“At least Kilsyth recovered from his injuries rather quickly. His shoulder bothered him and he had a few bruises, but he was up and about, and pacing, long before the other three pulled themselves from their chambers.”
At that, Eve relaxed. She’d known he was the only one to exit the carriages on his own and had assumed that he hadn’t suffered nearly as badly as the others. Still, it was a relief to know that he’d recovered.
“However, the poor man had never contracted measles as a boy, unlike his friends.”
“Oh, dear,” Cait muttered and slid her gaze to Eve.
Eve did her best to mask her emotions, but worry began to eat at her with the knowledge that her guardian was suffering the same illness as so many girls in the school. They would recover quickly enough, but adults tended to suffer more.
“It’s the other reason I am here.” Claudia turned fully to Eve. “He is not well. The doctor has even mentionedgrave.”
Why was Claudia looking at her? Nobody knew of Eve’s connection to Kilsyth, other than Cait, in whom she’d confided. Not even Mrs. Wiggons or Bernadette knew that in addition to bringing the news of Brendan’s death to Cait that Eve had also left her guardian.
“Why did you think Kilsyth came to Kirksbury?”
That question alone caused her heart to speed.
“I can assure you, Kilsyth didn’t come to visit my husband, but for you.”
He knew she was here! How had he figured it out?
Her stomach tied in knots. Why had Kilsyth come for her? Was it because he cared or because it was his duty as her guardian. Eve was almost afraid to find out the answer.
“He waited until the crises of illness passed, or that had been his plan because he wasn’t going to expose himself to the disease. Except, he contracted the illness anyway and has been ill for two days.”
“How ill is he?”
“I mentioned grave. The doctor is concerned.”
Eve brought a hand to her tightening throat as panic set in. She wanted to run away to protect her heart, but she certainly never wished Kilsyth ill.
“As he came here for you, I thought perhaps you might wish to go to him before…”
Claudia didn’t finish her sentence, but it was clear she was about to say “it’s too late.”
Cait stood. “I’ll go with you Eve.”
She dismissed her sister. “You need to stay and help the students. If I need you, I’ll send for you.” Eve set her tea aside and straightened her skirt with trembling fingers. “How bad is he?”
“His fever has been high, and he’s suffered a bit of delirium. We’ve tried to make him comfortable, but…”
Eve swallowed against the lump in her throat. Kilsyth could not die. She would not allow it.
Chapter 25
He couldn’t die. Not before he saw Eve again. But Henry was so bloody miserable that he wanted to die.
Maybe he was already dead. It certainly felt as if the flames of hell were licking at his skin, the heat ready to devour him at any minute.
Why did we keep her? He should ask Pickmore, but he wasn’t here. If Henry had have let Eve go as she wished, he’d still have his heart.
She hated him, and with good reason.
He’d treated her atrociously and knew better.
She had gumption and was the most beautiful woman of his acquaintance. Intelligent and sweet and the most expressive green eyes.
Why the blazes had he ever thought she’d make a good spy?
