“I’ve brought a fresh nightshirt for the baron,” the housekeeper said. “Can you change him? Or do you need help?”
As Robert had no valet, she would have to manage. How enraged he’d be to find a strange footman or young maids attending him. “No, thank you. I’ll need a bowl of hot water, soap, and towels.”
“I’ve sent for them.” Mrs. Brandt approached the bed and drew down the covers, exposing Robert’s long legs and big feet. Laura hurriedly pulled down his nightshirt, which rode high on his thighs.
The housekeeper addressed the two maids, who stood gazing at Robert. “Close your mouths, girls. Have you never seen a man in his nightshirt?”
“I’ve seen me pa and me brothers,” one of the maids said. “Cared for them when they was sick.”
“Then your help will be invaluable,” the housekeeper said, sounding unconvinced.
“I hope ’e gets better. ’E’s that handsome.” The younger maid put a hand to her mouth.
“He’s a body in need of care, Cathleen,” Mrs. Brandt said sharply as she rolled Robert onto his side. He grunted but fortunately didn’t wake. They rolled him back the other way and pulled away the damp bottom sheet, then adeptly removed pillow cases and the top sheet.
Marveling at the housekeeper’s efficiency, Laura assisted her while they remade the bed around him.
As they firmly tucked the blanket in, Robert opened an eye. “Tell them to go away, Lolly.”
“Mrs. Brandt has changed your sheets. You will feel much better in a little while,” Laura said as a maid brought the bowl of hot water, soap, and towels.
“There,” Mrs. Brandt said with a satisfied look about the room. “Shall I leave you to wash and change him?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Brandt. My brother will be much more comfortable. I know he’ll be grateful when he is fully awake.”
Left alone, Laura went about her task. Robert drifted off again as she washed his face, neck, and hands and dried him. She struggled to dress him in the clean nightshirt, admitting she was not as competent as the housekeeper. While attempting to get Robert’s arms into the sleeves, he stirred and tried to push her away.
Debnam came in and joined her at the bedside. “Let me help you.”
As it always did when he was near, Laura’s heart skipped a beat. She puffed away a wisp of hair and wiped her forehead. “I would appreciate it.”
Together, the task was quickly done, and Robert settled back into the clean linens.
“Thank you, Debnam. I could not have managed alone.”
“His fever has broken. A promising sign.”
“Yes. During the night. Dr. Phillips is pleased.”
She sank into the chair and looked at Robert, who frowned. His eyes opened, and he stared blearily up at Debnam. “Why is the earl here?”
“Lord Debnam helped me to change you. Without his care, you would have died, you ungrateful wretch,” Laura said crossly, out of patience with him.
Debnam put a hand on her shoulder to shush her. He glanced at Robert, who continued to glare at him. “You don’t deserve your sister, Netterfield.”
Debnam’s eyes, when he looked into hers, grew gentle with understanding. “I’ll leave you to it. Don’t forget the rose garden.”
When the door closed behind him, Robert groaned. “He’s right. I don’t deserve you, Lolly.” He gave her a soul-searching look. “Am I about to die?”
“No. You are improving, according to the doctor.”
Robert yawned. “I am dreadfully tired.”
She urged him to drink a little water. “Sleep. When you wake, you might like some food.”
Robert fell asleep again, and Laura tiptoed from the room, thinking of Debnam as she returned to her bedchamber. She’d gone through so many changes since she’d come here, from anger and suspicion to a deep attraction and sympathy for his plight, and now admiration. He was brave and considerate, and something she hadn’t expected: honorable. But was that all he meant to her? She dared not dwell on her feelings too deeply. It would only hurt more after they left. Now Robert was on the mend, their departure would be soon. They could not in all conscience continue to enjoy Debnam’s hospitality.
While Penny was downstairs at luncheon, Laura enjoyed the quiet. She washed and changed into her muslin gown embroidered with pink flowers. She tidied her hair as best she could, vexed by how tired she looked. In her jewelry box, she selected dainty, pearl earrings in a gold setting and the matching locket to make herself feel better. Then she went downstairs, hopeful of some luncheon. She’d eaten little at breakfast.
