Page 73 of Raising the Duke’s Unexpected Twins

Cordelia thanked her and turned back to Tim, her hand grasping one of his. His cheeks were pink, and his breath a little raspy. No one had spoken of it, and yet it was in the air. Where was Nicholas?

He is likely indulging himself in his precious business matters and has not even opened my notes.

It felt unfair to the man, for perhaps he might have had some accident in the rain, but she didn’t wish to be fair to him. He had left her in bed, after all that had happened, looking remorseful, with her heart crushed.

Just then, Cordelia jumped when she heard pounding footsteps on the stairs. Her heart leapt with hope that Nicholas had returned and would apologize profusely and help her in this matter.

When he arrived, he threw open the door, a furrow in his brow as he stared into the candlelit room. He was like a thunderous god, dark hair wet and hanging almost near his shoulders, his clothing soaked through. She blinked in surprise at the sudden wildness of his appearance as well as her great relief at seeing him.

“Cordelia, what is it?” he asked.

“Nicholas!” Olivia cried, hurrying to her feet and waddling over to him to grasp at his leg.

He looked down at her, and then without hesitation, he lifted her to her feet and came closer. Cordelia’s heart ached in more ways than one.

“Tim is ill, and I’ve sent for the doctor hours ago, but he has not yet come.” Her voice wavered a little with concern. “I sent notes, but I did not hear from you.”

Nicholas cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I did not have time until now. I will go and fetch the doctor myself or see what has befallen him.”

“But Nicholas, the rain!” she said as he handed Olivia to Mrs. Browning and turned towards the door. “He may have had an accident. I do not wish for you to –”

He paused and turned back to her, their eyes meeting. He said nothing for a moment, so much being said in that one look.

“I thank you for your concern, wife, but Tim needs help. I will find the doctor and return as soon as I can. And I know this land like the back of my hand, rain or shine.”

Then, he was gone, hurrying down the steps and away from her. Cordelia sank down in the chair next to Tim’s bed with a sigh, worried now for his safety as well as Tim’s.

“His Grace seems very capable, Your Grace,” Mrs. Browning said helpfully. “I think that all will be well.”

“You’re very kind, Mrs. Browning.” She took up Tim’s hand again. “All will be well, Tim. Your godfather has gone to bring the doctor.”

As they waited, Mrs. Browning tried to take Olivia elsewhere, but she was determined to be with her twin. Cordelia was too exhausted to fight her, and so they waited in almost silence for the sounds of return. Mrs. Wright came with cool water and fresh cloths, and Cordelia pressed wet cloths to Tim’s forehead in hopes that somehow, the fever could break, and she could hold him close again and hear his laugh.

Helen, I won’t stop fighting.

But fear lingered in her. To have a fever like this so young could be detrimental and often did not end in survival. But she had to tamp her fears down if she was going to get through it.

Sooner than expected, she heard the thunderous footsteps again, and an old, wizened man appeared at the door, leather bag in hand, looking slightly damp.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. The letter never arrived. Perhaps the messenger lost it in the rain? Please let me see the child.”

Cordelia rose, relief making her shoulders sink and she stood, leaving room for the doctor. She backed away towards the door, her skin noticing the warmth of Nicholas hands on her shoulders.

“Come, love. Let’s leave the doctor to his work.”

She turned away with him and out onto the landing, the door slightly closed. “Olivia won’t leave. Mrs. Browning has tried.”

“Let her stay for now.” Nicholas faced her while she stood facing forward, leaning over the balustrade. She could hear the sound of a slow drip from his clothes onto the floor. He brushed a curl from her cheek to behind her ear, and her heart skipped.

Even while Tim lies ill, my foolish body reacts!

But she knew that it was more than that, that Nicholas was more than that, even though he refused to be a part of it.

“I’m sorry, Cordelia. That I didn’t come until so late. I could have helped you.” His voice was soft as he spoke, and she took a deep, calming breath.

“Why didn’t you answer?” she asked calmly, afraid of what he might say. She did not turn to look at him, afraid all her own resistance would fall to pieces at the wonderful sight of him.

“Things got busy, love. But I’m here now.” He touched her arm, and Cordelia let out another long breath.