Staring down into her beautiful face, Aidan had a revelation. He would do anything for this woman. Give up all he owned, leave his entire life, just to make her happy. He had no clue where that thought came from, but it made him smile. Made his heart light.
Aidan turned and left her room, and started to head to his room, when Mr. Peabody came up to him, panting a bit.
“Is everything all right Mr. Peabody?” Aidan asked, concerned for the older man.
“I am well sir, thank you. There is a woman at the door, asking to speak with the Duke.” Mr. Peabody replied.
Aidan’s eyebrows raised. No one came here, let alone asked to see him.
He turned and followed Mr. Peabody downstairs to the foyer, where a small woman with brown hair stood. She was looking up at the ceiling and he cleared his throat to get her attention.
She startled and looked over at him. “Forgive me sir, but are you the Duke of Ablewood?” She said in a quiet voice.
Aidan nodded, still not knowing what was going on and she sighed a quiet, “Oh thank goodness.”
Aidan watched her straighten her shoulders and she said, “I just came from the village, and my dear friend was there a few days ago. I heard she wouldn’t take the stage the rest of the way to Scotland, and that she walked away heading towards your home. Please, sir, have you seen her?” She asked, her eyes beseeching.
“What is her name?” He asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer.
“Her name is Rhiannon Forester. I am her friend Julia, I worked for her family before she left London. Did she make it this far?”
Aidan nodded. “She did. Though, she is recovering from being deathly ill.”
Julia brought her hands to her mouth with a gasp. “Is she all right now? Oh dear. I should have been here sooner,” she said this part quietly, but Aidan still heard it. “How did she make it this far on her leg? I know how difficult it is on her to walk even short distances. How it melts out from under her for no reason.”
Aidan grimaced, “She walked most of the way, but fell several times toward the end. She got hurt pretty badly, we had to stitch up a cut on her hand that was deep. She also got a fever from being out in the elements for too long. Her leg will not bend and has been very swollen. It refuses to hold her weight. At least that’s how she describes it anyway. But today she has been doing better. How did you find her?”
Julia had put her hand to her chest when she heard everything that had happened to Rhiannon. As she lowered it again, Aidan noticed it was shaking.
“I took a post in London as a governess. As soon as she left, I felt that it was not going to end well for her. I just know it wouldn’t. People are awful creatures sometimes and Rhia, with her kind heart was left to fend for herself. I know how badly she wants her independence, and how she wanted to leave London, but I just had a feeling about her going to Scotland. Since her leg still has bad days and good ones, I knew she couldn’t do it alone. So, I spoke with my employer, and they kindly helped me to get here. After hearing that Rhiannon walked off on her own, my heart couldn’t take it. What if her leg couldn’t make it? What if she had fallen? What if she had gotten seriously injured? Or killed? Oh, the possibilities were endless. I knew my parents wouldn’t want me to just leave without checking everywhere, so, I came here, hoping against hope that she would be here. And she is.”
Julia’s eyes had started to water when she was speaking and tears fell in great rivers down her face.
“I apologize, your grace. I know it isn’t proper for a servant to say so much, but she is my dearest friend in the world. I need to see how she is. Is that possible? After, I can go back to the village until she is well.”
Aidan waved a hand at that. “She would want for you to stay. She said your name several times while she was ill and we sent you a letter, informing you of her plight. I take it you didn’t receive it?”
Julia shook her head and pulled out a handkerchief. “No, I left London only four days after she did. I am grateful you would take the time to try to contact me. Thank you, your grace.”
Aidan nodded, “You are welcome. Come, let us go see Rhia. Shall we?”
He led Julia up the stairs to Rhiannon’s room and opened the door.
Julia looked inside, and saw Rhia sleeping in the big bed. She let out a small cry and ran in the room. She sat next to Rhia on the bed and stroked her hair.
Aidan could see the tears fall from where he stood. He moved into the room and Julia looked up at him. “Tell me the rest of what happened please? If there is more, your grace.”
