Pulling on the nearby cord, she moved to the edge of the bed and waited patiently for the maid to arrive. When there was a light knock and the girl walked in, Leah said, “What time is it?”
“Nearly three in the afternoon, miss. But I was given strict instructions to let you rest.”
“My goodness,” Leah murmured. She had never been someone who could sleep the day away, but apparently that had changed. She was anxious to know about Harlan, but her loyalty to the country advised her to ask about the reigning monarch first. “How is the queen faring?”
“Very well, miss.” The maid returned broadly. “She has spoken with her closest advisors and wishes to keep the matter at the palace quiet to quench any further threat of rebellion.”
Leah frowned slightly. “I might think that she would be eager to alert the country that mutiny of any sort won’t be tolerated.”
“She suggested that not giving the paper any fodder would work better and the storm would eventually die down after her coronation and she was properly wed.”
Leah could certainly see the sense in that. “A very practical decision. I had the feeling she would make a fine queen.”
“Indeed, miss.”
Leah got to her feet and put on her robe. “What of Mr. Mathis? I am eager to hear about his recovery.” She might have imagined it, but the girl suddenly seemed rather anxious. “Is something wrong?” she asked, her heart starting to pound.
“No, miss. Everything is well. You must be famished though. I can have a tray sent to you and a change of clothes. No doubt you would like to look your best when you see Mr. Mathis again.”
Leah was disappointed by the delay, but she had to admit that the maid extended a tempting offer. “Of course. I’m sure you’re right. I probably look a fright.” She reached up and touched her unbound hair.
“Not at all, but I daresay you will feel better after some fresh clothes.”
In short order, the maid assisted Leah into a simple, yellow muslin day dress, and after she had consumed most of the ham and eggs on her plate, as well as half a pot of tea, she was feeling almost restored.
“Has Mr. Mathis returned home?” Leah inquired when her toilette was completed, the maid fixing her hair into a simple, but elegant chignon. “If so, would it be too much to request a ride to Pall Mall?”
Again, the maid had a strange look on her face, but she quickly smiled broadly. “Let me see what I can do, miss.”
Leah was starting to feel like there was a secret she wasn’t privy to learning. That uneasy sensation grew when the door to her chamber opened to admit Hugh.
She immediately got to her feet and walked over to him. “What’s going on? What is everyone trying to hide from me? Where’s Harlan?”
She must have sounded desperate, and perhaps a slightly bit hysterical, because Hugh calmly took her arm and steered her over to a nearby chair. “You should sit down—”
“Oh, God.” Immediately, her composure began to falter. She sank into the chair when her legs would no longer support her weight. “Don’t tell me he’s dead. I couldn’t bear it.”
He looked at her in a confused manner for a moment, and then shook his head. “No. His wound wasn’t severe.” She was relieved, until he paused. “But there is a… complication.” She didn’t blink as she waited for him to continue. “He has developed a fever. He’s been delirious for several hours and his condition doesn’t seem to be improving.” He set his hands on his hips. “The doctor has suggested that we must prepare ourselves for the worst—”
She stood, her fortitude abruptly rising to the surface. “No. I refuse to accept that. Take me to him.”
He hesitated. “Are you sure that’s wise? Especially in your condition…”
She blinked, hardly able to comprehend their discussion any longer. “What are you talking about? I’m perfectly fine.”
He cleared his throat. “Indeed. However, I was under the impression that you could be…er…” His focus moved to her midsection and she finally understood.
“Oh.” Her face reddened slightly. “He told you.”
“Yes.” He exhaled, as if he was thankful he didn’t have to actually say the words.
“I am not certain as yet, but if I were, it would not stop me from wanting to see him. If Harlan has an issue with it, then he will have to take it up with me when he wakes.” She set her hands on her hips. “Now, is that good enough for you to allow me to see him?”
He inclined his head sharply. “I think it might do him some good to hear your voice. Follow me.”
It was Leah’s turn to be surprised. “He’s still at the palace?”
“The queen insisted. He saved her life too and she is very grateful for the intervention. She saw to it that her personal physician attended him.”
