A Garden for Ivy (The Wednesday Club Book 3)

by Sahara Kelly

  Her hands were trembling, but her voice was steady and already maids were hurrying up and down the stairs.

  Elvina and Prudence tugged her into the parlour and made her drink some of the hot tea prepared for their return.

  “It will be all right,” fussed Prudence. “I know Uncle Colly’s strong backbone. And with you two taking care of him, I just know everything will be all right.” Then she sat down and burst into tears.

  “Oh darling, don’t,” said Ivy, sitting beside her. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

  “No you won’t. But I’ll be counting every second.”

  Elvina sat on her other side. “We’ll send a message as soon as we get there, love. You’ll know everything, I promise.”

  “Pardon me, your Grace. Tadson is putting the horses to and will be ready within ten minutes.” Woodleigh remained in complete control. Only a slight twitch in one eye betrayed his discomposure. “Cook is preparing a basket with some food for your journey and also some things that might tempt his Grace should he be hungry upon your arrival.”

  “How thoughtful,” Ivy looked up at him. “I commend you all, Woodleigh. Please tell everyone how very grateful I am, for myself and for his Grace.”

  “I will be happy to,” he answered, then turned as there was a tap on the front door.

  “That may be Tadson,” Elvina said. “I must fetch my coat.” She kissed Prudence on the cheek. “Try not to worry, my dear girl. I know you will, but remember we are on our way and will take good care of your Uncle, no matter what the situation.”

  Hugs were exchanged, and then the door opened to admit both Rose and Lydia.

  Ivy jumped up. “Good God, that was fast.”

  They looked at Elvina. “We got your message.”

  Ivy frowned. “You sent them a message, Elvina?”

  “I had a feeling, Ivy. A very strong feeling. At worst, it would have postponed their rest for an hour. As it turns out…they’re here where they’re needed.”

  The situation was rapidly explained, Rose and Lydia went to Prudence and took her hands in theirs, vowing to stay right where they were until matters were settled.

  Messages would be sent, footmen would flit around town like nighttime moths, and Prudence wouldn’t be alone.

  It was all happening terribly quickly, but not quickly enough for Ivy, who was fighting the dread that slowly swelled in her gut.

  On their way at last, she leaned back in the carriage and looked at her companion.

  “Is he dead, Elvina? Tell me. I know you can sense such things.”

  Elvina closed her eyes for long moments. “No,” she said finally. “He is not dead. But he is very weak. He needs you, Ivy. He’ll need your strength; as much as you can give him.”

  “He can have whatever he requires,” she answered, her voice steady, her hands clasped as if in prayer.

  “You love him that much?”

  She turned to her companion and managed a little smile. “Yes, I love him that much and more.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The journey seemed to take weeks.

  Which was quite absurd, since Ivy was well aware they were in a carriage, driving through the night to the little village of Tesham. If more than a day passed, there would have been daylight. This she knew, but her heart refused to acknowledge it.

  Time crawled, much too slowly for her liking.

  “He will be happy to see us,” said Elvina, her hand on the strap inside the carriage. “And I will admit I’ll be happy to get there.”

  Ivy nodded. “I’m trying to keep thinking the same thing. But of course my mind is wandering down paths that lead to disaster.”

  “His note says he is unwell. Taking that at face value, he might have eaten something that disagreed with his constitution. He wasn’t travelling as the Duke, was he?”

  “No. He felt it better to have his identity concealed. If he was to learn anything about these rumours and how they had implicated him, he obviously couldn’t just barge in as the Duke of Maidenbrooke. But he hoped being simply Mr Hartsmere would suffice to keep his anonymity.”

  “In that case, it is most likely to be something quite ordinary,” replied Elvina. “Travelling the road in the guise of a simple man probably exposed him to a variety of circumstances that could have resulted in an illness. Bad mushrooms, or fish that was none too fresh…any of a number of things a Duke would never have to deal with, but Mr Hartsmere might find troublesome.”

  “I shall cling to your words,” said Ivy, struggling for a smile. “But God, I am worried about him.”

  “As you should be.” Elvina tapped the basket tucked beneath her feet. “But I have brought most of my most effective herbs and potions. So no matter the nature of the ailment he suffers, I am confident we can cure it.”

