“Yes, I sent her a letter.”
“Oh, no. She won’t listen to you. What did you tell her?” More tears pooled. “This is an utter disaster.”
“You are right. She’s never listened to me before. I have no reason to believe she will do otherwise. But it’s out of our hands. Now, lie back and let me get you something to eat. You are much too weak.”
“I’m not hungry.” Her stomach emitted an embarrassing and completely unladylike growl.
The door to the other room flew back and Serena appeared.
Rebecca’s cheeks burned under the onslaught of another one of the duke’s grins and Serena’s widened eyes then a quick disapproving frown marred her face.
Rebecca was too spent to argue further and closed her eyes but couldn’t stop herself from asking. “What if you get ill?”
“I have every reason to believe I would survive. Splendidly so, after witnessing the two of you care for one another. Now do as I say. Rest. I'll return shortly.”
He touched her head. “Your fever has returned. You are hot as a branding iron.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll rise in a moment,” she said on a hoarse whisper.
“Oh, Rebecca.” Exasperated concern strained to her through a long tunnel. “Let someone care for you for a change, my darling.”
“Yes. All right. Just for a minute.” Rebecca sank into that tunnel.
Eighteen
Sebastian pulled the coverlets to Rebecca’s chin, the sense of helplessness overwhelming him. He was stunned to see his hands shaking. He looked at Serena. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“I’ve never seen her so… so...” Her hand flew to her mouth. “This is all my fault.”
He pulled himself together, stood and patted her awkwardly on the shoulder. “Serena, people come down sick all the time. I suspect, since your mistress insists she has never been ill, she is long past due. We shall take the best care of her, as long as need be.” Allowing the maid to wallow would not help anyone, she needed a task.
“Perhaps you can see to ordering food. And I insist you take a short walk. Barrett can accompany you.”
After Serena left the chamber, Sebastian cleaned himself up with the basin of cold water and got himself dressed, wishing he’d rethought not bringing Néo along, but alas his valet had had a family emergency and Sebastian had left him behind.
Serena returned not long after and had her emotions under control once again. “Food and tea should arrive soon, sir.”
“Did you run into any wayward duchesses downstairs?”
Her startled, horrified glance gave him a second of chagrin. “N-no, Your Grace.”
“I was teasing you, Serena. But—” He turned stern. “If Oxford’s wife approaches you again, you must come to me immediately.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” The tension left her face and she glanced at her mistress. “I can take over Lady Rebecca, if you wish.”
“Of course,” he said just as someone banged on the door. “Get that, would you?” Sebastian looked at Rebecca. She was still scarily white. He put his hand to her forehead. Her head didn’t seem quite as hot. More clammy, not quite burning with fire. He had no experience with the infirm despite having four sisters. There were always servants to deal with one’s illnesses. Besides, the Lynnwood clan were healthy as horses.
“I insist on seeing the duchess,” Oxford’s wife demanded.
Sebastian swallowed a groan, coming to his feet. “As you can see, madam, we are not prepared for visitors.”
The woman bullied her way past Serena and stopped at the bedside. “Saints in heaven,” she breathed. “Lord Rivers’ daughter? That hoyden is your bride?”
“Mind what you say, madam. You are speaking of my wife,” he bit out.
Instant contriteness infiltrated her demeanor. “Of course. My abject apologies. I vow I haven’t seen the chit—”
Sebastian’s jaw clenched.
