“I suppose so,” Edith acknowledged. Turning to the valet, she spoke. “If there is the slightest change…”
“Yes, m’lady, I’ll call you immediately. I shan’t delay.”
“Thank you,” Edith responded. She moved to the side of Miles’ bed and kissed his cheek before leaving the room with Ralph.
“I could stay here for the night. That way we could both be called if needed,” Ralph offered when they were on the landing once more.
“No. You need to check on Lady Pensby,” Edith said. “You wouldn’t rest easily here not knowing how she is. I have my maid and whilst I have the promise of being called if there is any deterioration, I can retire to my room and remain there.”
“Try and get some sleep. I know it won’t be easy,” Ralph said, taking Edith’s arm and walking to the next door along the corridor. “If you need me, send a message and I’ll be here within the half hour. Don’t hesitate in sending for me.”
Edith squeezed Ralph’s arm. “You have been so good when you wished to curse me and send me to the devil in a handcart. I am sorry about my apparent disregard for your mother’s wellbeing, but I was truly horrified when I saw her here.”
“It’s done with now,” Ralph conceded. “I know how stubborn she can be.” Taking her hand, he bent over it, kissing it gently. “Goodnight, Lady Edith. I shall see you very soon.”
Chapter 20
Edith entered the private parlour very early the following morning. She sat down not knowing if she could eat any of the food spread out on the side table, but welcomed the warming cup of hot chocolate which was poured for her. Surprised when a maid came through to say Lord Pensby had arrived, she stood to greet him.
“My lord, I didn’t expect you at this hour. Please help yourself to some breakfast,” Edith said, sitting back at the table in the centre of the room after curtsies and bows had been exchanged.
“I don’t make a habit of rising at such an obscenely early hour. I hope Miles appreciates this effort. My valet nearly had apoplexy when I rang for him,” Ralph confessed, ordering coffee from the attending maid.
Edith smiled behind her cup. “And how is Lady Pensby?”
“She’s surprisingly well. And wanting to come here, only I persuaded her that two invalids would be too much for anyone to deal with. She’s asked that I send her a report of Miles as soon as possible,” Ralph admitted. It had been a trying conversation as Lady Pensby had insisted that Edith would need her support. Ralph had threatened all sorts of catastrophes if his mother left the house two days in a row.
“Oh dear. She seems as forcefully minded as her son,” Edith said quietly.
“I heard that,” Ralph said with a grunt. “How is our invalid this morning?”
“Still sleeping when I went to check on him,” Edith admitted. “His valet said he’d had a restful night and there are no signs of fever, so far, even without my honey remedy. I shall see how he progresses before I insist on applying it. Miles always hated the smell.”
“Yes, he expressed that forcefully enough when you were applying it to my hand.”
“He certainly has a way with words.”
“I’m glad he had a peaceful night. The doctor was right in that regard, which is something to be positive about,” Ralph said thankfully. “And how did you sleep?”
Edith smiled ruefully. “Not as well as Miles, it would appear. But I got some, which is better than nothing.”
“Yes, I’ve learned from experience that one can’t be noble when it comes to functioning from too little sleep,” Ralph admitted. “I once almost fainted as a result of being pig-headed and refusing to sleep when my mother had taken ill. Thankfully, I have servants who’ve been employed since before I was born, and they offered some sage advice.”
“Yes, old retainers are especially trained to do that,” Edith smiled. “It must have been very difficult for you being an only child.”
“My mother lives in constant terror that there will come a point in which there is nothing else, other than to have her admitted to the asylum,” Ralph admitted to someone outside the inner circle of his family and trusted servants for the first time.
“What? No!” Edith exclaimed. “What does she suffer from which would cause that course of action?”
“It is some sort of spasm, they think caused by a fault in the brain. She can be very ill for days after one comes over her. We’ve been told that one day, she could experience an attack, I suppose you would call it and it could kill her. She actually fears that less than the asylum, which proves her level of terror at being admitted,” Ralph said.
