Unlike Colin, Lord Stratford wrinkled his nose as he drank the cloudy mixture. “Tastes abominable. Why didn’t you warn me?”
Although he directed the question to no one in particular, Anne answered, “Because you probably would have refused to drink it.”
Colin’s fingers intertwined with hers and gave a little squeeze.
Turning toward him, she hoped to see a smile playing across her husband’s lips, but he stared straight ahead, his expression still as solemn as the grave.
“What exactly does it do, Ashton?” Drake asked.
“I suspect the acidity from the gooseberries coupled with the spicy food is the culprit. If that is the case, the alkaline base of the sodium bicarbonate should neutralize it, and it should cause him to?—”
Lord Stratford emitted a loud, undignified burp.
“Burp,” Ashton finished. “How do you feel now, Stratford?”
For a few moments, the man seemed to ponder the question. “Perhaps a little better.”
Ashton placed a hand on Lord Stratford’s shoulder. “Good. I’ll send instructions for the cook to prepare another dose in a few hours, but in the meantime, I suggest you rest.”
Honoria cast an apologetic glance toward Anne. “Should I send the musicians home? I suspect most people have dispersed to their rooms.”
As much as Anne loved balls, she suspected Colin had no desire to return and, truth be told, neither did she. “That’s probably for the best.”
“I’ll do it, darling.” Drake kissed Honoria lightly on the cheek and left.
“There’s not much anyone else can do,” Ashton said. “Why don’t you all get some rest? I’ll stay with him and send word if anything changes.”
“You’re talking about me as I’m already on my deathbed,” Stratford grumbled.
Perhaps Colin inherited his father’s grumpy manner. Regardless, the tension in Anne’s body eased with the knowledge she could soon leave. Being in a room with a sick person was almost as bad as being trapped in a small, dark closet.
“I’ll stay with him, too.” Her face drawn and tired, Lady Stratford appeared about as eager to remain as Anne. However, remaining with one’s husband was what a good wife did.
“No, Constance,” Lord Stratford said. “I don’t want you fussing over me. Get her out of here, Honoria, and let me rest in peace.”
A nervous giggle—ironic and horribly inappropriate—bubbled up. Heat scalded her face, and she cringed at everyone’s condemning gaze. If only she could vanish with apoofinto thin air. “The way he phrased it. I...oh, dear.”
Honoria took her arm. “It’s all right, Anne. We’re all worried and prone to say or do things we don’t mean.”
Colin did not appear as forgiving, and Lord Grumpy-Trousers delivered a castigatory glance. “We should leave.”
Anne could almost hear Colin’s unspoken addition.Before you do something else foolish.
“Stay, Colin. I need to speak with you.” Stratford’s command sent an eerie chill down Anne’s spine. Would he tell Colin to annul the marriage not knowing they had already consummated it?
Colin gave a quick nod. “Anne, if you would keep Mother and Honoria company, I would appreciate it. I’ll be with you shortly.”
Anne’s own stomach tightened. To be left to care for two upset women! She took a deep breath and followed her new family out the door and closed it with a definitiveclick.
“Let’s go to my sitting room. I’ll send for some tea,” Honoria said.
What Anne wanted was a glass of wine or even brandy. Perhaps the strong spirits would ease the sensation of wallsclosing in on her.
Get yourself together!
Her new mother-in-law jerked toward her with wide eyes. “I beg your pardon?”
Anne’s hand flew to her mouth. Too late to pull the words back in. “I’m sorry, Lady Stratford, I was speaking to myself.”
