Gabriella, however, felt differently.Her lengthy sojourn at their estate — the kindness they’d shown toward her when she’d needed help – had led to a bond of sorts.Especially with Samantha, who’d remained at Deerhaven Manor with her for part of the stay.
So when Gabriella learned Samantha had given birth, she’d not been able to concentrate on anything.Not until she’d been reassured that both mother and child were in good health.
Having taken a seat in one of the chairs, she flicked through the file she’d selected off Peter’s desk.It contained only a few short notes — the extent of what they’d gathered about Lady Edwina.
“I cannot imagine what she might be going through,” Gabriella muttered.
“Agreed.The sooner she’s found, the better.”
Unfortunately, Croft had sworn them to secrecy.In doing so, he’d prevented them from making use of the Runners.
Although his explanation for it made sense, it made the job so much harder.
It also made Gabriella wonder…
“Do you think Croft will tell us if he figures out where she’s being held?”
“I would certainly hope so.”Peter drummed his fingers against his armrest.“I’m not sure I can continue protecting him if he keeps insisting on taking the law into his own hands.”
“Maybe with the birth of his daughter, he’ll be more careful,” she suggested.
“Maybe,” he agreed, though it did not sound as though he believed it.
* * *
Despite the languor infusing Edwina’s body, encouraging her to submit to the sleep that constantly beckoned, hushed sounds drew her awareness.She forced one eyelid open, just enough to peer out from under her lashes.
The canopy belonging to the bed on which she lay gradually came into view as her vision sharpened.
Fabric rustled, and something made a soft clink.Edwina turned her head in the direction of the sound.
A woman bustled about, placing items upon a table.
Fighting the heaviness in her limbs, Edwina pushed up onto one forearm.“Please…”
Please what?
Please help me leave?Please fetch Mr.Havilland?Please give me more smoke?
She shook her head in an effort to clear it.Each breath was a struggle, each bodily movement a taxing effort.
“You’re awake.”The woman’s voice was pleasant, bright and melodious.She smiled at Edwina.“I’m Nelly.I’ve come to help you prepare.”
Edwina closed her eyes, tried to make sense of Nelly’s words, then opened her eyes again.“What?”
“Your debut.I’ve been told it’s vital that you look your best.”Nelly gestured to her right, and Edwina followed the motion to where a tub stood.“Let’s start with a soothing bath, shall we?”
“No.I…I don’t need—”
“Poor thing.Mr.Grover did say you would be exhausted from your journey.”
Grover?Who was he?Edwina tried to wade through her thoughts.The man she knew was named Havilland, was he not?
“He said you might not have fully recovered from the ailment that’s plagued you in recent weeks,” Nelly added.She picked up a glass and filled it with something, then approached.“This will make you feel better.”
When Edwina didn’t move to take the glass, Nelly set it to her lips and attempted to help her drink.Most of the liquid spilled onto Edwina’s gown, but some of it entered her mouth.
The flavor was strong but sweet.Wonderfully soothing, though not nearly as intoxicating as the smoke Mr.Havilland treated her to twice a day.
