A maid entered carrying a pitcher of water and some clean clothes. “My Lord,” she curtsied, then departed.
Frederick arose and dipped a cloth in the cool water. He placed the cloth upon her forehead in hopes of bringing down the fever. They had just been walking and talking together, now she lay weak and fevered, him helpless to do anything to help her. He prayed that the physician would be swift in coming. Coughs racked her body as she stirred restlessly.
“Frederick,” she whispered returning to awareness.
“I am here,” Frederick answered, taking her hand in his.
“I am sorry to have disturbed your mother.”
“It is I who am sorry for being cross with you,” Frederick replied, squeezing her hand. “I have been so consumed with the poachers at Pentford and Mother here at Chescrown, that I have missed what was right before my very eyes. Had I paid you the attention that I should, you would not have suffered so alone.”
“’Tis not your fault, Frederick. I hid my illness from everyone,” she admitted. “From the moment I emerged from the water I felt poorly, but I thought given time it would fade. I was wrong.”
“Surely your mother must have known. She should have sent for the physician,” Frederick stated. “You share a room. There is no way you could have kept such illness from her.”
“She and I have been taking turns sitting with your mother at night. She did not know.”
“Why would you be so foolish?”
“The Duchess needed me.”
“You are a good and loyal companion to my mother, for that I am grateful, but there was no need for you to neglect your own well-being.”
“Honestly, I thought it was nothing.”
“Well, there is nothing for it now. I have sent for the physician, and he will be with you as soon as is possible. Afterward, I will have him look in on my mother.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance. Sweat beaded on her brow, and he wiped it away.
“How did your mother take the news of the poacher’s words concerning her involvement?”
“She denied it. I regret to say it, but it was clear that she was lying. I simply do not know why. I cannot imagine what she would have to do with such men, but everything about her demeanor has spoken of untruth since this entire ordeal began. As the poachers are from Pentford, I cannot help but wonder if it has something to do with my grandfather. I cannot imagine it truly having anything to do with Mother.”
“Perhaps she is protecting you from something in your grandfather’s past?”
“Perhaps, but whatever it is, is not in his journals.” Frederick shrugged his shoulders. He rinsed the cloth then laid it once more upon Josephine’s head. “And why would my mother be privy to such information? It is all entirely too worrisome.”
“That it is. It sorrows me that she is suffering so, and we know not the reason why,” Josephine empathized.
“Did she receive any more threatening letters in my absence?”
“Not to my knowledge, but you would be better served in asking Mr. Johnson.”
“I will.” Frederick arose. “I am glad to see the color returning to your cheeks. Rest now. The doctor will be here soon.” Fredrick walked to the doorway and gestured for the maid to reenter the room. “Stay with her.” The maid nodded and went to sit by Josephine’s side.
Frederick went in search of his father. He hoped the Duke would have the answers he sought.
Chapter 11
Frederick found his father in the library having just returned from his daily ride. “Frederick, glad to see you have returned to us.”
“Yes, Father. I come bearing some unsettling news. Do you know of any possible reason why a family of poachers would claim to know Mother?”
“No, I do not,” the Duke answered his brow wrinkled in confusion.
“What about a Welsh family named Evans?”
“No, I know of no such acquaintance. Why do you ask, my son?”
“The poachers I caught at Pentford claim to have known Mother, but would not tell me how.”
