He helped her drink and was in the process of setting the cup down when her maid arrived with a travelling bag in one hand and a clock in the other. “Mrs. Winterly gave me a clock for you to use,” the maid said after bobbing a curtsey for Marcus’s benefit. “And I’ve also brought most of your clothes.”
“Thank you, Hannah.” Lady Louise yawned and sank farther into her pillows. She setCandideaside on the mattress.
Marcus stood. “Allow me to create a buffer to stop you from turning your head while you sleep.” He carefully rearranged her extra pillows and even used a rolled up blanket for added support. Once he was done, he took a step back. “Comfortable?”
She smiled. “Yes.”
“Good. I’ll return later to check on you.”
In the meantime, he might ride into Weymouth to visit a bookshop. If he didn’t find any books for the blind in stock, he’d try to order one, because as unwise as it might be, he desperately wanted to see Lady Louise happy.
When Louise awoke, instinct compelled her to open her eyes, until the blindfold reminded her that she couldn’t. Her entire head felt as though it was trapped in a vice. Pain speared her from every angle. An involuntary groan rose from her throat.
“Are you all right?” Hannah asked. “Can I get you anything?”
“Mr. Berkly said we could offer you laudanum to help you feel better.” Mrs. Winterly’s voice was soft - little more than a whisper. “Would you like some?”
“Yes.” Although she’d never enjoyed the numbing effect of the medicine, she had no desire to needlessly suffer.
Some shuffling sounds followed and then a small glass was set to her lips.
“I’ve mixed it with water according to Mr. Berkly’s directions,” Hannah said. “You should feel better soon.”
“Where is he?” Louise asked once she’d drunk the bitter concoction.
“He went out two hours ago,” Mrs. Winterly informed her, “so I would expect him back shortly.”
Louise expelled a deep breath and tried not to panic. Somehow, the idea of Mr. Berkly being absent pushed her heart into a frantic beat. What if she experienced a complication while he was away? Who would help her then? He was the man she relied on, the man she’d placed her trust in, the man who—
“It’s fine,” Mrs. Winterly said. Her hand settled over Louise’s. “He’s only gone to Weymouth so he can be brought back quickly if needed.”
Louise eased her grip on the blanket and tried to relax. “Thank you, Mrs. Winterly.”
The older woman chuckled. “Think nothing of it. Your concern is understandable, your desire for Mr. Berkly’s presence more so.”
As if on cue, the man in question entered the room with an, “Ah, Lady Louise. I see you have awoken.”
A flutter took hold of Louise’s heart. The clock Hannah had brought in earlier chimed three times to mark the hour. He was back and she was more than a little relieved. The excitement his presence wrought on her nerves could not be denied. It was rather disconcerting, to be honest, for it was unlike any response she’d ever had to another man, Mr. Fairbanks included.
“Are you hungry, my lady?” Mrs. Winterly asked. “I can have some food brought up if you are.”
“That would be lovely,” Louise told her even though she was once again getting drowsy, no doubt because of the laudanum. Mrs. Winterly drew her hand away from Louise’s and stood. Her feminine footsteps crossed to the door, fading as she left the room. Louise waited for Mr. Berkly to take her place in the chair and was disappointed when he didn’t. Instead, she could sense him lingering by the door. Her heart began pounding with uncertain beats. “Mrs. Winterly says you went for a ride.”
“Indeed. I rode to Weymouth.”
The rich cadence of his voice seemed to dip beneath her skin and slide through her veins. Oh, if he’d come closer, say something more.
When he didn’t elaborate, she forced herself not to press for more information. They weren’t well acquainted enough for her to pry. Perhaps he’d needed to post a letter or visit a shop. Either way, it was his business, and yet, she found herself inexplicably curious about it.
“What was the weather like?” How awful, not being able to think of a different subject, but with him standing where he was, as if he’d no desire to stay, and not wishing to elaborate on his excursion, she had little choice.
“Fair. The lack of wind and the barest hint of clouds made it pleasant, but then again, most days are that way as long as it isn’t raining.”
“If only it would rain,” Louise said without really thinking.
“Why do you say that?”
Because then you probably wouldn’t have left me.