Edith reached out and squeezed Ralph’s hand. “I’m so sorry. It must be a constant worry for you. No wonder you are backwards and forwards to your home when visiting London.”
“I’d stay at home permanently if I could do as I wished,” Ralph confessed. “It is only her determination to send me into society that I go. She frets if she thinks she’s restricting my activities, so I give in. When I’m there I keep myself separate most of the time.”
“Why? I would think throwing yourself into everything with gusto would take your mind off what’s going on back home.”
“Because people don’t look kindly on a brain illness. It could be something wrong with the bloodline. It could taint future generations,” Ralph said with derision. “I’d rather not be whispered about if they decide I’ve fixed my interest on a young lady.”
“I’m presuming you don’t know what causes it?”
“No.”
“Well how can anyone say for certain that it can infect your descendants? You don’t suffer from it,” Edith said pragmatically.
Ralph smiled, but there was still derision tinged at the edges. “No. But what they don’t understand, they fear. The doctor says that years ago they thought people were possessed by the devil or some form of evil spirits. I would guess some would still suspect the same. Come, enough about my family. Let’s go and see how yours is doing.”
Miles was still a little groggy because of the laudanum, but awake when his two visitors entered the room. Edith thanked the valet and relieved him of his duties, before turning to Miles and checking his forehead for heat. She breathed a sigh of relief that although a little warm, he didn’t seem to be running a fever. She handed a glass of water to him and along with Ralph’s help, lifted him into a slight seating position at Miles’ request and plumped up his pillows.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Like a cavalry troop has charged right over me,” Miles admitted with a wan grin. “Damned inconvenient to be confined to bed.”
“I’m just relieved you’re not badly hurt. What possessed you to battle with him?” Edith asked.
“He wouldn’t believe that I had no blunt on my person and kept pointing his blasted gun at me,” Miles explained. “One of us had to bring the situation to a conclusion.”
Shaking her head, Edith gently scolded her brother. “You could have been killed.”
“Not at all. It was all under control. I did underestimate that he had a knife though. I’ll no longer consider footpads as the gentlemen of the road. Damned vagabonds,” Miles said with a scowl.
“Your language in front of your sister is appalling,” Ralph reprimanded his friend.
“She was brought up with three brothers, she’s used to it,” Miles shrugged. He turned to Edith. “Anyway, my dear, we can still plan our removal to Barrowfoot in a day or two. The sooner the better, eh? Neither of us will be visiting any balls anytime soon, so we might as well rusticate together.”
“I don’t think you’re ready to move just yet,” Ralph said quickly.
“Neither do I. If you think I’m risking you being knocked up on the journey, I’m afraid you’re quite mistaken. We’ll have to wait here until I have sent mother a letter and she has time to travel to us. She’ll want to come immediately,” Edith said.
“Do you have to? I’m not in any danger and she will fuss,” Miles said, pulling a fac
e.
“You really are a poor son,” Ralph said.
“When you’ve had an hour of mother fussing around you, you realise it’s not something you wish to repeat,” Miles grimaced.
“You had been away for years, she was pleased to see you,” Edith defended her parent.
“But she cried for a whole hour. On my best uniform as well. It took an age for the thing to dry out. Could have stretched it out of shape.”
“You do exaggerate,” Edith scolded. “But I must write to her and let her know. It’s unfair to keep it a secret.”
“Give me a couple of days reprieve,” Miles begged. “Please.”
“Oh, very well, as long as you make no attempt to leave here. We are staying until the doctor says you are fit to travel,” Edith said firmly.
“Yes, ma’am,” Miles responded with a grin.
“How do you put up with him?” Ralph asked with a smirk.
“With great fortitude and plenty of brandy,” Edith replied without hesitation.
“Longdon, you have a sister who’s an old soak,” Ralph said, to a harrumph from Edith.