Aidan sat in the chair next to Rhia’s bed and told Julia how Rhia fared and all that had happened to her.
Julia looked down at her friend with a smile. “She has always been a stubborn girl. Did what she wanted when she wanted it. Never gave thought to what people would think of her. I am proud of her for making it as far as she did.”
Aidan smiled, “I am as well.”
Julia eyed him, “I am afraid I am overstepping my bounds, but you know, for the stories I have heard of you, you are nothing like people say.”
Aidan grimaced, “Yes, well, my reputation, such as it is, is more of a hindrance than a help.”
Julia smiled a little. “It is good to know it is only rumor and nothing more.”
Aidan quirked his mouth slightly and said nothing.
Julia looked down once more into the sleeping face of her friend. “May I come back tomorrow? I would love to speak with her.”
Aidan nodded, “You needn’t leave. You came here seeking her, and you should stay by her side. Please. As my guest.”
Julia looked a little shocked, “Oh, I could never, my lord. It is too far above my station to stay as a guest in your home, but may I act as her maid again? Or is that an imposition?”
Aidan shook his head. “Not at all. We have very little staff, and the ones we have are all caught up in the planning and execution of the ball that is to be held here in a few days. Stay as long as you need. There is no rush.”
Julia sighed a little, “I will do what I can to help make her well. I shall get her up and walking again soon. Have no fear. We will get out of here before that day I hope.”
Aidan shook his head, “There is no reason to get out of here as soon as possible. I want to make sure Rhiannon is well before you leave. I would love to have you stay with Rhiannon for as long as it takes.”
“Thank you, your grace. I know how much I appreciate your help, and I am sure Rhia feels the same.”
Aidan quirked his lip in a small smile. “I know she does. She has told me. And, I am Aidan. Please, no one calls me your grace. It is rather jarring don’t you think? It may take some time for you to get used to, but I would like it if you called me Aidan.”
Julia almost laughed out loud. Aidan could see her trying to hold it back. “You are quite serious?” She asked incredulous.
Aidan smiled a little bigger and nodded. “Of course. You will come to learn in time, that though we are nobility, I am no better than you.”
Julia’s jaw dropped open. “Well, that is something I have never heard in my entire life. But, I will take it and try my best to do as you ask. Thank you again, Aidan.”
Aidan nodded again, walked out the door and shut it behind him. He was grateful that Rhia had someone here for her. That she wouldn’t be alone in this house of almost strangers.
Walking away, he turned back to look at the closed door once more. Every time he was in that room, the pull he felt toward Rhia was getting stronger. He still had no idea why she was so important, but he was certain that he would figure it out one of these days.
Chapter Thirteen
Rhiannon
Northumberland, England 1812
Rhiannon opened her eyes slowly, the morning sun streaming in her room bright and inviting. She longed to get out of bed and see the sight for herself. Sitting up slowly, she took stock of how she was feeling.
Her head hurt less this day, there wasn’
t a tightening in her chest, she felt like she could breathe again. And though her hand still hurt, today it felt much better.
Her leg on the other hand, gave a twinge and pain coursed up and down her limb. It didn’t feel as swollen today, but that was the only good thing about her leg.
Curse this leg of hers. Taking her time, she slowly stretched out, much like she used to with Julia when she was first recovering.
It hurt. Like blazing fire. But she kept at it. Wanting more than anything to get her leg back to how it was before. Lying around in bed all day was not helping the matter.
After her slow stretches, she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Not at all in the mood for people to rush to her aid. When she was at home, Julia was usually there to help her, but Rhia wanted nothing more than to prove to herself that she could do this.
Getting to her feet, she slowly stood. She would not have an incident like she did yesterday.
Standing beside her bed, she waited for her leg to feel steady. Then, using her good leg first, she took a small step forward. It was fine, for now. The hard part was the next step, very carefully, she slid her bad leg forward.
