Page 68

At his cousin’s quizzical brow, he explained, “Elizabeth’s feet were scratched and bleeding from running shoeless.”

William’s eyes darkened as he studied the floor. “After Mrs. Reynolds finished and departed, I honestly meant to leave her, but whenever I moved from the bed, Elizabeth became upset. So, I sat on the edge, which seemed to placate her and ended up staying until she fell asleep.”

As she closed her eyes once again, I brushed the hair from her forehead and ran the back of his fingers over her cheek until her breathing came in even measures.

“When I was convinced she was asleep, I went to leave. But as I opened the door, I heard her call my name. Before I could turn completely, she had thrown the covers back and was sliding out of bed.”

Hearing his name, he turned just as she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, weeping. He knew he could never leave her like that, so he held her, and with promises to stay, she quieted. Then picking her up and cradling her in his arms, he gently carried her back to her bed, where she immediately reached for the doll. Covering her, he pulled a chair next to the bed and lay his head down on the counterpane. He felt the touch of her hand in his hair, and soon both were fast asleep.

“I decided that it was best if I tried to sleep in the chair in her room. I woke up several times in the next two hours. The last time, she was still sleeping soundly, so I came down here.”

Richard studied him for a moment, weighing his confession. Seemingly satisfied that he knew all but the most intimate details, he moved on to another concern.

“So what do you do now, since it seems she has relapsed? Has Towson been any help?”

“He has, but as he said from the beginning, each case is different. What works for one person, may not work for another. Recently, though, he wrote to me of some success with a most stubborn case—a soldier. The patient was helped by confronting him with people and things that reminded him of how his injury occurred.”

“Such as...”

“Towson brought in another soldier who was with him when the injury was inflicted, as well as his own torn and bloody uniform and his sword—even his horse was brought to the yard just outside his window. Of course, we are speaking of a soldier injured performing his duty, which is not what happened to Elizabeth.”

“So what would you use to prod Elizabeth’s memory? Surely you cannot take her back to Northgate?”

“No, and short of taking her there, I do not have a clue as to what would trigger her memories of the event. Mrs. Browning mentioned that the count and her maid were present in the room on the night that Addie died in the fire.”

Richard walked to one of the comfortable sofas and sank down. “I understand that Millie and her mother normally stayed in the servants’ quarters at Northgate, and unless she was needed by Miss Elizabeth, Addie would not have been in Elizabeth’s room.”

“That is what I understood as well.”

“I cannot imagine why Addie would have been there during the melee. Perhaps she heard an argument and tried to intervene in Elizabeth’s defence.”

William sighed. “It certainly seems possible.”

“What about Arthur? Do you suppose he might have an idea?”

William straightened. “I had not thought of that. Where is Arthur now?”

Richard chuckled. “Still sleeping like a baby! My future recruit is worn out from the gruelling travel of only one day’s journey!”

“As soon as he comes down to break his fast, I should like to speak with him.”

“I will see to it.”

William nodded, turning and lifting his feet up on the sofa. “If you would excuse me, I am just going to rest my eyes...” His voice trailed off as he lay back, and in a few breaths, he was asleep.

Richard shook his head, and he stood up and slipped out of the room. “Rest, Darce. After last night, you deserve it.”

He went to find Mrs. Reynolds to have her keep everyone out of the study for as long as possible.

Rosewood Manor

The Nursery

Evan poked his head in the door to find Ana sitting in the rocking chair watching Millie as she slept. “She probably will not awaken for some time, darling,” he whispered as he drew nearer, trying to be quiet. “Did you get any sleep at all?”

“I slept a little. I hope I did not wake you when I arose so early this morning.”

“Not at all,” he chuckled. “I was dead to the world. But once I awoke and realised that you were no longer in bed, I had no trouble knowing where to look.”