“My darling,” her mother sobbed.
“I am well, Mother. I wish merely to bathe and put on clean clothes.”
“Bath, Fairfax, and have the fire lit in my sister’s old room,” Nathan said. “There are also some of her things still here, I believe?”
“At once, Mr. Deville.” Fairfax hurried away.
Nathan swept Beth up in his arms again and took the stairs up with her mother following. Walking into Abby’s old room, he lowered her gently to her feet.
“Bathe and rest, my sweet. There will be time to talk after.”
“But, Nathan, the assassination?”
“The king will be safe.” He kissed her lips softly. “Rest now. There is time for that.”
“I feel like I was in those sewers an entire week.” Beth sighed.
“It felt like a week to me also.” He kissed her again. “I will see you soon, love. I must speak with my brothers now.”
She watched him walk away, desperate to call him back, and then he was gone, and she felt small and vulnerable. Both feelings she hated.
“I’m so sorry,” her mother was sobbing as she helped peel Beth out of her clothes. “How you have suffered, my love, and all because of your father’s actions.”
Beth sighed. “It’s all right now.” Her mother unbuttoned the damp, filthy gown, and Beth thought it bliss to step from it. “I fear I may never be clean again.”
“I doubt even Sally can save that,” her mother said, looking at the torn and ruined dress.
For some reason, the words made her giggle.
“But if all we lose is a dress this night then I am happy.”
“Very true,” Beth snorted.
She was wrapped in a thick, warm blanket that was blissful, and sat on the bed while staff came and went with a tub and pails of hot water to fill it. The fire was lit in the hearth, and soon the flames leaped and the wood crackled.
“Come now, into the bath with you.”
She let her mother strip the chemise from her body.
“My poor girl, your body is bruised, and your face.” She sniffed loudly.
“I’m all right, Mother. These marks will pass, and no lasting damage has been done.”
And yet when she lay there in that wonderful warmth, letting it finally take the chill from her bones, Beth wondered if she’d ever be the same again. Closing her eyes, she felt the dark, damp walls closing in on her. Remembered that man who had been intent on violating her.
“Let me wash your hair, Beth. Sit up now.”
She was washed thoroughly, and when the water cooled, she climbed out. Her arms ached as she reached for the drying sheet.
“You will be stiffening up now, my love. I have some salve here from the cook.”
She was slathered in the musty-smelling ointment. Her face and lips were also dabbed with something.
“I did not find a nightdress, but this will do.” Her mother held out a clean chemise, which she pulled over Beth’s head. She was then waved to the bed, and the covers pulled to her chin.
It felt wonderful to be clean and warm, and yet what of Gil and those young boys, how did they fare this night?
“Now, here is a tray. You are to eat everything and drink the tea.” Her mother continued to fuss around her until she’d eaten every morsel and drunk every drop.
