“How long was she in the water?”
“About ten minutes I would say.”
Dr. Haimlin lifted his head and said, “Her heart rate sounds normal, so that is a good sign, but we need to get her out of these wet clothes and get some warm broth into her. She will also need to be monitored for the next twenty-four hours to ensure that fever doesn’t set in. I can set her up in one of my patient rooms upstairs if that is amenable.” He looked to Araminta. “I assume she is of some relation to you?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “She’s my sister, Lady Olivia Bevelstroke, and I support whatever you think will ensure her full recovery.”
“Very good. If you would follow me?”
The duke carried Olivia upstairs and they entered a sparse room with nothing more than a fireplace, a bed, and a washstand. Gravesend stepped out of the room while the doctor sent in a maid to assist Araminta in undressing her sister. Once she was stripped completely bare, a simple white nightdress was put over her head and she was tucked underneath a warm coverlet. Another maid brought up a tray with tea and broth and Araminta did what she could to coerce Olivia to eat. Although she was still rather incoherent, she managed to get a few sips down, and Araminta was thankful to see that some of her natural color had returned to her cheeks. She didn’t want to see any more of that dreadfully pale, bluish tinge ever again.
Once Olivia had fallen into an easy slumber, Araminta left the room and went downstairs. The duke was standing by the mantel, but he turned at her entrance. “How is she?”
“Resting comfortably,” she offered.
He visibly relaxed at her reassurance. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“While I don’t wish to leave my sister, I fear that my other sisters will be concerned if I don’t return home and tell them what has happened. They have no idea where I am.”
He bowed lightly. “Allow me to offer you the use of my coach.”
As they headed to Grosvenor Square, Araminta leaned her head back against the velvet seat. The fear that had struck her earlier had melted into a terrible exhaustion.
“I hope you aren’t upset that I took your sister to see Dr. Haimlin, instead of taking her home.” She glanced over at the duke who was looking down at his lap. “I just knew she needed immediate care and he was someone I could trust implicitly.”
“I was rather irritated at first,” Araminta acknowledged. “But you were right. It would have taken much longer for him to arrive at the house, and I daresay I wouldn’t have chosen anyone but Dr. Haimlin to treat her. He seems to be a very kind man.”
“He is the best,” the duke said adamantly.
When they arrived at the townhouse, she said, “Would you like to come in for some tea?” She knew it sounded rather inane, but she was at a loss of what to say.
“Thank you, but no.” He smiled tightly. “I should be getting home. My mother will no doubt insist that I help her with the Christmas Eve ball she has planned in a fortnight.”
Araminta’s memory sparked and she realized why the duke’s name suddenly seemed familiar to her. “Yes, we’ve accepted the duchess’ invitation.”
“Indeed.” He returned almost thoughtfully. “Then I may decide to join the party after all.”
With that parting remark, Araminta stepped down from the carriage as the duke drove away. Never before had she met such an enigma. But she intended to ensure that society knew of his kindness to her family.
Araminta noticed that Lord Somers’ carriage was still parked outside, and the moment she stepped in the door, her sisters came rushing out into the foyer to greet her. She also noticed the earl, although he hung back, remaining in the doorway of the parlor.
“The earl told us what happened! How frightening!” Calliope’s eyes were filled with tears as she embraced her.
“How is Olivia? For that matter,whereis she?” Isa asked.
Araminta explained the turn of events. Calliope’s eyes widened with each word she uttered.
When she’d finished, Isadora said, “I think you’ve done enough for today, Minty. You should get some rest. I’ll go tend Olivia.”
“I’m coming with you,” Calliope said firmly.
Araminta couldn’t help but smile. If nothing else could be said of her dear sisters, it was that they were all there for one another.
As Isadora began to speak to the butler about readying the carriage, Lord Somers stepped forward. “Use my landau. I’ll instruct my driver to take you anywhere you wish to go. It will be quicker and I can take a hackney home.”
“Thank you, Lord Somers,” Isadora said as she set her bonnet on her head and buttoned her pelisse. “Your generosity will not be forgotten.” She pointedly glanced at Araminta, and then with Calliope at her side, they walked out the front door.
“You looklike you could use some tea,” Grey said once they were alone. “Or perhaps something a bit stronger.”
