He then asked, “How is my brother?”
Lady Helen sighed.
“The military surgeon has been attending him. He said Phillip was in a shocking state of dehydration, and we are trying to restore him. The surgeon believes his unresponsiveness may now be due to dehydration.”
Richard’s brows lifted. “So, there is hope?”
“Yes. And if we could but get sufficient fluids into your brother, he may yet come around.”
Richard leaned back against the sofa, the strain plain upon his face.
Darcy intervened. “Aunt Helen, I will take my cousin to his room and will have him examined by the surgeon.”
The two men left the room and began to ascend the stairs. Darcy said, “Richard, you look ready to faint.”
“I feel like hell,” Richard muttered, “Help me to my room before I fall.”
When they reached his bedchamber, Phillip’s valet helped Darcy undress Richard and settle him into bed. The surgeon then examined the wound.
“Colonel, there is nothing at present to give concern. Your batman did an excellent job. I imagine he has had practice.”
Richard managed a grin. “Only once before on me, sir. But he has worked often enough among the wounded on the battlefield.”
“He is very skilled; you were fortunate to have him attend you. We shall let you sleep now. Are you able to eat?”
“Yes, have them send up a tray, and I need water.”
The surgeon turned to Darcy. “Would you like to visit your other cousin?”
“Yes, sir, if you allow it.”
Darcy was unprepared for the change in Phillip, who seemed almost shriveled, his face drawn and hollow, as though illness had stolen the life from him.
“Do not be so taken aback, Mr. Darcy. There is little amiss with your cousin beyond severe dehydration and a stubborn concussion.”
“Is there nothing more we can do for his condition?” Darcy asked.
“Lady Helen sits with him for hours, spooning liquid to his lips, but most of it drips away before it ever enters his mouth.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Would a toddy lifter be of any use, Doctor?”
The surgeon considered the suggestion. “I believe it would indeed prove useful.”
Darcy rang for the servants. When he returned to the bedside, he asked quietly, “Is my cousin paralyzed?”
“No. Lord Stafford moves his limbs. He begins to turn onto his side. I expect he will awaken soon and may only require more fluids.”
He looked grave. “A man may die of dehydration, Mr. Darcy. I only pray we have caught it in time.”
When the servant appeared, Darcy asked for a toddy lifter and then turned to the surgeon.
“Will my cousin suffer any lasting disability from the injury to his head?”
“It is too early to say. Only time will tell. But he is young, and the body can mend itself from injuries far worse than this. I have seen it with my own eyes.”
The servant returned with two toddy lifters upon a tray, and Lady Helen followed close behind.
The surgeon filled the glass device partway, then slid the spout gently into the pocket of Phillip’s inner cheek. The device allowed several drops to be distilled at a time, without spillage.
