“First of all, she is not going to relinquish the care of Kilsyth over to the four of you. And, as such, she will hear more because it is doubtful Kilsyth will be free of his delirium until the fever passes.” Lady Norbright leveled her eyes on Pickmore. “You’d best come clean now.”
“Can we trust her?” Ashford speared Eve a look as if he didn’t care for her.
“She’s barely left Kilsyth’s side. Do you think she’d see him recovered and then speak out of turn and leave him vulnerable, or risk the danger?” Lady Norbright retorted with a raised eyebrow.
What could be so dire and serious, unless they were all spies.
“Besides, she’s bound to learn sooner or later from Kilsyth.”
Eve doubted that, but she’d really like to know what secret they were trying to protect.
“Of course, you are correct,” Ashford blew out a sigh then rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Tell her but make sure she understands the gravity of what she’s about to learn.”
“I’m fairly certain you just did that yourself,” Pickmore grumbled and turned to Eve.
Chapter 26
Henry opened his eyes to a dark room. The only light came from a candle on a far table. How late was it?
Eve sat in a chair, her legs tucked and curled beneath her and her head resting against the back, and eyes closed.
Why was she sleeping in a chair?
He pushed up on his elbows, then fell back against the pillows. Bloody hell! A newborn had more strength than he did.
What the blazes…? Measles. Lady Norbright had told him that he had measles and sent him to bed. His cough had gotten worse and the rash had spread, but how long ago was that? How long did measles last and when did Eve arrive? And, why the blazes was she sleeping in a chair?
“Is there anything I can get you, Lord Kilsyth?”
He blinked up at a footman who seemed to have come from nowhere.
“Can you help me sit and bring me some water.” His mouth was so dry.
“Of course.” The man helped Henry sit forward because he barely had the strength to do so himself, then added pillows behind Henry so that he could remain upright before handing him a cool glass of water. The cool water was a relief to his parched throat.
“How long has Miss Doyle been here?”
“Two days, Lord Kilsyth.”
“Two days!”
His voice boomed, louder than he’d expected and he quickly glanced over to Eve. She stirred, then slowly opened her eyes. In an instant, she pulled herself from the chair, smoothed her skirts and rushed forward. Without asking, she placed the back of her hand to his forehead and then cheeks before she blew out a sigh. “Your fever has finally broken, thank goodness.”
“I had a fever?”
“A very high fever. You were delirious. We feared…”
Had she expected him to die? How sick had he been if she’d been here for two days? How long had it been since he was sent to his chamber? “How long have I been sick?”
“This is the fifth day.” She offered him a relieved smile. “But you will recover.”
“I don’t remember much beyond being sent to my bed like a child,” he grumbled.
She laughed. “Well, you were very sick so maybe it’s best that you don’t recall.”
Now that Eve was closer, Henry could study her better. She looked awful. Her hair, which was at one time in place, had pieces coming loose and tendrils curled about her head and shoulders, and was in need of brushing. There were also dark smudges beneath her soft green eyes and there was little color to her cheeks. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight in his life.
His heart swelled that she was the one beside his sickbed and had been there for two days. However, he wasn’t pleased that she’d not taken care of herself. Eve should not be sleeping in a chair and he’d have a talk with Norbright at the first opportunity. His friend should have never allowed it. If someone needed to watch him for whatever reason, there were servants aplenty at Harrington Manor.
