She stepped to the door, but did not go inside. Lady Halbury would have rung a peal over her had she witnessed her eavesdropping, but Faith could not seem to help herself.
Lord Westwood was with Joy, gently scolding her about her antics.
“Dr. Harvey has informed me that you may now take the air for a few minutes each day, but you will follow his orders and mine to the letter from this moment forward. Is that understood?”
“Yes, my lord. I am sorry for causing so much trouble.”
“You have put your sister through a great deal of distress. Before you awoke, she would leave your side only under duress and then merely to the adjoining dressing room.”
Faith heard Joy sniff.
“I say this not only because you will ruin yourself, or possibly even not survive the next time, but because you will also ruin your sisters’ chances in Society,” he said in a gentler tone.
Faith moved to the open doorway to see Joy’s face. She was looking away from Lord Westwood, who also faced away.
“This foolishness has to stop now, Joy. Will you promise?”
Faith appreciated what he was saying and doing. Nevertheless, she did not wish for Joy to become agitated.
“I have no desire to repeat what happened, my lord.”
Faith stepped inside and walked towards the bed. “How are you feeling today, my dear?”
“I would like to go outside. I am beginning to feel confined,” Joy replied.
Little Freddy meowed his agreement.
“Dr. Harvey gave permission for you to enjoy a short airing today, so I will arrange it,” Lord Westwood said. “Would you like to go to the garden or by the lake?”
“The lake.” Joy smiled.
“Then I will see to it whilst your sister helps you prepare.”
Half an hour later, Joy was dressed and carrying a big floppy straw hat for her outing.
She was still unsteady on her legs, and while dressing had tired her, she nevertheless wanted to walk.
“I think not,” Lord Westwood said, and scooped her into his arms. “One thing at a time.”
Faith followed along behind them, carrying Little Freddy.
When they reached the entrance hall, one of the wheeled chairs used by the dowager was sitting ready and Dominic lowered Joy into it.
“For me?” Upon Westwood’s nod, Joy exclaimed, “Capital!”
“If the ride does not jostle your head too much,” he warned.
It was a beautiful late spring day, and as they reached the lake, Faith saw that an area had been prepared for them under an old chestnut tree that looked as though it had many good stories to tell with its large trunk, winding limbs, and gnarled roots. A blanket and some chairs were underneath with a glorious view of the lake.
Joy sat and played with little Freddy, and Lord Westwood even found a goose feather for the kitten, the miniature tiger delighting in leaping and jumping at it.
It was unbelievably refreshing to hear Joy laugh again. It brought tears to Faith’s eyes, because less than a week ago, she had not known if her sister would live.
“I believe we have company,” Lord Westwood said, interrupting Faith’s thoughts. She looked towards the house and saw her three sisters coming towards them.
“Joy!” Patience and Grace exclaimed as they ran to her side. They had not yet seen her. “We did not expect to find you up and about!” Patience said.
“What a relief it is to see you at last!” Grace added.
