‘In short,’ Hattie offered. ‘His Grace asked me to pretend to be this Lady Penelope in an effort to quell theton’s interest in his personal life after the attack at the lake, and thetonnow believes I am such.’
‘What?’ he asked, his gaze moving between the two of them.
‘And the household? They know of this?’ he asked.
‘They are all in on the charade,’ Daphne added. ‘Now, we needyouto be a part of it as well.’
‘So, you are this Lady Penelope?’ he asked Hattie. ‘People know you as such?’
‘Yes,’ she replied quietly. ‘It is shocking what a new wardrobe, hair styling, and a fake history can do. I have continued to be her at the manor when members of thetonvisit, and they continue to believe me to be her.’
‘Good lord,’ he murmured. ‘That complicates the situation.’
‘Could you help us in maintaining this ruse? For His Grace’s sake? And Millie’s?’ Daphne pleaded.
He shrugged and sighed. ‘I suppose we must as much as it goes against my reliance on the truth in most matters.’
Hattie’s heart skipped in her chest. ‘Thank you, Doctor.’
‘I fear your ruse may be the least of your worries at present. I am sorry to relay that His Grace’s injuries have left him completely without his memory. While I have seen such cases before, they are usually caused by battle or war trauma. His case is a unique one.’
‘And your plan for his care, Doctor? What can we do to help him regain his memory?’ Daphne asked the questions before Hattie could even open her mouth.
‘Well, that is the tricky part. I cannot say for certain when…or if…his memory will return.’ He sipped from his tea again and his cup clanged loudly when he settled it back on its holder.
Hattie’s stomach dropped to her feet and her throat dried.
‘But you must keep his schedule and routine here as it has always been. He must know you are here for him and support him as he recovers. In the past, my patients have responded best to routine, subtle reminders of their past selves and small pushes to engage with their world, even if they are frightened or ill at ease.’
‘Even if he does not remember us?’ Hattie asked.
‘It is even more imperative to do so because he does not remember.’ He paused. ‘And while I know it is unorthodox to do so, Miss Potts, you should remain here as long as possible. Your presence as governess to Millie will help her and your role as this Lady Penelope will help protect His Grace’s reputation and privacy.’ He smiled at them. ‘It will do him well to have you both along with his daughter by his side every day.’
‘It will not upset him?’ Daphne shifted to the edge of the sofa. ‘If he does not remember and has to see us each day.’
‘On the contrary, my lady. It will help him know he is not alone. Right now, he is confused and angry about what has happened. He wants to will himself healed, but we all know the body does not work in such a way. His daughter has shown us that.’ He dropped his gaze to his lap.
They fell into silence. Only the mantel clock ticked behind them as a reminder that time was passing. Otherwise, Hattie felt frozen in the moment. What was she to do? She glanced at Daphne, but she stared down at her hands which she rubbed together in her lap. Her shoulders were rolled, which was in stark contrast to her usual regal posture. She cared deeply for her cousin and after the loss of her husband the worry she felt now about William had to be profound. As if hearing Hattie’s thoughts, Daphne sniffed, sat up straight, lifted her chin and pulled back her shoulders, assuming the full height and prowess of the Lady Buchanan they all knew.
‘Then we shall rally around him until he regains his memory, Doctor,’ she said in a firm confident voice. ‘Miss Potts and I shall set a schedule for his day along with some activities that will boost his spirits and hopefully bring him back to us as he once was.’
Hattie nodded and reached over to clasp Daphne’s hand. She glanced up to Hattie, her eyes glistening with tears. She squeezed Hattie’s hand and then wiped her eyes.
‘Yes,’ Hattie agreed aloud. ‘That is exactly what we shall do, starting right now.’
‘I shall return daily to check in on his progress. I have told him about his daughter’s condition. It was a shock to him, but he had to know. Telling him the truth…well, aside from you as Lady Penelope, should be part of his recovery. You may have to wait until he reclaims his memory, so you can work out a way tountangle your fake courtship with him, so it does not damage his reputation.’
Hattie stilled. ‘And if he does not remember?’
‘You and Lady Buchanan will have to make a decision then. But until that time, he must know what society does so he does not stumble upon it on his own. One of you must tell him about his recent losses of his late wife and father. It is imperative for his recovery and should help him regain his memory.’
Hattie nodded.
‘The staff will also need to be told,’ he said, rising to leave. ‘Everyone will be needed for his recovery.’
‘Of course, Doctor. We will gather them together and speak with them now,’ Daphne said, also rising to see him out. Once he crossed the threshold of the parlour, Hattie dropped to the sofa, sinking into its cushions.
What was she to do? This ruse was now not only impossible to undo, but His Grace’s recovery might well hinge on her performance. Why had she ever agreed to this scheme to begin with? Lies never did her any good. Today was the ultimate example.
