“You have to know something,” she said low, “but I want you to keep it to yourself, at least until I can speak to Piers.”
“He just came in.”
“I must have just missed him.I’m glad I caught you, though.Come.”She turned to the baize door that led to the kitchen, and he knew she was taking him to the patient.
“I was going to have a quick wash and a cup of tea first,” he said humbly.
“Sorry, but it’s important...There’s only Mrs.Riley left in the kitchen.”
Fosterson was intrigued.The young viscountess seemed to see nothing wrong in leading a single man alone into the depths of deserted rooms.Mrs.Riley, studiously ignoring them, was not much of a chaperone.
Blithely, Lady Petteril led him into the footman’s temporary bedchamber, closing the door behind them.
“He woke,” she said, the words bursting from her with quiet intensity.“He opened his eyes and looked right at me.”
“Did he say anything?”
“No.I’m not even sure he understood me, but he turned his head, took a drink, and closed his eyes.Is that not a hopeful sign?”
Fosterson wished he had his medical bag with its listening device.As it was, he took Edward’s pulse and laid his ear against the man’s chest.
“What do you think?”she asked eagerly.
“His pulse is stronger.I think...I think he is sleeping naturally now.”
“Then he could wake at any moment?”
He had the impression she had already suspected as much.“And tell us who struck him.”
“Exactly.This puts him in fresh danger, doesn’t it?If his attacker hears he is awake, he could try again.I think we should keep this between ourselves.”
Fosterson blinked.“Just you and me?”
“And Piers.”She frowned.“And, I think, Mrs.Riley.She was snoring when he was attacked, and I believe she can be sworn to secrecy.If nothing else, she can keep the other servants out of this room.”She must have seen the doubt on his face, for she added quickly, “I know we won’t be able to keep it up for long, but hopefully it will be enough time for us to discover who did this to him.”
He hesitated, for she looked so determined and eager that he felt a scoundrel for crushing her hopes.“He might never wake again, you know.And even if he does, his brain could be permanently damaged.He might shout or groan and give himself away.”
She nodded slowly.“I did wonder about him calling out...But I think I have to try.Piers and I will sit with him tonight.”
“With respect, Lady Petteril, you need to rest.”
Her smile dazzled its way into his heart.“Oh, I can sleep anywhere.”
