Mrs. Harley brought a hand to her breast as the color left her face, leaving only the brushed rouge strikingly bright upon her cheeks. “No. She did not. When others in the area became afflicted, and after the horrible deaths, we didn’t let her leave the house.”
“I am afraid she might have contracted the disease.” Dr. Talbot straightened. “I should examine her to be certain.”
“I will check on her.” Violet started for the door. She needed to see Silvia for herself. Not only for the reassurance that her friend was not seriously ill, but also to warn her that Dr. Talbot was soon to grace her presence.
“You wait here, Violet,” Mrs. Harley insisted as she rushed toward the entry. “I’ll see that my daughter is prepared.”
At least Silvia was to be alerted, though it did little to ease Violet’s concern for her friend. “I hope Henry hasn’t spread the measles to anyone else.”
“Unfortunately, it is likely that he has,” Dr. Talbot grumbled.
If Silvia were ill, it was likely that others within the Harley household would be afflicted as well.
“Henry didn’t want to miss the Servants’ Assembly, and even though he was feeling ill, he attended regardless. Once he’d spent hours dancing and mingling, he collapsed, and the rash was noted by another.”
“Goodness, he could have spread the disease to everyone.” The Servants’ Assembly was held every Boxing Day, which was yesterday. It had been a tradition from long before Violet was born. Most of their servants attended, and it was the very reason why Father’s house party wasn’t scheduled to begin until today.
“In an attempt to keep the illness from being spread to all households, I decided to quarantine everyone in attendance. The men are to remain at the Assembly Hall and cots have been brought in for their comfort. The women have been placed in the three inns until we know for certain.”
How would her father and grandmother manage the additional guests without servants?
“Only those who had contracted the illness previously were allowed to return to their homes.”
Violet relaxed at the news. Many of their servants had been with the household when her family had taken ill, so it was likely only a few had been asked to remain in Laswell. At least, she hoped that were the case given guests were soon to arrive at Forester Hall. It wouldn’t do to be understaffed.
“You may go up now, Dr. Talbot.” A maid paused at the door. “I’ll show you the way.”
“If you’ll excuse me.” Dr. Talbot offered a slight bow and quit the room.
At being left alone, Violet poured a cup of tea to await the prognosis as to whether Silvia had indeed contracted measles. She also pondered her friend’s reaction to Dr. Talbot being in her bedchamber. Silvia had been hoping for an opportunity to gain Dr. Talbot’s attention and had even considered the option of a minor injury, though Violet couldn’t understand why someone would go to such lengths. However, as Violet had never suffered from the obvious signs of attraction, perhaps she simply didn’t understand the use of such manipulation.
“I’ve had your trunk packed, Violet, so that you can return home,” Mrs. Harley announced as she bustled into the parlor, Dr. Talbot not far behind.
Was Silvia even more ill than she’d realized? Even so, there was no cause for Violet to leave. Besides, she must stay here for reasons that had nothing to do with her friend’s illness. “I cannot return to Forester Hall.”
“Come now, I know why you don’t wish to return home, but this simply is not a good time for guests.”
“Don’t think of me as a guest,” Violet rushed to say. “I can care for Silvia. What if others become ill? You’ll need my assistance.”
Mrs. Harley shook her head. “That is very kind of you, Violet, but I will not have it. I promise you can visit after Silvia has recovered.”
That would never do. She must think of something. “How can I return with my trunk when you don’t have a driver to take me.”
“I’m certain Dr. Talbot won’t mind delivering you to Forester Hall.”
Dr. Talbot blinked at Mrs. Harley, then frowned. Had he not been consulted prior to being offered up as her driver? Either way, it didn’t matter, as he’d not be driving her anywhere. “I’m certain Dr. Talbot’s patients need him, Mrs. Harley.”
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Harley insisted. “I’ve already had your trunk placed in the back of his curricle.”
Why would Mrs. Harley do such without consulting her or Dr. Talbot first?
“Dr. Talbot understands the need for this household to remain undisturbed, and he is a gentleman.” Mrs. Harley led them toward the door. “As a curricle is an open conveyance, there is no need for your reputation to be called in to question.”
Violet hadn’t even considered damage to her reputation. She’d not been given a proper amount of time to consideranyconcern, other than an acceptable excuse fornotreturning home. Acceptable to others, that is.
As they gained the entrance hall Mrs. Buckley was already waiting, holding her pelisse, and a footman held Dr. Talbot’s greatcoat and hat.
“Allow me to see you home, Lady Violet,” he finally offered.
