Page 22 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

“Yes. I am afraid that is what it is. I recommend leeches to rid the body of excess blood. That might help bring down her fever, as well.”

“No. No leeches.”

The doctor raised his chin. “That is the only accepted method of treatment for influenza.”

“Well, you won’t be treating this patient with leeches. They used that on my grandmother, and it did not help. In fact, my father was convinced it hastened her death, since she grew so weak after the procedures.”

The doctor picked up his bag. “I must tell you, my lord, there is also the chance your wife suffers from nerves, combined with a common cold. We have found young and nervous ladies tend to suffer more with colds than gentlemen do. After all, they are of a weaker nature, so that is understandable.”

Grateful that Arabella was too sick to hear the doctor’s comments, he took him by the elbow. “I will see you out, doctor. Besides leeches, what else do you recommend for colds?” He opened the bedchamber door and escorted him out.

“Keep the room warm. Drafts are very dangerous. You might want to have her maid fix a poultice for her chest if she begins to cough a great deal. Chamomile tea is good, if you can get her to drink it.” They descended the stairs. “You might use some cold cloths to bathe her body, if the fever rises.”

The front door opened and Lady Melrose rushed in. “How is Arabella?”

“This is Dr. Bennett. He has just examined her and declares she has a cold.” Nash glared at the doctor, warning him not to dispute him. The last thing he needed was a hysterical Lady Melrose on his hands. “Arabella was calling for you. Her bedchamber is on the second floor, the third door on the right.”

Lady Melrose swept past him and hurried up the stairs.

Nash visited the kitchen and instructed Cook to fix chamomile tea and a poultice.

“Oh my lord. The poor dear, only just married and now sick.” The woman shook her head. “I will also fix some broth. When my little ones had fevers, it seemed to soothe them.”

He headed back upstairs to find Lady Melrose sitting on a chair next to Arabella.

“She is so warm, my lord.” The woman held her daughter’s hand and pushed the hair back from her forehead.

“Cook is sending up chamomile tea that the doctor suggested, as well as some broth. I will have Sophia fetch cool water and some cloths if you want to bathe her.”

“Yes, thank you.” She turned back to Arabella.

Once Sophia arrived with the water and cloths, Nash excused himself, not wanting to watch Lady Melrose strip his new bride and wipe her down. He did not want to feel lust for the poor girl, but considering what he had planned for tonight, his mind continued to wander in that direction.

He ate his wedding night dinner alone in the dining room, since both Lady Melrose and his mother had requested trays. He certainly did not do justice to the wonderful meal Cook had prepared for the newlyweds. After eating, he wandered to the library for a brandy and time with the book he had started but certainly hadn’t planned on reading this night.

Shortly after ten o’clock he entered Arabella’s bedchamber. Lady Melrose sat slumped in the chair, her eyes closed, and her head nodding. Nash touched her gently on her shoulder. “My lady, I believe you should retire for the night.”

Her head came up quickly, she looked around, and then rubbed her eyes. “No, I cannot leave Arabella. She might need something in the night.”

“My wife is my responsibility now, madam. I intend to stay here to see her through the night.”

Lady Melrose’s brows rose. “I am not sure that is proper.”

He managed to keep from rolling his eyes. “We are married. You will find one of the maids outside the door. She will direct you to the room we have prepared for you and assist you in any way you need her.” He reached out and took her hand, escorting her to the door. “All will be well. You need your sleep.”

Glancing back at her daughter, Lady Melrose reluctantly left the room. Nash immediately undid his cravat and removed his jacket, waistcoat, and boots. He rolled up his sleeves and drew the chair closer to the bed. Resting his arm on his knees, he watched his new wife. Arabella was in a fitful sleep, tossing and turning. He felt her forehead, and she remained very hot.

He rang for Sophia and had her bring more water and clean cloths. He also shooed her to her bed, promising to fetch her during the night if he needed anything.

Once he turned the bedcovers down, he groaned at the sight of the night rail that displayed the brown nipples of Arabella’s generous breasts, as well as the dark curls at the juncture of her thighs. Calling on all his resources as a gentleman, he slid the bottom of the gown up, keeping the area from the top of her legs to her neck covered, and slowly wiped her warm flesh with the cool cloth.

The chore finally done, he placed the bowl of water and cloths on the dresser. He blew out the candles and settled into the chair, planning on a long, uncomfortable wedding night.

Chapter Seven

Arabella groaned and rolled to one side. She was so hot, and her body hurt so much. What was wrong with her? She opened her eyes and for an instant panicked at the complete darkness. As her eyes adjusted, a lone figure slumped in a chair came into view. Nash.

Her husband.