*
Ralph left Edith for the afternoon to check on his mother but returned in the evening. She was in the private parlour when Ralph entered the room.
“Have you deserted your brother already? I wouldn’t blame you if you had,” Ralph said pleasantly.
“No. He said he wanted to use his valet’s services to wash and get changed. He’s going to be a difficult patient,” Edith admitted.
“I can sit and play cards with him for a while, if that would help,” Ralph offered.
“Would you? Oh, thank you. I know it’s through boredom that he’s fretting, he isn’t normally still for so long,” Edith explained.
“I can understand that. I think I’ve trained myself to be more patient. It helps when sitting for hours in the same room and watching for any sign of recovery,” Ralph admitted.
“If you are free tomorrow and have no objection – I wouldn’t like it to cause any upset or – but I would like to visit with your mother – for the shortest time and only if she is well enough – I just thought whilst I was still here –,” Edith babbled before running out of steam.
Ralph smiled, shaking his head. “How could I refuse such an eloquent request?”
“Beast!” Edith answered.
“Most certainly. I actually can’t refuse because my mother has informed me that if I didn’t issue an invitation to you, she would set out once more to visit here. She’s very worried about Longdon and has suggested you both come to stay with us,” Ralph repeated the invitation, which hid the long discussion which had gone on before an agreement was reached between mother and son.
“Oh no! I wouldn’t cause any work or put either of you to any trouble. We are comfortable here and at least I have your permission to visit her. That is enough,” Edith said quickly.
“You make me sound like I’m her gaoler,” Ralph said.
Edith smiled. “You worry about her. I understand that. Any other reference is down to your own paranoia, my lord.”
“Now, who’s being the beast?” Ralph asked, standing. “I shall leave you be, Lady Edith. I have to take my chance and fleece your brother whilst he is in a weakened state.”
“As he has told me of your prowess at the gaming tables, and you have admitted the same to some extent, I know he isn’t foolish enough to pit his wits against you normally,” Edith said, falsely prim.
“Even more reason to take my chance while I can,” Ralph said before bowing and leaving Edith alone.
She sighed when the door closed. Being in such a close proximity to the man she was in love with was torture. Last night, he’d been supportive and decisive when she’d been thrown into turmoil because of the fear of losing Miles nearly overwhelming her. Now, she was back to her normal, practical self. Last night, she could have equalled her mother with the level of dramatics that had threatened to overtake her. Ralph’s calm reactions had helped to soothe her panicked state and she would be ever thankful to him for that.
Now, this more easy-going, teasing nature was sweet agony. He’d been clear in his rejection of becoming involved with anyone. It didn’t stop her heart from hoping or looking for every slight word or look which could be interpreted as something which was exclusively for her. That he would be a gentleman to anyone in difficulty, she knew, even without proof of his actions. Her heart was just struggling to accept the fact that it wasn’t for her specifically he was motivated to act.
She was glad to be leaving the inn for an hour or two the following morning. Hopefully, it would help to clear her head a little.
*
The day started with a crisp, bright morning. Edith took a lungful of the fresh air before stepping into the carriage, she didn’t miss the air in London one little bit. Ralph had arrived and although she’d fussed over Miles for the few hours they were alone, he was well and sitting up in bed. It meant she could leave him with a clear conscience.
Being taken to Ralph’s home with his blessing, was a strange feeling. She’d assured him she wouldn’t stay too long, not wishing for the understanding they shared to be spoiled. Being driven through the fringes of the village and into the parkland of Lymewood, Edith refused to let herself dwell on what might be. Ralph had shown no indication that he was doing anything but helping Miles in his time of need.
Lady Pensby greeted Edith as if she hadn’t seen her for months and after fussing over her to be seated, take tea, and choose far too many cakes, the ladies finally settled.
“Tell me all of what has happened. I know Ralph won’t have told me everything, boys never do,” Lady Pensby said, pouring tea.
