Well, that is true. Does that mean she was truthful in all she said to me?
He counts my pulse. It’s probably elevated thinking of everything that happened last night.
“You’re a lucky, fever-free man, Your Grace. Seems like the ill-advised bath might’ve done it.” He picks up his stethoscope and listens to my chest. “Lungs sound clear. How do you feel?”
“Like Mr. Thom ran over me with the coal wagon. But other than that, pretty good.”
“His fever has been gone since midnight, Stephen.” Scarlett yawns. She rises from beneath pillows and a blanket in an accompanying chair. “After a proper breakfast, we’ll start more herbal teas.”
“Not more weed tea.” I rub at my temples. “I’ve had enough odd dreams.”
“No fussing, Your Grace. The herbs and diet will improve your appetite and help you regain some of your lost weight. I want to improve your health to lessen these occurrences.”
Could she be right?
Could Scarlett have found a way to defeat this? My world changes if this is possible. Even some of the foolishness I told Katia about trying to have an heir or finding her another husband might change.
Watching Scarlett yawn, I realize my sickness has been taxing on her. “Carew, take your wife to a proper bed before she has me believing in fairy tales.”
The physician shrugs. “My wife’s plans could help. Nothing I’ve seen from them is harmful. Torrance, what would it mean to you if this is true? Don’t you want control over your illness?”
I refuse to let my mind fully embrace this. I must always live and act as if I have borrowed time. “Fairy tales are good to believe in … for children. But go. Sleep. Enjoy life. Send Mr. Steele with whatever horrid thing you wish for me to drink. I thank you both for what you have done.”
“Your Grace, you’ll have to thank my sister. Katherine insisted that you wanted a bath. I think she frightened everyone into doing your bidding.”
Well, that is … was my Katia. “I’ll thank her when she returns from her business duties this evening.”
“I doubt my sister will leave Anya House until she casts her eyes on you,” Scarlett says. “I’m sure breakfast can be sent up quickly. I know Georgina has been baking through the night.”
Everything that happened between Katia and me flashes in my head. And she stayed even though I told her to go. “Wilcox women are determined.”
Scarlett puts her hand on her hip. “My sister is misguided and often wrong, but she wants the best for you.”
“The duke is already dressed for his day.” Carew puts away his tools. “We’ll alert your household. Anya House is quite packed with people who care about you.”
“My daughter.” I waggle my finger. “I must go see her.”
He puts his large hands on my shoulders and keeps me from rising. The fellow is quite strong. “No, my friend. Everyone will come to you. No relapses. No big activity. Not yet.”
Now is not the time to get sick again. “Very well, but you two, you both must rest. Let my mother and daughter know all is well.”
Scarlett links arms with Carew. “Anyone else?”
“No. Not right now. I have to prioritize. Lydia has been robbed of enough of my time.”
The two look at each other and say nothing. Their gaze is a combination of pity and wistfulness. I, too, wish things were different.
“I think Lady Hampton should know,” Carew says. “I’ll tell her. She’s been outside your door all night.”
My mouth drops open. Scarlett’s, too.
“I thought my sister went to bed.”
“No,” Carew says. “When I returned, I tried to convince her. She insisted upon staying. Wilcox women.”
Maybe her care is not a scheme after all.
Carew opens the door and sticks his head out. “Yes, my new sister is still there. Maybe there’s hope of you two finally getting along.”
