“Reformed.”
He steps closer. “Scarlett believes you have a fifty percent chance of a healthy child. Her mother had the sickness; her father had it in his bloodline. The Wilcoxes had three healthy girls. It might be a worthy gamble if you still love Lady Hampton. And she you.”
“I will never put Katherine in a position where she’ll bear more pain. A bride without the blood sickness in her family will mean a greater potential for healthy children.”
“But love, Torrance. You have made quite an impression of loving her.” He puts down the book. “Was that a lie?”
Even if we could find love again, having a child isn’t worth the gamble. I sweep my hand against the cold sheets of my awaiting sickbed. “Her heart is unmoved by my presence.”
“You sure about that, Your Grace?” He picks up his bag that’s as familiar to me as Carew himself. “After three years, Torrance, why is an heir your focus?”
“I have a daughter to protect. And as much as I am my mother’s hope, I am my father’s son. The Charles line cannot end with me. Family always being with Lydia is important.”
“She has aunts and uncles who will protect her, Torrance. Never be in doubt of that. And her mother is young and healthy.”
“That is good to know. Once Katherine is married, she’ll be in a better, more respectable position to aid my daughter. Stability, no scandal, just truth. That will be good for all.”
Carew dips his head, seeming to understand. “Hopefully, Scarlett’s potions can change your mind about permanency. You’re looking more fit.”
Even with tired lungs? “I feel eager. I think the lesser use of laudanum has made my recovery easier.”
He heads to the door. “Being clear-eyed about what you want is important. But remember that the stronger you grow, the more others who’ve wronged you will feel weak.”
That’s what my mother said. “I cannot help what others do. And if you think I will take advantage of my circumstances …” I chuckle. “You read too much fiction.”
He turns his back to me. “You’ve been deeply wronged. And my new sister is walking on eggshells and twisting with this mistress bet.”
“But she is not here. She’s missed reading to me tonight.”
He turns around, and his dark brown eyes widen like he’s seen a ghost. “What does that mean?”
“No fretting, my friend. Lady Hampton and I have our special way of dealing with each other.”
“Time is too fragile. Lord Hampton was a young, relatively healthy man, and his life was snuffed out by accident.”
“Yes. Yes, I know. Tragic.” I can’t even feign a frown. “He told the right lies to cement my wife’s prejudices. Years are lost because of him.”
“You said ‘wife’ … not ‘former wife,’ or ‘Lady Hampton,’ or ‘Katherine.’” He glares at me. “If you love her, Torrance, don’t play games. If you’re toying with her, stop. Make peace, for Lady Lydia’s sake.”
I pick upPride and Prejudice. It seems I’ll have to read to myself tonight. “I appreciate your concern for your new sister. I’ll be gentle.”
“Well, that sounds menacing. Perhaps there’s too much ill will. Maybe finding a new wife for you and a husband for heristhe right thing to do.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Gather the men. We should soon meet at White’s and discuss possibilities.”
“What men?”
“Lord Mark and Lord Livingston.”
Carew shakes his head again. “Why does such intelligence get squandered on Livingston? A drunk and lecher. Please don’t match him to Katherine.”
“Perhaps there are reasons for his behavior.”
“That’s one of the differences between us, Your Grace: I don’t care to know. I just brace for the impact.” The brilliant Carew—physician, surgeon, medicine man extraordinaire—has his handon the door pull. “Guess that’s why you’ve solved a lot of problems.”
My approach works for problems that have solutions. “Do you truly have to go out at this time of night?”
“Patients, Torrance, they need help. But I’m going to go hug my wife one more time before Benny and I leave. The streets are dangerous, and nothing is promised—not even if you’re on a mission of mercy.”
