Yet, his heart swelled with love, knowing that Eve had put aside her own comfort to be at his side.
“How are you feeling?”
He was achy and tired, but it wasn’t in Henry to complain, especially since Eve was clearly exhausted from caring for him. “Hungry,” he finally answered.
Her smile widened. “I’ll inform the cook.”
In an instant, Henry truly realized where he was and glanced down, and blew out a sigh. He preferred to sleep in nothing. Thank goodness someone had put one of those blasted sleep shirts on him. Except it was damp, as were the linens. “I’d also like assistance in changing.” He tried to sit up. “Everything is damp, as if I crawled into bed following a bath without drying off.”
“That’s because of the fever breaking. A person often sweats,” She assured him. “Toby will see that you have a new shirt and linens.”
She turned away and Henry reached out to grab her hand. Eve stopped and looked back at him.
“You sat by my bed for two days?”
“Of course,” she said, then looked into his eyes. “You are my guardian.”
Her words stung. Was that all he was to her? She had become everything to him.
“Thank you.”
All she did was give a quick nod then quit the room.
* * *
Eve darted from the chamber and went in search of a maid, quickly ordered something for Kilsyth to eat and gave instruction for changing his linen then rushed to the chamber Lady Norbright had been kind enough to give her. Once alone, Eve sank into the closest chair. She was surprised she’d made it this far, as her legs were so shaky that they threatened to give out.
Relief flowed through her from the tips of her fingers to the top of her toes. The fever had broken and Kilsyth was going to survive. She’d been so afraid that he’d die, but had no idea how much she feared until he was awake and talking.
The fever was gone and now he’d recover. While she was happy that he’d be well, she’d now have to face what she’d learned.
He’d lied to her. Eve’s learning to speak properly had had nothing to do with a wager. He’d determined her worth to him and the Home Office that very first day she’d arrived in his home, and at no time had he asked if she’d like to be of assistance. Instead, he had carried on as if the betterment was all for her, so that she could gain a position as a governess, when that was never his intention.
As much as she’d like to tell him to go hang, Eve would not run from him a second time. Instead, she would wait until he’d recovered some of his health and confront him.
Why had he come after her? That was something Pickmore couldn’t answer.
She shook her head. He knew why Kilsyth had traveled to Kirksbury. They all did, but they refused to tell her. Therefore, Eve could only surmise one answer. He wanted his future spy back.
Spy! Even in her wildest imagination, she’d never have believed that Kilsyth trained spies. Yet, it explained his intensity and attention to detail. Those he took under his wing would eventually be put in dangerous situations and not one mistake could be made. Just as he had trained her, working with her for hours upon hours to speak correctly. And all along, Pickmore knew what he was doing. She didn’t know when the Devils had learned, but it was no secret what Kilsyth’s intentions were for Eve and it irritated her to no end because not once had anyone asked if spying on Society to find French sympathizers was something she wished to do. Instead, Kilsyth intended to use her.
Was he ever going to tell her? Did he assume that after an event, they’d have pleasant conversations and he’d ask what she’d heard or what was discussed in hopes that she’d provide the information he needed.
At the scratch at the door, Eve called for them to enter, hoping that Kilsyth’s fever hadn’t spiked again.
“I understand that Kilsyth is finally improving,” Claudia said as she entered the room.
“Yes.”
Her eyes searched Eve. “Did you confront him about his actions?”
“No. He is still too weak. I’ll wait until he’s stronger and can better defend himself.”
“You are far more considerate than I’d be,” Claudia chuckled and settled into the opposite chair. “What do you intend to do now?”
“I intend to return to the school. Now that I know that Kilsyth will survive, I will leave Harrington Manor.” Eve turned fully to her hostess. “Thank you for allowing me to remain here when I first arrived and these last few days.”
“Eve, you are welcome to stay and visit anytime you wish.”