  “You always know the right things to say,” she sighed. “I don’t know how I would have managed to survive this far without you, Elvina.” The need to touch this amazing woman drove Ivy to reach out her hand.

  Clasping it tightly, Elvina closed her eyes for a moment. “Not much longer now.”

  Heat flowed between them, settling Ivy’s nerves, reminding her she wasn’t alone, and that if anyone could help Colly, it would be this stalwart companion with whom she’d shared most of her life.

  “Did Grandmama mind you leaving so suddenly?”

  “No. She understood my overwhelming need to be with you.”

  Ivy nodded. “Colly loved Siddington Castle.” She couldn’t help a smile. “Sometimes the little boy inside him crept out. I swear if he’d had a sword and a shield we’d have found him running around the ramparts looking to repel invaders.”

  “There’s a little boy lurking in most men, I’ve discovered,” answered Elvina wryly. “Fortunately, yours is housed within a fine specimen.”

  “I know,” sighed Ivy. “Ouch…” The carriage bumped and shook as the road became less well travelled and plagued by ruts.

  “A good sign,” said her friend. “I think we’re near Tesham…”

  The first fingers of dawn were creeping above the horizon as they finally drew to a halt in the small courtyard of the Pig and Peacock.

  A sleepy stable lad helped with the horses, and Ivy and Elvina scrambled down by themselves, grabbing their bags and hurrying to the door of the inn.

  It was opened by a maid, eyes wide in surprise at the sight of two elegant ladies lugging their own belongings.

  “We’re here for Mr Hartsmere.” Ivy remembered to use the right name. “I’m his wife, and this is my companion, Mrs Ashrayn.”

  “Very good, mum,” the girl dropped a sort of curtsey. “‘E’s upstairs in t’best room. ‘E’s quality, ain’t ‘e? Yer can tell…even sick, ‘e’s bin ever so polite.”

  Ivy was torn between relief that Colly was obviously still alive, and amusement at the thought that while sick he managed to retain his manners. She shouldn’t have been surprised.

  “What’s your name?” Elvina glanced at the girl.

  “I’m Jane, mum. Me ma an’ me live in and do fer Mr Macclesworth, ‘im what owns t’place.” She stopped at the top of the stairs. “To yer right, mum. That’s where ‘e is. I’ll get yer some tea? Ain’t got breakfast up an’ runnin’ yet…”

  “Tea would be wonderful, Jane. Thank you.” Ivy nodded, then took a breath and turned the handle of the door into her husband’s room. Elvina was behind her, and she vaguely heard Jane trotting down the stairs and yelling for her mother.

  The chamber was of a good size, and the bed on the far wall certainly large enough to accommodate the Duke. Putting down her bags and walking to the window, Elvina pulled the drapes aside, letting the first rays of the day into the gloom.

  Ivy sucked in a breath.

  Colly was there, half under the covers, still as could be.

  She dashed to his side, anxiously taking his hand, relieved to find it warm.

  Too warm.

  “Elvina,” she said quietly, as she placed her hand o
n his forehead. “He’s burning up.”

  At the sound of her voice, Colly stirred. “Ivy,” he muttered. “Ivy. Want Ivy.”

  “I’m here, Colly.” She eased onto the bed. “I’m here now. So is Elvina. All will be well, Colly. I promise.”

  “Ivy.”

  “Yes, love.” She couldn’t help the words slipping from her tongue. He looked wan in the dim light, but the flush of fever on his cheeks told a tale of its own. “Can you tell me how you feel?”

  “Want Ivy…” he whispered, then tossed his head. “So hot.”

  She rested her cool palm on his forehead, noting the way he seemed to ease at her touch.

  Elvina was already mixing herbs into a glass of water she’d poured from the ewer. “Everything seems clean and well cared for,” she commented, crossing the room to Ivy’s side. “He was very lucky to end up here…”

  “What’s that?” Ivy held his hand still, but glanced at the mixture.

  “Mostly willow bark and meadowsweet,” she said, “and a dash of feverfew. We need to break his fever as soon as we can. Then we’ll go on from there…”

  Ivy took the glass as Elvina slid an arm beneath Colly’s shoulders and spoke softly to him. “Come on now, your Grace. You must drink up.”

