A strangled cry eked out of Clara. “Oh dear! She’s swooned.”
“Charity!” Henry shot from his chair as Juliet bent over the woman, pressing the back of her hand against her brow.
Henry dropped to his knees beside them, collecting one of Charity’s hands, her skin ashen against the life pulsing through his. “How is she?”
Juliet pulled back, frowning. “No fever, but she is clammy.”
“Call Dr. Branch at once!” Henry barked over his shoulder at the footman.
“Yes, sir, but I suggest I also fetch the constable.”
A stunned silence sucked the air from the room. They all turned to Woodley, Henry’s brow a dark line not to be crossed. “What did you say?”
Woodley hesitated only a heartbeat before lifting the amber bottle from the tea tray and presenting it in his gloved hand. “Just in case she may have been poisoned.”
Poisoned?
Poisoned!
What madness was this?
But there was no time to think on it. Charity’s fingers were impossibly cool against Henry’s skin. His sister needed help. Now.
“Go!” he bellowed to Woodley. “Dr. Branch cannot be far off as he left only recently. Send him at once, then … get the constable.”
He could hardly believe those words had passed his lips, but better to have the law nearby if needed.
Oh God, please do not let it be needed!
Juliet pressed her hand against his sleeve. “We should lay her down. Keep her head elevated. Then—”
“Then what, Juliet?” Clara’s voice cracked, fearful. “How much of that tonic did you give her? Furthermore, what wasinthat tonic?”
Juliet recoiled as if slapped. “I did nothing untoward!”
“I–I’m sorry,” Clara whispered, wringing her hands. “I don’t know what I’m saying. It’s just—she was perfectly fine until then.”
Henry’s gut twisted as doubt rose like bile to the back of his throat. Clara was right. Juliet had served his sister. Could she have miscalculated the dosage?
Great heavens! What was he thinking? Surely Charity had simply overdone it today.
He pulled away from Juliet. “I shall tend my sister.”
“Henry, let me help. I need to assess her symptoms and send them to my aunt straightaway.”
“Surely that’s not wise.” Clara’s voice quivered. “We don’t yet know what happened.” She took a step forwards, reaching a trembling hand towards Juliet but not touching her. “You’ve done everything you can, Juliet. Let Henry and Dr. Branch see to her now.”
Juliet looked from Clara to him and back, disbelief bright in her eyes. “But you don’t actually think I gave her the wrong amount of tonic.”
“No, no—of course not,” Clara whispered. “I only mean … there’s no sense making things worse if we don’t fully understand.”
“Enough.” Henry shot up his hand. “My sister is my first concern right now. Juliet, please move so I may make her more comfortable.”
“Very well.” She stepped back, lips pressed tight.
He could feel her wounded gaze upon him as he turned back to Charity. His sister’s skin was cold as marble. “Charity, can you hear me? It’s Henry.” He shook her gently. “Give me some sign.”
Only shallow breaths answered him. Her eyelids fluttered, but her head lolled lifeless again.
