Page 16 of A Countess of Convenience

“I also believe that to be true. And if she is not in any danger, there is no reason to endanger your own health on this ill-advised journey. You might just as well rest and recuperate here for a month then go to her healthy once more.”

“A month!” She could not languish here while her child needed her mother. “I cannot—”

“But you will, Judith.” The unyielding tenor of his voice made her flinch. She’d not get anywhere with him if that tone was to be believed. “I will tell your parents you are not to stir, and they will see to it that you do not. If they will not grant you use of the carriage, you will have to walk. How far do you think you will get under those conditions?” The uncompromising tone and unyielding stare said Miles would make certain she remained at Ruecroft Manor and in bed until he gave her dispensation to leave.

If she had not felt so drained, she would’ve argued with him further. However, her head remained light. If she stood up this moment, she might faint again. Judith sighed. She would spend the next month fretting at her daughter’s absence, but there seemed no help for it. Unless she could persuade someone else to go in her stead.

Her head had begun to spin again. “Miles, will you ring the bell?” She eased back on the chaise. “I believe I will need some tea before I am able to return to my bed.”

“I am glad you have finally come to your senses.” He pulled the tapestry bellpull. “We must get you completely well before you venture off.”

“But I was feeling fine until yesterday.” She’d truly believed she was all but well.

He shrugged. “You sustained a grave shock. It has upset your system and caused your weakness to reassert itself.” His forbidding countenance eased into a gentler visage, kinder about the eyes. “We all wish for Anna to be returned to you. The best way to accomplish that is to rest and allow your strength to return.”

The door opened, and a maid entered with the tea. Miles dismissed her with a look and poured the tea himself, sugaring hers much more than she would have liked. “Here, drink that down and I believe you will be able to return to your room unassisted.”

“Judith?” Dora rushed in. “They told me you swooned.”

“I am better, Dora.” Judith took a tentative sip of the sugary tea, but the moment it reached her stomach her head steadied. She took another, larger sip. “Truly, I am.”

Sighing, Dora took a seat in the other wingback chair and accepted a cup from Miles. “What happened?”

Judith opened her mouth to speak, but Miles broke in before she could say a word. “The shock of hearing about her daughter yesterday has weakened Judith’s constitution. I have advised her to spend a month in bed resting and allowing herself to heal sufficiently so that she will be able to retrieve Anna. Until then, her child will be in capable hands.” With a nod, Miles sipped his tea, a satisfied lift to his lips.

Well, he could think that if he wanted to, but Judith would be harrowed to hell and back if she would wait an entire month to leave, especially if she began to feel better after a matter of weeks.

“At least you may rest assured, Judith, that my mother and father will take good care of Anna. They had already hired a governess for her before we left home. With no one there to…to disturb the lady, I think Anna will do well with the new girl.”

The conversation moved pointedly to the weather after that, for which Judith was thankful. She might not be well at the moment, but she soon would be. And in anticipation of that moment, she needed to make plans. By the time Miles took his leave—with the understanding that his morning visits would continue for the foreseeable future—Judith was ready to remove to her chamber.

“Will you walk with me, Dora? I must call Larkin to unpack the trunk and put it away for the time being.”

“I am glad Lord Farringdon has made you understand you are much frailer than you believe yourself to be.” Dora took her arm as they began to climb the stairs, and Judith was glad of her sister-in-law’s steady support.

“Miles will attempt to bully me to do his bidding, I understand that.” Judith slowed her pace. “He is a physician first and foremost and is accustomed to having his way.” She shot her friend a mischievous glance. “He may not find me as inclined to give in as his other patients.”

“But you will heed his advice and rest before attempting to undertake this journey?” A puckered frown appeared on Dora’s face. “Promise me that much, at least. I will be on tenterhooks the whole time until you write to me and tell me when you are setting off for Wiltshire.”

“I was actually wondering if instead you might return to Wiltshire and fetch Anna here for me?” She looked expectantly at her friend. “As I cannot go, who better to persuade your parents that my child belongs with me?”

They had reached the first-floor landing, and Dora paused. “Oh, Judith. I cannot show my face at home. Father was livid and Mother beside herself over the broken betrothal. Not only did it thwart their plans concerning Lord Trevor, they believe I have ruined my reputation as well.”

“Dora!” If her sister-in-law was suggesting what Judith thought she was, she’d be shocked to her soul. “Tell me you and Lord Trevor did not anticipate the wedding night?”

“Of course we did not.” Dora looked scandalized. “I could never have broken the betrothal had we done so.” Unexpectedly, Dora grinned. “However, I have to say, and I will sound very wicked indeed, my dear, but if I had to have my reputation ruined, I could find no one better with whom to do it than Lord Trevor.”

Judith arched an eyebrow. “You have changed since I was injured, Dora. Perhaps Lord Trevor has ruined you, but in a different way.” She squeezed Dora’s arm. “Perhaps he has ruined you for the life you led before. Now you require another kind of life, with a man who will love you for who you are and not how much property you can bring to the marriage.”

Dora stared at her, a smile curling her lips. “That is exactly what he did. And for that I am forever grateful to him and his wife, Violet. Come.” She pushed open Judith’s room, still in a disarray. “Let us get you into your gown and then to bed. I’ll send to the kitchen for a hot brick and some tea and toast.” She grinned at Judith again. “I don’t suppose we need to reinstate the invalid diet as well.”

“Certainly not.” Judith rang for Larkin then sat in a chair, worn out from the short climb. “I will eat the toast with relish and await even better things with my supper.” She gave Dora a piercing stare. “And I had better get them.”

“If I have to make you something myself.” Dora laughed. “Although you might then prefer the invalid diet.”

“Whatever shall I do without you, Dora?” Judith took her sister-in-law’s hand. “Not only will I have to endure life here alone save for Mamma and Pappa, but I shall be with them as well on the journey to Wiltshire.” She puffed out her lips and widened her eyes until Dora fell into the chair opposite, laughing. “

When the laughter subsided, Judith grew sober again. “And you are certain I cannot persuade you to go in my stead?”