  “Here you are, Colly. Drink as much as you can.” She held the glass to his lips as Elvina lifted him. “We’re going to get you well, my husband. So take a drink…”

  His mouth moved and some of the liquid touched his lips. As if dying of thirst he drank, eagerly swallowing down the liquid.

  “That’s good,” Ivy whispered. “Very good. Now sleep for a little and when you wake up, we’ll be here to make you healthy again.”

  “Ivy,” he murmured. “Want my wife.”

  “I’m here,” she reassured him once again, taking his hand as he lay back on the pillows. He gripped her fingers tightly.

  “I have you, Ivy. Never lose you.” His words slurred as sleep crept upon him.

  Tears stung the backs of her eyes. “No, husband. You will never lose me. I’m yours forever.”

  He was still burning hot as he fell asleep, but Elvina nodded contentedly. “It’s the best thing for him at the moment,” she said quietly.

  Ivy felt his fingers release her hand as he fell deeper into his sleep. She released him with a tiny sigh, then stood, straightening the covers around him.

  “If you can spare me for a few minutes, I’d like to talk to Jane and find out a little more about Colly’s stay here,” she whispered. “We need to fill in some of the details. It may help us find out what happened.”

  “An excellent idea. I will unpack and prepare some more herbs, in case they’re needed.”

  Ivy nodded, then stepped to the door. “I shouldn’t be long.”

  There were sounds within the inn as people awoke and the day’s activities began. As Ivy walked down the stairs, she saw several guests with bags getting ready to depart, and noticed that a small desk near the front door now had a woman standing behind it.

  She went to her. “Good morning. I’m Mrs Hartsmere, and my companion and I are seeing to Mr Hartsmere.” She sighed. “Thank you for your care of him. He has a fever, but he could have been much worse off and I’m very grateful.”

  The woman dropped a curtsey. “’Tis ‘appy I am ter know yer ‘ere with ‘im, Ma’am. An’ no doubt ‘e’s quality born an’ bred. ‘E may ‘ave told us ‘e was Mr Hartsmere, but yer ain’t foolin’ Peg ‘ere.”

  Ivy laughed. “You must be Jane’s mama. You have her eyes.”

  “That I am, Ma’am. Now then. What can I do fer yer?”

  “Well I’ll be staying with my husband, of course, but if you have a room for Mrs Ashrayn, that would be splendid.”

  Peg pulled a large book out from under the counter, opened it and nodded. “One ‘cross the corridor from yer. Just opened up, so it’s yers fer as long as yer need it.” She reached under the desk once more and produced a key. “‘Ere yer are. Yer man’s got ‘is key. Best get it from ‘im if’n yer plannin’ on leavin’ ‘im alone.”

  “I will,” she answered, then paused. “I wonder, Peg, can you tell me when my husband arrived? His plans were not set in stone when he left to come north to…er…visit friends.”

  “Well now,” Peg consulted her book again. “He came to us almost a se’nnight ago. In and out, ‘e was, an’ I s’pose ‘e was visiting them friends. But I gotta say, Missus,” she leaned over the counter. “Some of ‘em looked a bit skivy ter me.”

  “Skivy?”

  “Yer know, sort o’ not as straight up as yer man.”

  “Ah. Skivy.” Ivy nodded. “So perhaps they were from a different sort of life than my husband.”

  Peg chortled. “That’s one way o’ sayin’ it.”

  “So he’s been here almost a week,” said Ivy, almost to herself. “When did he show signs of being unwell?”

  “Hmm.” The older woman pursed her lips. “I’d say night a’fore last. Didn’ eat much o’ ‘is dinner. An’ up til then ‘e cleaned them plates. Yestermorn ‘e nivver showed fer breakfast an’ that’s when I goes up and sees ‘im sick.” She cleared her throat. “‘E ‘ad me take a note an’ send it. Yer got it?”

  “I did,” replied Ivy. “That’s what brought us here. I cannot tell you how grateful I am, Peg.”

  “Well, see, ‘e promised me a guinea if I sent it, like…”

  “And that will be yours, Peg. You have my word on it. His shot, our shot, and whatever extra he’s promised will be yours.” She leaned over the counter and offered her hand.