Edith told her briefly of what had happened. “Miles is surprisingly well considering what his injuries are. He tells me it isn’t the first time he’s been hurt, which I have to admit to being shocked at hearing because his letters never hinted at him being wounded. I’ve questioned him about it, but he just laughed it off saying, it’s done with now, no use going over old war stories. Which actually worries me even more.” Edith was now wholly convinced that her brother was hiding much from his family about his experiences. She felt sorry that he couldn’t confide in her and hoped that he trusted someone enough to speak about it.
“I suppose he didn’t want to make his family even more anxious than you would have already been. It’s admirable that he wanted to protect you.”
“He said Father had died and Charles was ill, so he wasn’t going to add to the distress already being felt at home,” Edith said. “I feel we let him down in some ways, by not supporting him when he probably needed it more than any of us.”
“I doubt he would agree with you. Ralph tells me your brother speaks highly of how you dealt with the troubles you faced. You were so young to go through so much,” Lady Pensby said sympathetically.
“It was hard,” Edith admitted. “But I suppose during the day, I just had to get on with things. My mother has never been of a strong constitution when it comes to dealing with any trying situation, but especially family troubles, so I had to take the burden from her as much as I could.”
“She was very lucky to have you. I’d certainly want you by my side in a crisis.”
“Oh, I think your confidence would be misplaced,” Edith said quickly. “If it hadn’t been for Lord Pensby when Miles was shot, I’d have crumbled. He was the one who took control, for which I’ll be eternally grateful.”
“He’s very good,” Lady Pensby agreed.
Edith flushed a little. “He has helped to entertain Miles these last two days. Miles soon gets restless. To have someone there who isn’t afraid to curse my brother when he mentions leaving his chamber is a help. If I do it, I can be accused of being a meddling sister, but he wouldn’t accuse Lord Pensby of the same.”
“I think Ralph has other motivations, as well as aiding his friend,” Lady Pensby said gently.
“Oh?”
“If my son hasn’t alr
eady fallen in love with you, I’m not his mother. Whenever he mentions you his whole demeanour changes. I like the way that talking about you makes his eyes sparkle and his mouth twitch when he is recounting what mischief you’ve got up to. No one else has ever had that effect on him.”
Edith smiled, but her cheeks burned. “To be fair, Lady Pensby, he doesn’t spend much time in company. There are far prettier young ladies out there than I; I wouldn’t put any store against his reaction.”
“It’s not all about the way we look, although I might have to reassess my opinion of you being a sensible girl if you continue to come out with such nonsense. You are very pretty, my child,” Lady Pensby responded. “There has to be a spark of attraction, but thankfully, it’s more than that. You challenge him and make him laugh. Those are excellent qualities, especially when dealing with someone as bloody-minded as Ralph.”
“You are a mother who knows her own son well, I see,” Edith said, laughing.
“Oh yes. What I need from you is a plan as to how we can get him to realise just what a treasure you are and propose to you,” Lady Pensby said, even more convinced that Edith would be perfect as a daughter-in-law.
Edith looked uncomfortable and glanced away, avoiding Lady Pensby’s gaze.
“What is it, my dear? Have my words upset you? Have you a beau already?” the older woman asked.
“No!” Edith said, glancing up. “It’s just that when you speak of interfering with Lord Pensby and persuading him to marry – my mother made my coming out far less pleasurable than it should have been. Our conversation reminded me of her actions a little.”
“In what way?”
“Whenever I spoke to a gentleman, she wanted to know all the details about him. She tried at every opportunity to promote me to anyone who was pleasant to me. They didn’t even need to have shown any marked preference. Politeness was interpreted as interest in Mother’s mind and she would, quite embarrassingly, openly make it obvious that I would welcome a proposal. I’ve seen enough horrified expressions from even the most elderly gentlemen to last me a lifetime,” Edith explained.
Lady Edith's Lonely Heart: A Regency Romance (Lonely Hearts Series Book 1) Page 16
