She had obviously glimpsed his ugly, swollen face, because he noticed her slight cringe. However, she hadn’t run away screaming, and that was a good sign. But he hadn’t thought she would offer to get him something to eat. He was relieved his pride—or was it embarrassment?—hadn’t stopped him from allowing her to assist in his recovery.
It shamed him to have her see him in this condition. As a child, his governess was the one to take care of him when he had become allergic, but as an adult, he hid away in his room until the swelling went down, suffering through the pain alone. Now, knowing Priscilla would return with his food, he welcomed the company for the first time. Of course, he would stay in the shadows as much as he could, but leave a single candle burning near the door, and the low-burning fire in the hearth on the other side of the room, so at least she would see his outline when she entered the room.
As the grandfather clock in the corridor ticked the minutes away, Gavin wondered what was taking so long. Preparing a plate of bread and cheese was not that difficult to do. Although he had been waited on most of his life, he could get his own food from the kitchen. So why couldn’t Priscilla? Unless she had been stopped by a servant and was fearful of their being aware ofwhyshe was making him a plate.
Gavin drummed his fingers on the armrest of the chair. He studied his hand through the shadows, but could tell the swelling had gone down quite a bit. However, his face still felt like an oversized watermelon.
His stomach grumbled. He hadn’t wanted to eat, mainly because it was difficult to swallow, but now he was eager for nutrition. His body needed the satisfaction that only food could provide. If only she would get here…
Gavin stood and slowly moved toward the door, listening for her footsteps, but the hall remained quiet. He frowned. Where was she? Perhaps it was late enough that he could venture downstairs to the kitchen and find his own food. It was obvious that she had decided against helping him.
He pulled the dressing robe around his body and tightened the sash around his waist. If his grandmother ever found out her companion had seen him in this state of undress, Priscilla would lose her employment for sure. The dowager duchess was a stickler for the rules, unlike her grandson, who didn’t care if he went downstairs looking this way.
As he reached the stairs, he heard the gentle tap of someone’s shoe coming up. Realizing it must be Priscilla, he hurried back into his room and returned to his cushioned chair. His heartbeat raced, and he took deep breaths to calm himself. He wasn’t sure if he was more excited over the food or seeing Priscilla again.
He watched her as she came toward his room, and then slowed considerably as she reached his open door. In her hands was a tray of food and a teacup. He could hardly see her expression, but it was easy to see her hesitation.
“Um, Your Grace?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“I’m here.”
She held up the tray. “I have this for you.”
“Can you bring it in and put it on the table by the candle?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, no. That wouldn’t be proper.”
Gavin tried not to grin. “I know it is not proper, but I cannot move very well.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. His ankles were slightly swollen.
She didn’t say anything, but shifted back and forth from one leg to the other. She glanced down the corridor and then quickly stepped into his room and hurried to the table, where she placed the tray.
“I brought what you requested,” she said. “Plus, I made you some tea with a touch of honey and a crushed butterbar leaf.” She pointed to a smaller object on the tray. “I also found the root of a pineapple that your grandmother had for breakfast, and also a peppermint leaf.”
Confusion filled him and he shook his head. He had no idea what a butterbar leaf was. “Why did you bring those for me?”
“Well, you see, the butterbar leaf will help the rashes on your skin due to allergies. The root of a pineapple, along with the peppermint leaf, will help with the swelling.”
Was he hearing her correctly? She actually knew how to help his allergies when the family physician and even his governess had no knowledge of how to cure him?
“How do you know these things?”
A smile graced her lovely face. “Because my mother’s family were healers. All my sisters learned from our mother before she passed away.”
“Your mother was a physician?”
“No, not really. But she knew what plants to use that helped maladies. That is why I knew what to bring for you.”
His heart softened. “That is very thoughtful of you, Priscilla.”
“All you have to do is drink the tea, and use the peppermint leaf and butterbar on your skin, and it will take the pain, itching, and swelling away.”
He chuckled. “It sounds so simple.”
“It really is. The only thing complicated about it was grinding up butterbar leaves to add to the tea. I am grateful your grandmother’s cook had the peppermint and honey in her spice rack.”
“As am I.” He shifted in his chair to stand, but really didn’t want her to see more of him than necessary. As much as he wanted to keep her in his room, it was best that she leave. “I thank you again, Priscilla. I believe I can handle things from this point forward.”
She nodded. “I pray you feel better tomorrow.”
