“Don’t be silly. Of course, you aren’t. It is lovely to have you here. Ever since Mother died, I long for good company. But we must get you well.”
A tap on the door and the maid showed Dr. Manners in.
“Well, Miss Jenner. It is not like you to be ill.” He checked the rate of her pulse. “Mm. Open your mouth.”
“I’m only a little tired, Doctor,” she said when she could speak. “I don’t need to stay in bed.” Tears gathered behind her eyes.She must see about the haberdashery. Mr. Mockford might sell it. And she couldn’t be a burden on Helen.
“A slight fever, nothing too concerning.” The doctor shut his bag. “Give Miss Jenner feverfew for her headache and any aches and pains, and plenty of liquids, Miss Caldicot. I don’t expect Miss Jenner’s condition to worsen, but should it do so, send for me.”
He bent over Olivia. “You’ll be all right after a few days of rest, Miss Jenner.”
“Thank you, Doctor Manners.” Olivia felt so feeble.She must get up. She would tomorrow.
The door shut behind them. Grateful to be alone, she closed her eyes.
Long fingers of the setting sun crept across the carpet, alighting on a dainty, chintz-covered chair as dusk approached. Had she slept for hours? Olivia remembered sipping a hot drink and falling asleep again soon after. Helen attended her assiduously. She would always be grateful to her friend. How tired she was still. But she must get up tomorrow.
*
The door openedand Helen came in. She drew up the chair beside her. “Good morning. Would you like some breakfast?”
“Yes, please. I’m quite hungry.”
“I can see the rest has done you some good, especially if you can eat a little breakfast. Perhaps some porridge and a coddled egg? I’ll bring books and periodicals for you to read. You shall have to rest quietly in bed for today.”
“I thought about getting up.”
“But the doctor said you need rest.”
“I’m feeling better. I don’t like to be a nuisance.”
Helen shook her head. “None of that. I’ll fetch your breakfast. Meg will come to see you when she has a free moment and bring you news. She’s taken up her position at Redcliffe Hall. Meg was concerned about you yesterday. She believes you suffer from exhaustion and a broken heart.”
Olivia smiled. “Dear Meg.” She thirsted for news of Redcliffe.
“I hope she doesn’t mention your illness to his lordship,” Helen said.
Olivia gasped. “Oh, no. She mustn’t!”
“Meg is very levelheaded. I expect she’ll wait to hear how you are.”
“I hope so.” Olivia’s throat grew tight. Redcliffe would come here prepared to argue. And she wasn’t herself. How could she resist him?
Helen rose. “Now, some breakfast.”
After they brought a tray, Olivia picked at her food, trying to make a good meal of it, but at the thought of Redcliffe storming in and demanding to see her, her appetite fled. She flicked through the reading material Helen gave her, but nothing held her attention. By luncheon, she felt a little better but still tired. What was wrong with her? She’d always been so strong, facing adversity full-on and not letting anything bear her down. She wiped a tear from her cheek. The malaise had made her weak, but she would return to her old self soon.
The front doorbell rang with an imperious clang. Olivia tensed. Below, a deep voice. Helen’s light voice in reply. A few minutes later, a heavy tread came fast up the stairs.
The door opened, and Redcliffe strode in, his face creased with worry. He strode to the bed. “My love. You are ill.”
She tried to frown but was so happy to see him she couldn’t hide a smile. “You must not call me that. It is entirely improper. I am not ill. I was merely overtired. I’m much better today.” She noticed the strain in his eyes. “How did you find me?”
“I questioned Mrs. Turner.”
“I hope you didn’t interrogate her, Redcliffe. Poor Meg.”
He smiled. “You are coming home with me.”
