“My lord?” Creswell bowed.
“Take this and do whatever is required to see the tasks are accomplished. Tell Humphries that Lady Adeline is ill and will not be able to walk Maximus until she is feeling better.”
“Yes, my lord.” The butler took the sheet. “Her ladyship is quite fond of Maximus, is she not?”
“Yes.” Fonder of the dog than she was of Frits. He glanced at his butler. “Why?”
“Well, perhaps when she is up to receiving visitors, she might like to see him.”
“That’s an excellent idea.” He should have thought of it himself. “Thank you.”
“It is my honor, my lord.” Creswell left the study, closing the door behind him.
The last time Frits was ill, Maximus had remained in bed with him. He’d gladly take the dog to Watford House, but couldn’t see Lady Watford allowing a dog in bed with Adeline. A pity that. It would make her feel better.
Broth, plasters, and possets.
Taking out another sheet of paper, he wrote the items down.
Frits wished his mother was home, but she had left as he was returning. He tugged the bellpull again. This time a footman appeared. “Tell Mrs. Hubbold I wish to see her.”
Several minutes later, his housekeeper knocked on the open door and entered, looking a bit puzzled. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
“When my sister had influenza, what did you do for her?”
“We kept her nourished with beef tea, and when she had a rattle in her chest I made a mustard plaster to keep her from getting pneumonia. After she’d got over the worst, Cook made a nourishing oxtail broth.” She thought for a few moments. “We placed lavender around her room to help freshen the air.”
Lavender. He was glad he’d remembered that. “Good. I’ve already asked for lavender to be sent. Send the rest of that to Watford House for Lady Adeline. She has influenza.”
“Yes, my lord.” His housekeeper gave him a curious look, but dropped a curtsey and left the study.
Perhaps he was overdoing it a little, but better that than doing nothing. God, he felt helpless. Frits pushed the brandy aside and called for a tea tray. But once he’d finished his repast, he picked up the glass of brandy again. Her mother said she’d never been sick before. What did that mean? She must have had the normal childhood illnesses. Yet that would have been years ago. What if her body didn’t know how to fight off the grippe? What if she died? People died all the time from influenza.
Whole villages perished!
He couldn’t lose her when he’d just started to convince Adeline she belonged with him. Part of her had to know that. Why else would she have felt as if she had to lie to him?
Frits strode to the hall, donned his hat and coat, departed the house, and headed toward Upper Brook Street. He’d find out himself how she was doing.
Frits plied the knocker, and the Watford butler opened the door. “My lord?”
“I’ve come to discover how Lady Adeline is faring.”
“About as well as can be expected, my lord. The doctor was here and left some powders for her. I fear it will be a difficult few days.”
He wanted more information. “Is Lady Watford in?”
“No, my lord. She had an engagement this evening.” How could the woman even think about going out, nevertheless doing it, when her daughter might be dying? If he could, he’d be with Adeline now, doing everything possible to keep her alive. The butler cleared his throat. “It is better this way, my lord. Tending the sick is not one of her ladyship’s many talents. I assure you, Lady Adeline is being well cared for. Shall I tell Lady Watford you called?”
“Yes.” Nursing the ill might not be a talent, but she should be here supervising Adeline’s care. Well, if her mother wouldn’t do it, Frits would. “You may also tell her that I have ordered several items that will be of benefit to Lady Adeline to be delivered tomorrow. I shall come by again in the morning.” Or later this evening. It wasn’t that late. After all, someone had to keep an eye on her.
“As you wish, my lord.”
Frits stalked home. He’d have to ask his mother how far he could go in taking care of Adeline. But when he arrived at Littleton House, he discovered she had returned and departed again leaving a message that she would be out for the evening.
Damnation.
He called for Humphries.
