Sir Kay met them at the door to the great hall and helped carry Camelot up to his bedchamber. “The doctor was called for. How is he?”
Lakewood shook his head to indicate not well, and not to discuss it then. The castle was oddly quiet, even their footfalls fell silently as they climbed the stone spiral stairway, as though any noise might disturb the duke. No footmen scurried about their duties. No chambermaids ducked into hiding as the three reached the end of the hallway. It was uncomfortably still.
When they entered the duke’s bedchamber, the older man stirred, and as they laid him in bed, he again had a seizure.
“How long will the doctor take to arrive?” Lakewood asked.
No one answered.
The room reflected the way Lakewood felt, dark and somber, the heavy curtains blocking the daylight. In the pale glow from the candle beside the bed which the valet had lit, the duke lacked color, his eyes were sunken and shadowed. His brow was furrowed with pain. His breathing was rough, labored.
Being unable to help made Lakewood restless. If Camelot had been shot or stabbed, he’d know exactly what to do. Apply pressure, decide whether or not to remove the bullet, clean the wound and bandage securely. The duke had no wound to clean, nothing to bandage. Lakewood was of no use whatsoever.
It felt like hours before Dr. Miller arrived led by Sir Cador, but it had likely been less than one. After examining the duke and asking questions of the three men who’d been with him, the doctor said, “Let’s hope it’s a severe stomach ailment. It should pass quickly if it is, and he’ll grow stronger. For now, you should let him rest.”
The doctor crossed the room to the single chair and sat, leaving no room for discussion of who would remain with Camelot. As Lakewood, Sir Kay and Sir Cador left the room, Cador said, “The horse died.”
Lakewood felt his blood pool at his feet, he was sure of it. He turned quickly and returned to Camelot’s bedchamber and informed the doctor. “What could have sickened them both? And if it killed such a large animal...”
Dr. Miller nodded. “It would be worse in the duke. I know of no illness that would pass from horse to man this way, or the other way ‘round. Could they have been bitten by a snake? But a man would have seen the horse react and know to move out of the way.”
“His horse was fine until Camelot became ill and we stopped at the pond. The duke vomited, and his horse seized.”
“Hmm.” Crossing his leg, the doctor folded his hands around his knee and frowned. “That suggests ingestion of poison. Water, or food. Has anyone else become ill? Any of the animals in the stable?”
“No one has reported it. I’m sure Sir Kay would have heard something when he ordered the wagon be driven to the pond.”
“That’s right,” Kay said from inside the doorway. “No one said anything.”
He and Sir Cador entered the room and stood beside Lakewood. The three men watched Dr. Miller.
The doctor looked from one man to the next. “What would the duke have shared with his horse? He wouldn’t drink the same water or eat the horse’s oats.”
Remembering what he’d seen when the duke vomited, Lakewood said, “Apples. Camelot had eaten an apple before we went out.”
Dr. Miller stroked his chin, then shook his head. “A rotten apple might make a man ill for a time, but it wouldn’t bother a horse.” He lifted a hand to ward of the question he expected. “Yes, even a few bad apples wouldn’t kill a horse.”
The duke’s valet suddenly cried out. “Doctor!”
Camelot was having another seizure. When the valet reached to hold him down, the doctor ordered him back. “Let it pass, that is all.”
When the trembling ended, the duke was fast asleep. Or unconscious. His chest rose and fell, and the doctor reached for Camelot’s wrist. After a moment or two, he nodded. Turning away, he said, “There’s not much I can do but watch to see if this runs its course, or if new symptoms arise. I can send word if anything changes.”
Lakewood continued to watch his friend on the bed. Only the deep crease between his eyebrows showed his pain. Sir Kay and Sir Cador also watched, their worry clear on their features. “Come,” Lakewood said and left the bedchamber.
Once again in the hallway, he said, “You two question everyone in the household, in the stable. Ask for anything unusual, any strangers. Someone has to have seen something. I’m going upstairs to see the boy, then I’ll join you.”
Lakewood climbed another flight of stairs to the nursery where young Arthur played. The lad waved a wooden sword at his nurse, who was on her knees performing an adequate rendition of a dragon. The innocence of the scene was poignant.
“Die, dragon,” Arthur cried valiantly, gently pressing the wooden blade to his nurse’s neck. She gasped and moaned, then rolled on her side and lay with her eyes closed. The boy laughed.
Suddenly noticing Lakewood’s presence, the servant jumped to her feet and smoothed her skirt, brushing a stray lock of mousy brown hair off her cheek. “May I help you, my lord?”
“No, I came to see how Arthur’s faring. He grows so quickly.”
“Yes, sir. He’s already learning to write his letters. Soon the duke will need to hire a tutor.” Her face softened and her fear for the duke’s wellness showed. News always spread quickly through the servants.
“Arthur will be fine. He has many uncles to watch over him until Camelot is better. We all feel as though he is our own son. I’ve heard the other men say it.”
