When Georgiana rose from the piano bench, he offered his handto guide her over to a set of chairs.
“Shall we order tea? Or will I get upset and storm out even before the tea has time to arrive.”
“I should very much hope,” he drawled in response, “Even if you were to get upset, you would be mature enough to sit and discuss our differences of opinion like rational adults. Tea should be here shortly.”
She giggled, “Very well, Brother. Let us have tea and I will listen.”
“I think the time has come to hire a companion for you.”
“Oh.” He watched her expression fall.
“Georgie. This is no commentary on you or your comportment. It is something I have previously considered and the scene at the Gardiner’s house today reaffirms to me this is the correct step.”
“What has this to do with today? From all appearances they seem to be interested in her. Though, knowing such offers me no comfort.”
“In truth, I have been thinking of this since you entered Society. You could attend far more events with Lord and Lady Matlock, when I do not wish to. With a companion by your side Lady Matlock would be free to pursue her own interests.”
“But after Mrs Y-”
“I take full responsibility for her. We shall ask our aunt for recommendations with only the highest references.”
“Very well.” Georgiana remained quiet looking down at her hands folded in her lap. Then she raised her head, “I wish to sit in on the interviews.”
His brows shot up.
“I shall be the one spending time with her. I want to ensure I shall be comfortable with her.”
His lips twitched, attempting to hide a smile. “Agreed. But no matter the companion, you will always leave the house or go anywhere with two footmen as well. Understood?”
“Yes, Brother.”
“Good.” He checked his time piece. “Why do I not send a note to Lady Matlock and see if she will see us before calling hours tomorrow morning?” He grinned at Georgiana’s eye-roll.
~ /~
Elizabeth woke that night to her son’s cries as usual. When she picked him up however, he was perceivably warm. She placed a hand on his head, then ran it around to his back. He was more than warm, he was hot.
His little cries turned to whimpers when he began to eat, but she noticed he stopped often to break off and breathe a little. “Poor dear. I pray your fever does not worsen.”
Elizabeth was unsure what to do. Should she wake her aunt, or call for a maid? When Alex finished with her first side, she picked him up to her shoulder and stood to walk over to her pitcher.Thank goodness it still contains some water.
She picked up a clean towelling square and dunked the end into the pitcher. Lifting it back up, she did her best to squeeze out the excess water with her one free hand. Sitting back down with him, she placed the cool, wet end on his head, dabbing it there and on the back of his neck. Once he expelled air, she held Alex to her other side. As he fed, she dabbed the cold damp cloth on his forehead, cheeks, arms and legs.
That night was a long one for Elizabeth. Alex did not cry as long as he was in her arms, but once she attempted to lay him back down his wailing rose in volume. Hours passed with mother walking the length of the room and back, holding Alex alternating being gently bounced and swayed. At length, she slept with Alex on the bed next to her, his nursing from her, more from comfort than hunger.
When Elizabeth did not show downstairs at her usual time, Mrs Gardiner sought her out in her room. Elizabeth’s eyes shot blearily open as soon as she heard her aunt enter the room.
Seeing the scene on the bed, the older woman approached it and rested her hand on Alex. “Oh, Lizzy. Were you up much with him last night? Why did you not call for me?”
With a shake of her head, tears flooded Elizabeth’s eyes, “I did not want to wake you. Is his fever very high, do you think?”
“He is warm, but not dangerously so. Is he still eating well?”
“Yes. There is nothing wrong with his appetite. His breathing seems a bit distressed.”
“I recall when my children were this tiny. ’Tis scary, but with cold compresses, or perhaps a mustard pack should he develop a cough, and steam to help with his breathing, he shall be well in no time. The main point is to keep the fever from climbing.” With a tsk, Mrs Gardiner continued, “We should have hired a nurse as you wished to. She would have been of great service to you now. In the meantime, I shall assign a maid to assist you.”
“Perhaps we can send out word today? Seeing how a nurse is with a sick child is the best way to assess their capabilities.” Elizabeth yawned. “Forgive me, Aunt. I slept very ill last night.”
