Repay him for what? The man had done her no favours. They were living in Wright House, not Cardelle Manor.
Eda went to speak, but no words came, only shallow breaths and tightness that made her ribs ache.
‘Let us all take a deep, calming breath,’ Lyndal said, making her way over. ‘Mother, go sit down before you fall down.’
Presley walked over and guided her to a chair. Hadewaye was glaring at Lord Thomas. He looked ready to leap up and tackle the man to the ground.
‘There are a few options here,’ the physician said in a calm voice. ‘I know a family outside the walls that would house the girl until the child is born. No one need know.’
Disgusted, Thomas returned to the window and began pacing. ‘That will take months.’
The physician nodded. ‘Six, to be exact.’
‘What is the other alternative?’ Thomas asked.
‘There are herbs we can try if time is not something you have. However, there is no guarantee.’
‘Give her the herbs,’ Thomas said, marching back over. ‘Give them to her right now.’
Candace closed her eyes and dropped her head.
‘No one is forcing anything down my sister’s throat,’ Blake said.
Lyndal moved to her side. ‘She can’t be expected to make such an important decision on the spot.’
‘It is not her decision!’ Thomas shouted.
Everyone looked at Eda. What was she supposed to say? She was unwed, alone. No man would marry her now.
Roul might. He would do the honourable thing. Wed her and take her back to Carno to raise their child.
‘Checkmate. You’re stuck with me now,’ she could say as his face fell at the news.
The thought made her sick. Or was that the baby?
‘Give her the herbs,’ Thomas said after a long silence. ‘If it works, we might be able to salvage the situation.’
‘The father’s here in Chadora,’ Lyndal said in a calm voice. ‘Let us speak with him first. He’s a good man.’
‘I know all about thisgood man,’ Thomas said. ‘Roul Thornton. A nobody. A wasteland rebel who weaselled his way into our kingdom only to be cast from its walls. And yes, I know he was banished for Belenus only knows what.’
Eda might have gotten up and choked the man if she had two available hands.
‘His opportunity to do the right thing was three months ago!’ He was pacing again. ‘What am I to say to the man waiting for you in Toryn? Do any of you ever think about anyone other than yourselves?’
‘All right. That’s enough,’ Blake said. ‘My sister needs to rest.’
Thomas pointed at Eda. ‘You will do what is best for the family.’
A knock had him lowering his hand before he went to open the front door. A messenger stood on the other side. Thomas stepped out to speak with him.
The physician produced a small bottle of oil and set it on the table beside Eda. ‘Pennyroyal. Start with half. If contractions do not begin within a few hours, give her the rest. If there are any complications during the process, you can send for me.’ He closed his bag and looked around the room. ‘I shall see myself out.’
When he was gone, Candace rose and took herself upstairs, closing the bedchamber door behind her.
‘It’ll be all right,’ Lyndal said. ‘These things happen all the time. We’ll figure it out.’
Blake was staring hard at Eda. ‘You should’ve told us.’