  “Well if’n that don’t beat all,” blinked Peg. “An’ there’s a young lad talkin’ bout four fine ‘orses, an’ a carriage wi’ a fancy crest…” She grinned.

  Ivy put her finger to her lips. “Mr Hartsmere and his wife are very grateful for your care, Peg. Rest assured you will be well taken care of.”

  “I trust yer, Missus.” A clinking sound distracted them both. “Ah, ‘ere’s me lass wi’ yer tea.”

  “Let me take it up, Jane. I’m going back to see how he is and give Mrs Ashrayn the key.” She winked at Peg. “Thank you again.”

  Taking the tea tray, Ivy mounted the stairs and carefully managed her way into the room. The sun was up now, and she could get a good look at not only the layout but also her husband.

  “He’s sleeping, and I think he’s quieter,” said Elvina.

  “He does look a little easier,” approved Ivy. “But I’ll be happy when his fever breaks.” She turned to the table. “Let’s have some tea. Oh…” she retrieved the key from her pocket. “Your room. Right across the corridor.”

  “Perfect,” smiled Elvina. “I wouldn’t be averse to an hour or so of sleep, I don’t mind telling you.”

  Tea was poured and sipped with enjoyment by both ladies.

  “I can’t help but wonder,” puzzled Ivy with a frown. “What has brought on this fever? Did he contract some ailment? He’s been here a week, according to the books, but it wasn’t until two evenings ago that he first showed signs of being ill.”

  Elvina put down her cup. “An excellent question.” She looked across the room at the Duke. “We should take advantage of his unconscious state and check him for anything that might have injured him.”

  Ivy blinked. “Such as?”

  “Bites perhaps. Insect bites can set up a nasty infection, as can untreated scrapes, or perhaps dog bites…”

  “So it could be anything.” Ivy bit her lip. “All right. Let’s take a look.”

  Together, the two women approached the bed, and Ivy gently folded back the covers, revealing the Duke’s bare chest and the fact that he wore cotton drawers.

  “I don’t see anything,” said Elvina, almost to herself.

  “Hmm.” Ivy couldn’t, either. His chest looked as firm and warm as it always had. Not that she’d had much chance to explore it thoroughly, but there didn’t seem to be anything untoward.

  “Wait…” Elvina hissed in a breath. “Here. Hel
p me.” She was lifting the shoulder nearest to her, and half rolling Colly onto his other side.

  “Good God,” said Ivy, her heart thudding as he moaned a little.

  “Yes,” answered Elvina, touching the smear of blood they’d discovered on the sheet beneath him. “It looks to me like…”

  “He’s been stabbed.”

  Chapter Twenty

  The world was blurred, fuzzy, unreal in some strange fashion, floating before his eyes yet not making any sense at all.

  Lowering his lids against the unsettling images, the Duke of Maidenbrooke tried to focus his mind instead of his vision.

  There. A voice. It was Ivy, he knew. His wife. So he must be home in Hartsmere House. But…no, this bed didn’t feel like his bed at all. He moved—and a shot of pain brought a groan to his lips.

  “Easy, Colly. Just rest. Stay still.”

  Her fragrance drifted around his nose, a light fresh scent that was so very much a part of her. He breathed her in, then whispered her name. “Ivy.”

  “Yes, my dear. I’m here.” He heard the rustle of her gown as she sat gingerly on the side of the bed and took his hand. “You’ve had a fever, Colly. Elvina and I have been here for two days now, helping you recover.”

  He tried again to open his eyes, this time managing to see the pale oval of her face in the shadows of the room. Candlelight drew brief flickers of flame from her hair. It must be dark. “Why am I here? What happened?” He blinked and squinted his eyes, trying to focus them.

  She stroked his cheek, her touch light yet comforting. “Plenty of time for questions when you’re better,” she smiled. “For now, there’s broth. You must drink and get your strength back. You’ve had a high fever, but it broke this morning.” She turned as Elvina joined her. “Drink, Colly. Then sleep.”

  Something warm tickled his nose as she gently raised his head so that he could sip. It was good, tasty, beef perhaps, and fresh vegetables. He wanted to ask, but a great lassitude seemed to envelop him, and it was all he could do to manage the liquid.