It gave a twinge, but held. Breathing out a small breath of relief, Rhia took small measured steps to the chamber pot, located behind a small screen in the corner. She did what she needed to do, and washed her hands in the small basin of water on a table.
Feeling good about making it as far as she had, she was determined to make it to the bureau where her clothes were located. But, as she turned to walk across the room, there was a brisk knock on her door. One she thought she recognized, though it was strange. She had only heard one person ever knock that way. Then, much to her surprise, the door opened and in bustled Julia.
She came in bearing a tray of food and was wearing an apron over a familiar dress.
Rhiannon’s mouth dropped open, not believing her eyes. She tried to hurry across the room to see if she was imagining things, when she remembered her leg. She took a wrong step and fell forward. Grabbing the first object she could to steady herself, she stood and waited for Julia.
Julia broke into a wide smile when she saw Rhia, and she put the tray on a table before she ran over to help get Rhia steady and to hug her.
Rhia broke the silence by saying, “W-what are you doing here? How did you find me? What?” She was almost spluttering her questions at Julia, so shocked that her dearest friend in the world was here, in her room.
Julia hugged her again, “After you left, my parents and I really struggled with it. I went to my employer and explained my situation. They were very understanding, and offered to help me find you. So, I climbed on the stage a few days after you left, with the blessing of my employers and my parents. They didn’t want you doing this alone. But, when I got to the village, they said you got off the stage and refused to continue in the direction they wanted. After asking all over, I found out that you walked here. And, sure enough, when I knocked on the door last night, Aidan led me to you.”
Rhia’s mouth dropped open again. “You were coming to live with me in Scotland? After you gave up your job? Julia. You are too good to me.”
Rhia’s eyes filled with tears, as did Julia’s. “Of course, I was coming after you. I wanted to as soon as you left. I knew that something would happen, and I just knew that I had to be there. To help you. In any way you needed. Just like we always were. So, I quit. And I am sure we can figure something else out. Though, after seeing Aidan, and how he looks at you, I am guessing we won’t be going to Scotland after all.”
Rhia blushed. Looking around the room to make sure they were alone, she said, “Julia! You can’t say things like that. He is a Duke and much further above my station than is allowed.”
Julia just smiled, “I have never had to sensor my thoughts before Rhia, and I won’t start now. We will have to agree to disagree. I think he is different Rhia.”
Rhia shook her head. “I know you didn’t Julia. But here is not like it was at home. Here people care and have important titles. I want to believe he is different, and have seen evidence of it, but, regardless of all of that, he is a Duke.”
Julia smiled again and shook her head this time. “Rhia, I am not changing my mind, no matter what you say. But, for now I will go along with it. How have you been?”
Rhia sighed. “I am so glad you are here. Today is the first day I feel like myself. Even my leg isn’t as bad today.”
Julia nodded. “Good. Aidan has told me some of what happened, so I know a little, but we can get your leg working again. It will just take a small bit of work.”
Rhia smiled, “I am afraid it will be more than just a little work. Today is the first time I have been able to walk since I was out in the storm and hurt it. And that is only because I am shuffling, not really lifting my leg to walk.”
Julia put her finger to her chin and tapped it. “That does make things difficult. I need to see you walk to see what we can fix. See what is wrong exactly. But, no matter. We did it once, we can do it again.”
Rhia smiled bigger and pulled her friend in for another hug. “You are truly an angel. Thank you.”
Julia hugged her back, “Now, let’s see the steps you can take.”
Rhia laughed, “Right down to business I see?” Her friend as brisk and efficient as ever.
Julia clucked her tongue like a mother hen. “Show me please.”
Rhia sighed and took a step forward with her bad leg. Again, like before, her leg gave out. She almost hit the floor, but Julia caught her.
“I don’t like the look of that. You didn’t walk far enough for me to really see what I need to. I need to see you again. I am right here, so you know I will catch you again. Try again please?” Julia said, and after getting Rhia steady, there was a small knock on the door, and in peeked Aidan and Lydia.
