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CHAPTER26
Henry felt wretched. His entire ensemble was rumpled, and he was drenched in sweat. It had been three days since Dr. Wexler had demanded Eleanor’s chambers be heated and the windows sealed. From Henry’s point of view, it was no surprise when his wife developed a fever, as the room was stifling.
“You must take care of your own health,” Henry’s grandmother said sternly, appearing by Henry’s elbow on the afternoon of the third day. “Tell him, Dr. Wexler. If His Grace does not allow himself to get some sleep, he will find himself lying right next to Her Grace.”
Henry turned and gave his grandmother a perturbed look. “Thank you, Grandmother, but I do not require the intrusion at this time. I am perfectly content to sit here next to Eleanor’s bed.” In the last three days, Henry had only left her room at the briefest of intervals, and only if someone was willing to sit in his spot and watch over Eleanor. Despite her fever, Eleanor awoke regularly, and he didn’t want her to wake up at anytime and feel as if everyone had abandoned her in this room that felt like an inferno.
“No,” Henry’s grandmother said carefully, “I do believe you’ve had enough. I cannot risk you sharing this same illness as your wife.”
“I will not leave her side,” Henry argued.
“Go on,” Henry’s grandmother ordered. It seemed she was not to be deterred. “Have some tea. Eat some dinner. Change out of your clothing.” The Dowager Duchess made a sour face. “I will sit by Her Grace’s side. Should she awaken, I will send someone to you at once.”
Henry was very reluctant to leave, even though his grandmother’s suggestion made sense. He felt as though the last time he had left Eleanor’s side a great many people had been in to visit with her and then, almost as if by magic, she had become extraordinarily ill.
“I insist,” the Dowager Duchess continued. She came to stand behind Henry then and put her hands firmly on his shoulders. “Go.”
Henry rose and headed toward the door. He turned just before leaving. “The doctor says she has a fever.”
“Yes, I know,” the Dowager Duchess replied patiently.
“I understand a surgeon may be called in to do some bloodletting,” Henry added.
The Dowager Duchess nodded stiffly. “I see.”
“Should the surgeon arrive while I am away, do not try to be brave, Grandmother. Just send for me at once,” Henry said to which his grandmother nodded again.
Henry swept from Eleanor’s room then and crossed the hall to his own chambers. He had just placed one hand on the door when he heard heavy footsteps. Henry turned to see Dr. Wexler, followed by a man he didn’t recognize.
“Ah, Your Grace, I’m glad we caught you,” Dr. Wexler said. He motioned toward the man standing at his shoulder. “May I introduce Mr. Copps?”
Henry eyed Mr. Copps wearily. He wasn’t nearly as refined as Dr. Wexler. He was a little older than the doctor, but he had a very full head of hair. It was a burnt copper color and it stuck out at various angles. Mr. Copps smiled broadly, and Henry found that a bit disconcerting. This didn’t seem like the sort of situation one would smile about, and he thought it odd that the surgeon seemed so eager to get to work. Mr. Copps carried a small black bag in his left hand, and Henry could only imagine the sort of implements that were held inside there.
“Mr. Copps,” Henry croaked, his mouth suddenly feeling very dry, “Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“It is my pleasure, Your Grace,” Mr. Copps replied, nodding graciously.
Henry’s stomach turned over uneasily. He cleared his throat. “Excuse me for just a moment, Mr. Copps. I wish to have a word with Dr. Wexler.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Mr. Copps replied, and he wandered back down the hall in the direction of the staircase.
“Are you sure bloodletting is the best course of action?” Henry asked, keeping his voice low and urgent.
“But of course, Your Grace,” Dr. Wexler replied at once. “Bloodletting is a very common cure for fever, and I assure you, Mr. Copps is very capable. Her Grace will be feeling much better in no time.”
Henry shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Yes, I understand, but maybe Her Grace’s fever would abate if we opened one of the windows or maybe even extinguished the fire. It is so hot in her room, I felt myself becoming quite overheated.”
The doctor looked at Henry speculatively. “You may very well have contracted the same condition as Her Grace. Would you care for an examination?”
“No,” Henry shook his head fervently. “I feel well. I feel… just fine. I am only worried about my wife. Please, Dr. Wexler. Please… before you allow Mr. Copps to do… whatever it is he intends to do… Please look at Her Grace once more. Examine her thoroughly and then make a decision.”
Dr. Wexler did not seem swayed by Henry’s words. He ran a hand thoughtfully across his jaw, rubbing the tiny hairs of his small beard. He glanced down the hall at Mr. Copps and then he looked back to Henry. “If Your Grace wishes for me to examine Her Grace, then I suppose I should be obliged to do so. But I will tell you truthfully: do not expect too much of this examination. I have already determined that bloodletting is the best course of action, and I am not likely to change my mind.”
“Of course. Thank you for agreeing to check in on my wife again. I am hoping that she has improved, and you will see no need to engage Mr. Copps’ services.” Henry motioned toward Eleanor’s door, and when he opened it, scooting aside to allow the doctor to move in ahead of him.
A furious heat greeted Henry and he had to step back into the hallway to gulp in some cooler air. Not only was Eleanor’s bedchamber very warm, but it was also packed with visitors, once again. Strangely, his grandmother was nowhere in sight, but the Dowager Countess of Barrow and Lady Clay sat on each side of Eleanor, both clutching Eleanor’s pale hands.
Henry was vaguely annoyed to find both ladies at Eleanor’s bedside. From his perspective, he felt they were both largely to blame for Eleanor’s illness. The doctor could claim Eleanor had caught this illness by being outside in the fresh air, but Henry was not so sure. He thought Eleanor was feeling unwell because she was surrounded by people who tormented her. Whether it was her mother, telling her she was an embarrassment, or Lady Clay, demanding Eleanor find a way to loan her a great sum of money, these women were the first Henry would want to banish from Eleanor’s room. And so, he did.