Arthur looked solemnly at Lakewood, meeting his gaze. “My father will be dead. Lord Percival says so,” he said, nodding to the large man standing in the corner. Even garbled as a three-year-old’s words could be, his message was clear.
Lakewood spun to face the other man, frowning, disbelieving while questioning.
Percival shook his head. “I only said his father wasn’t feeling well and might not be up to see him today.”
“I will be Duke of Camelot,” Arthur continued.
Sir Percival jumped in. “Your father will be duke for many years to come, and when he’s old and dies, then you will be duke.”
Rivers of chills coursed over Lakewood’s skin. It was as though the boy knew the future. No, that was foolish talk. One of the servants must have said something and the boy overheard. Arthur was three, for goodness sake. He couldn’t understand.
Still, Lakewood shivered as he rose. “I believe your dragon is escaping, young lord. You’d better go after it.”
Arthur yelled and posed with his sword high before running around the room shouting gibberish. Lakewood nodded at Sir Percival, took one last look at the boy, and left.
*** End of excerpt The Lady and Lord Lakewood ***
About Wendy
Historical Romance Author Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge. From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the Romance Writers of America®’s RITA® and Golden Heart®. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers. For new release and sale alerts, sign up at http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews
Books by Wendy LaCapra
Available Now
The Mythic Duke Series
Her Duke at Daybreak
His Duchess at Eventide
The Lords of Chance Series
Scandal in Spades
The Furies Series (Complete)
Lady Vice
Lady Scandal
Duchess Decadence
Upcoming 2019
Heart’s Desire, Lords of Chance #2, 2019
Diamond in the Rogue, Lords of Chance #3, 2019
Her Duke at Midnight, Mythic Dukes #3, 2019
Select Reviews
Lady Vice
“LaCapra has crafted a high-stakes romance full of twists that will keep readers turning the page late into the night. A sensual story of lost love and redemption with a
smoldering hero who will sacrifice anything to regain his first love, LADY VICE is a historical romance readers will treasure.”—Elizabeth Essex, Award-winning Historical Romance Author
“Elegant, shadowy, gorgeous.”—Gaelen Foley, NYT Bestselling author of The Secrets of a Scoundrel
“This debut novel by author Wendy LaCapra is a stunning presentation. Lady Vice entices and intrigues with an outstanding story and fascinating characters.”—Kimberly Rocha, Romance at Random
“LADY VICE by Wendy La Capra is a regency romance overflowing with murder, mystery and the meaning of true friendship and love... The murder element of the plot added that extra spark of danger, and the tale flowed easily and naturally.”—Linda Green, Fresh Fiction Review
“In addition to our gentleman of the highest caliber and an equally stubborn heroine blinded by the fear of her past, Lady Vice boasts a narrative that includes a murder-mystery, some bribery, strong and eccentric supporting cast of friends, a brothel, and a framing of the true murderer that will make you breathe a sigh of relief that Lavinia and Max will finally get their HEA.”—Tanya, Heroes and Heartbreakers Review
Lady Scandal
“Incredibly explosive, Lady Scandal is a daring romp that combines enough wit, sex and intrigue to knock your garters off. I loved it!”—USA Today Bestselling Author, Delilah Marvelle
“The characters and the plot were so compelling. I particularly loved Randolph. He was just amazing.”—Kilts and Swords Blog
“The attraction is magnetic.”—Tanya, Heroes and Heartbreakers
“With danger, plots and a passion worth fighting for, this Regency romance has got it all!”—Linda, Fresh Fiction
“I highly recommend you read this action-packed adventure filled with mystery and romance.”—Melanie, Bookworm2Bookworm on Goodreads
“...an enthralling read!”—Elaine, Splashes into Books, on Goodreads
“Oh my—this was a story that was not only unique, but was also gripping. “—Krystal, Red Wine and Books on Goodreads
Duchess Decadence
“This second chance at love between Wyn and Thea really tugs at the heart. Watching both Thea and Wyn throughout the FURIES series is a delight and when they finally get to have their day in the sun, it’s absolutely perfect. I enjoyed immensely all the characters and their play off one another, the FURIES love for one another and their kinship is endearing. DUCHESS DECADENCE is a great read, one I will definitely read again.”–Kimberly R, Book Obsessed Chicks
“Even though LaCapra only has 3 novels under her belt, she writes like she has been doing this for 20 years. As her audience grows, she will be a must have for most readers of historical romance.”–Amy A, from Historical Romance Lover on Goodreads
“I fell in love with this series because it dares to journey down the road less traveled.”–Julie from The Book Review on Goodreads
“I liked Wyn and Thea, they were both charming and lovable. The intrigue was well developed. This story is filled with strong emotions, hope and love! Duchess Decadence was fun to read and recommend this beautiful historical romance!”–Nicole, Goodreads
“There were some beautiful scenes, steamy scenes, and scenes that made my eyes leak”–Brooke, Goodreads
“A wonderful romance, read in one setting.”–Lynn, Goodreads
His Duchess at Eventide: A Legend to Love (Mythic Dukes Book 2) Page 22