Seeing Rhia on her feet, Aidan rushed in, worried. Getting to her side, he looked down at her face, “Are you all right Rhia? How did you make it out of bed this far?”
Rhia smiled up at him. “I am fine. I um, well I sort of walked this far. But it was more of a shuffle than a walk I suppose.”
Aidan swallowed hard at seeing her smile at him. To look into his face and not see the scars there. He shook his head a bit and said, “I wish you would have called for help. You know I am here to help you in any way. I would have done what I could.”
Rhia smiled again and with a small laugh in her voice said, “I can’t have you carrying me, everywhere can I? I have to get my leg strong again.”
He laughed, “I guess you are right.”
Looking around, he saw his mother smiling off to the side and standing by Julia. “Mother, this is Julia. Rhiannon’s dear friend. She got here late last night after trying to find Rhiannon.”
Lydia smiled at Julia, “Oh my goodness! Welcome to our home. I hope you have found everything to your liking. Did you set up a room for her Aidan?”
Julia stepped in, “Thank you, I think your home is very beautiful. And no, I told Aidan that I am here in the capacity as a maid, not a guest. I slept on the settee in Rhia’s room last night. But, if someone could show me to the servant’s quarters, I do not mind sleeping there.”
Lydia looked aghast. “Oh no, you are a guest as well. We sent word to you about Rhia, and hoped you would come. Of course, you must stay in a guest room.”
Julia smiled, “Thank you. But,”
Lydia interrupted, “What about staying in the room next to Rhiannon? Will that be acceptable? This way, if she ever needs you, then you are close. I just want you to be comfortable while you are here. And that room is not in use right now.”
Julia laughed, “I see that I will have to take that room. Though, I am not suited for it. I am a simple servant.”
Rhia laughed as well, “She is no such thing and thank you Lydia for being so gracious. We do appreciate it.”
Lydia smiled and took her hand. Giving it a squeeze, she said, “I am very proud of you for how much you have walked toda
y, But I think you need to sit. You are swaying.”
Rhia hadn’t noticed, but indeed, standing for too long on her leg was getting to her. She started to shuffle forward, not trying to put too much weight on her leg; when Aidan grabbed her arm, not too hard, just enough to stop her. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her to the bed and lowered her to it, with her legs hanging off the side. “That was faster, wasn't it?” He smiled at her and winked.
Rhia blushed, “Yes, thank you.”
Another knock came at the door and Rose and Lily walked in, followed by Cole.
They were introduced to Julia and they all made plans with Julia to help get Rhia ready for tonight’s dinner.
Aidan sat down next to Rhia on the bed and laughed as Cole said something to Rose. Rhia slid closer to him unintentionally on the bed. His weight making her much smaller frame slide on the soft mattress. She was achingly aware of how close they were.
Aidan’s hand was resting on his leg, his light-colored breeches setting off how much darker his skin tone was. He must be outside quite a bit. Her own skin was light and fair and she knew if she put her hand out, hers would be tiny compared to his large hand with his long fingers.
Trying to look anywhere but at the man sitting next to her, her eyes landed on Julia and she smiled slightly.
Julia cleared her throat, “I would like to see if I can get Rhia up and walking for a bit. I need to see how she walks so I can help her fix it again.”
Aidan looked down at Rhia like he forgot for a moment that he had sat on her bed. He jumped up, as if he was shocked at himself for his lack of decorum.
Turning toward Rhia, he said, “I apologize for the familiarity of sitting on your bed. I don’t know what came over me.”
Rhia looked up at him and smiled, “It is all right Aidan. I like that we are becoming friends.”
Cole coughed and Aidan turned to his brother and scowled at him. “I am glad too.”
Reaching out, he squeezed her hand, “Don’t push yourself too hard today. You just got yourself up walking.”
The Duke Who Loved Me Page 16
