Page 62 of A Countess of Convenience

“Any way I may be of service, Lord Haxby.” He bowed and handed the papers to John. “I recall your letter to me said that Lady Haxby has had no contact with her child since November, is that correct?”

“Yes. Her accident incapacitated her until March, at which point Downing refused to let her see Anna. It has been above six months, and my wife is frantic with longing to see her.” Had it been his own child, he would be a lunatic by this point.

“Have your solicitor draw up a petition to the courts to grant visitation with the child. If there is no reason she should not see her, they should grant access without delay.”

A single ray of sunshine on this dismal day. John’s heart soared. “You have given me hope again, Matthews. I cannot tell you what that hope will do for Lady Haxby.”

“I wish you the best of luck, Lord Haxby. I will get the answers, hopefully the ones you seek, within the week.” He held out his hand, and John shook it wholeheartedly.

Winding his way out of the building, John could scarcely take in everything Sir Reginald had told him. He folded the sheets and stuck them in his pocket, ready to peruse once he got home. First, however, he had a stop to make. He must lose no time putting Matthews’s last revelation before the courts. “Take me to Blanchard’s immediately.”

The carriage started with a jerk, and they blended into the brisk London traffic. Perhaps he should find a different solicitor. Blanchard should’ve known about the visitation petition. He himself had thought of such a thing weeks ago, but with everything that had happened, it had slipped his mind to ask. The solicitor was good about the normal business of John’s estates however, so perhaps it was wrong to penalize him over an extraordinary point of law. At least now John had a course of action he could pursue, that he could tell Judith about. Before he told her about her daughter’s betrothal and broke her heart.

Chapter 24

“One of the best things about being married, Kitty, is having your breakfast served to you in bed.” Judith finished her second cup of tea and lay back on the pillows, smiling. It was difficult not to smile whenever she thought of last night in the garden with John. “Not the best thing, mind you, but still quite a benefit, I assure you.”

“Well, hopefully I will be able to see for myself shortly.” Kitty rose from the boudoir chair. She’d come to check on Judith and remind her about the Vauxhall party this evening. “Lord Ashwood seems rather attentive, and very handsome.”

“Two attributes to recommend him as a husband.” Though by no means the only two. “Do you like him, Kitty? Is his manner toward other people pleasant? Those are qualities you must also weigh into the balance. Do you think he will make you happy?”

“Goodness, Judith, I have only danced with the gentleman twice and spoken with him about the Vauxhall party.” Kitty laughed as she made for the door. “I shall compare notes with Maria Fitzhugh as we shop this morning. She also danced with him last evening and I believe went in to supper with him. She should therefore know a great deal more about him now.”

“Make certain you don’t lose him to Miss Fitzhugh, Kitty. Sometimes it only takes a little thing to turn a gentleman’s head one way or the other.” At least that had been her observation, though not her personal experience.

“You are extremely fortunate to have John to marry. Like a husband-in-training all your lives. You grew up together, so you already know each other well. I daresay that’s the perfect way to gain a husband.” Kitty sighed. “A pity for me, however, that you didn’t have a brother.”

“I’m so sorry, Kitty.” There had been no other close playmates for them growing up. “We will endeavor to find you the perfect gentleman in the next few weeks.”

“Well, let us not dismiss Lord Ashwood quite yet.” Kitty’s eyes twinkled. “In my estimation, he is the handsomest gentleman in Town this Season.”

“I shall make it my business to discover his attributes and frailties and report to you when you return from your shopping.” Unfortunate that she had spent little time in London since her marriage to Simon. She knew few people whom she could ask about suitors. “There is one lady I can perhaps call on. Lady Kensington and I spoke briefly last evening, but she seemed to be acquainted with a vast number of people. She may know the particulars about Lord Ashwood.”

“I will leave you to it, then. Enjoy your marital privilege.” Nodding to the breakfast tray, Kitty laughed and disappeared out the door.

Alone again, Judith moved the tray over and sank down beneath the covers to savor once more the memory of last night’s exciting and blissful encounter with her husband. How had she ever believed John would be a timid lover? Without a doubt, he was a much more skilled and considerate one than Simon had ever been. How lucky she had been in finding John when she did. Such a good and caring man. She could only wish one as good would come along and sweep Kitty off her feet.

The door opened, and Nichols, her new lady’s maid, appeared. “Are you finished, my lady?”

“Yes, Nichols, thank you.” She should have the maid draw her bath so she could get dressed to go out. She wanted to find out as much as she could about Lord Ashwood before this evening’s excursion.

Nichols picked up the tray. “My lady, there is a gentleman waiting downstairs in the receiving room for you. He arrived just as I was coming up for your tray. Mr. Barr said he is an acquaintance of yours. A Lord Farringdon.”

“Miles?” Judith shot up in the bed. “Miles is here?” What could this mean? Judith had not seen him since that terrible day when she had to refuse his offer and tell him she was marrying John. He’d seemed to take it well at the time. But then why would he wish to see her now? Could he have nursed a grudge over the past months and wish to admonish her? She shook her. No, she wronged him to even consider such a thing. He most likely found himself in Town and wished to call to see how she fared. She was still his patient, after all. And now she could ask about the headaches. “Put the tray down, Nichols, and help me dress. Quickly.”

Dressing was always a long process, but today Judith pushed her maid to work as quickly as possible. “Don’t worry with pockets,” she said as she stepped into her shoes. “Or my hair. Twist it up and pin my cap on top. It will do for the morning. If I go out later, we can redress me.” A sense of urgency enveloped her, and she all but ran from the room, straightening her frilly apron as she went.

Forcing herself to slow to a sedate walk as she approached the receiving room door, Judith couldn’t keep her heart from racing. She took a deep breath, prayed for calm, and walked in.

Miles stood by the window, looking much as he had that day almost two months ago, tall and elegant in a suit of walnut-brown silk. He turned as she entered, and a smile broke out across his face. “Judith. How lovely to see you again.”

Waves of relief cascaded over her. He’d not look so pleased if he resented her. “Miles, I am so happy you have come to call. Do sit down. I’ll ring for tea.” She pulled the bell and when Barr appeared, ordered tea and cakes. “I am certain a little refreshment is always welcome when you are as busy as you must be.” She sat across from him, now eager for his company and news of home. “What brings you to London?”

“Some business with my estate that could not be dispatched in letters. I hope to be here but a few days, so I wanted to call on you and see how you were faring.”

“Generally well, although I have begun to be troubled with headaches. They come on suddenly, last for a short time only, and then are gone.” She searched his face for evidence of grave concern, but the physician seemed unworried.

“With an injury to the head, and in your case, an injury and surgery, you must expect your brain to take time to heal. The headaches may only be part of that healing.” Still, he leaned toward her and peered into her eyes. “Do you notice any other symptoms when they occur? Any weakness in your left arm and hand?”