Page 58 of A Countess of Convenience

“My love, what is wrong?” At her heels, John caught up to her and put his arm around her.

“A horrible headache. I was thinking about Lord Fenton and the memory came to me of Dora speaking to me back in November, before my accident.” The pain had begun to subside, thank heaven. “Can we go home, John?”

“Of course, my dear. Sit here.” He led her to a carved chair pushed up against the wall. “I will call for the carriage then go collect Kitty. Will you be all right?”

“I think so. It’s a bit better now.” The pain had dulled considerably. Even recalling the memory that had precipitated the pain did not deepen it. “But I remembered, John. Dora told me that she had danced with a Lord Fenton, who she found quite charming despite his bizarre clothing, but of course at the time she was betrothed to Lord Trevor.”

“What does this have to do with anything?” John gazed about and signaled a footman to him. “Go ask to have Lord Haxby’s carriage brought around immediately.”

“Yes, my lord.” The man was off at a bound.

“I don’t know that it does have anything to do with anything, but I remembered Dora said Lord Fenton is the son and heir of the Earl of Swindon.” Was that significant somehow? A connection that concerned Fenton and Dora? But how would that then involve Anna?

John looked pensive then shook his head. “I cannot see anything to connect them at the moment. However, I will mention it to Sir Reginald when I meet with him. Perhaps that information will mean something more to him.” He peered into her face then touched her cheek. “Will you be all right while I go fetch Kitty?”

“Yes, my love, go. The pain is much reduced.” Thank goodness. For some moments, she hadn’t been able to see straight.

One final caress, and he left at a fast walk.

Breathing deeply, Judith tried to calm herself. There would be time to see if this random piece of information would be helpful to them. And if not, what the magistrate might be able to do with it.

* * * *

By the time the carriage pulled up in front of the townhouse, Judith’s headache had almost completely vanished. As soon as the memory of Dora had surfaced, the pain had grown excruciating. Once it hit that crescendo, it had rapidly decreased. Judith just hoped it would not return this night, or any other.

John handed her and Kitty down from the carriage.

“Again, please accept my apology, Kitty. I am so sorry to have taken you away from Lord Ashbrook.”

“Not at all, my dear.” Kitty hugged her fiercely. “He has asked me to attend a party at Vauxhall Friday evening. I told him yes before I knew you were ill. I will send a note to tell him I am unable to attend.”

“You will do no such thing.” Judith took her by the shoulders and gave her a shake. “I am perfectly fine. In fact, I am so fine, your brother is going to stroll around the garden with me. Aren’t you, my love?”

“You truly feel well enough for that, Judith?” There was a smoldering look behind his eyes that she wanted to become better acquainted with.

“I do, John.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “I am fine.”

“Very well, then.” He bowed to Kitty. “We are for the garden.”

“And I am for my bed.” Yawning, Kitty turned back at the front door. “Dancing every set can be quite tiring.”

“Then, good night, sister. Pleasant dreams.” John patted Judith’s hand, and they started around the side of the townhouse, along the gray stone pathway used by the servants.

“This air is delicious.” Stretching her neck, Judith caught a slight breeze that helped immensely to cool her heated skin. “I can’t think why, but I have been so warm all evening.”

“Then we mustn’t walk too fast.” John slowed their pace to a sedate walk. “How are you feeling now?”

“Much better, thank you. My headache is all but gone. It was very odd that it came on so suddenly, at just the moment I remembered Dora telling me about Lord Fenton. I must ask Miles about it.” She dreaded writing to him, but he was her doctor. He might know if these headaches were a normal result of her operation.

“I would prefer it if you would not contact Lord Farringdon, Judith. No good can come of it save to stir up old attachments.” The faint starlight revealed a serious frown on John’s face.

“I do not propose to meet with him, John, merely to write to see if he knows anything about headaches occurring after the surgery. I cannot think such a question will inflame his romantic sensibilities.” Her husband’s jealousy was flattering but rather inconvenient.

“I will take you to the best physician here in London. He should be able to help you as well as Farringdon.” Suddenly they were striding along at a much faster pace than before, a good indication of the level of John’s pique.

“I do not think that will be necessary, John.” Gently, she slowed her gait, forcing him back to the sedate pace. “Perhaps we should wait and see if the headaches continue. This one tonight might have been nothing more than a normal headache, brought on by the heat.”

With a deep sigh, John patted her hand. “As you wish, my love. I am sorry my pace was so swift. I would not tire you out. Why don’t we sit a moment in the alcove?”