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CHAPTER28
“Georges!” Henry roared, standing up and glancing around the room.
Georges took a small step forward. “I am here, Your Grace.”
“Sorry,” Henry shook his head. “Call for Dr. Wexler at once and then fetch the constable. Let him know that Lady Clay and the Earl of Barrow are on their way to Gretna Green as we speak. They must be apprehended and brought back here at once.”
Georges bowed and then made his exit. Henry looked at Lord Clay and then spun around to where Eleanor lay on the bed. He could see her breath rising evenly in and out as her chest rose and fell, but so much had happened to her poor body over the course of the last few days, he didn’t dare take any chances. Henry prayed that Dr. Wexler had not strayed too far from the manor and that he might be brought to Eleanor’s room before long.
Lord Clay cleared his throat and stepped back toward the doorway. “I do hope she recovers soon, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Lord Clay,” Henry said, never taking his eyes from Eleanor’s sweet face.
“If I might make one request, Your Grace,” Lord Clay continued, and so Henry felt obligated to tear his eyes away from Eleanor so he could properly acknowledge Lord Clay.
“Yes?” Henry asked.
“When my wife is apprehended, please send word. I should very much like to speak with her.”
“Of course,” Henry nodded and then he turned back to Eleanor.
* * *
Two days later, Henry anxiously paced Eleanor’s room. She had awoken shortly after passing out, and since then she had been recuperating comfortably. Rosalin and Frederick had been caught just as they were crossing the border between England and Scotland and while Lady Clay had been taken directly back to her husband, Frederick had begged to be brought to Lawson Manor.
Henry had very reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, as he felt Frederick could not be trusted near Eleanor. From the moment Frederick entered the house, a pair of footmen were stationed outside his bedchamber, making quite certain he went nowhere unaccompanied. But now, Frederick was just outside Eleanor’s room. He had spoken with his mother, the Dowager Countess of Barrow, entreating her to let him have access to Eleanor, and Eleanor’s mother had brought the suit before Henry.
Had she asked him while Eleanor was sleeping or when they were alone some other time, he would have declined instantly. Henry had no intention of letting Frederick anywhere near Eleanor. But as the Dowager Countess brought up the matter when Eleanor was wide awake, she expressed a great desire to see her brother. Henry felt he would give Eleanor anything she desired, and so now, he was left to stalk across the wood floors, waiting for Frederick to venture into Eleanor’s bedchambers.
The door opened, and Frederick came in at once. He was dressed immaculately. He wore a crisp, white shirt, with a dark jacket and matching pair of breeches. Every follicle of his red hair fell perfectly on his head, and Henry had to stop himself from crossing the room and wrapping his fingers around Frederick’s skinny neck. He knew it made no difference whatsoever, but for some reason, seeing Frederick so calm and cool infuriated Henry.
“Sister,” Frederick said, gliding forward and taking a seat next to Eleanor’s bedside. His mother sat on Eleanor’s right and so Henry had given up his own seat on Eleanor’s left so that Frederick might sit there now.
“Frederick,” Eleanor said warmly. “I am glad to see you are safe.”
Henry’s eyes widened in disbelief.
How can she have been worried about him?
“Eleanor, I have no idea what agonies you must have suffered. Tell me, are you still in a great deal of pain?” Frederick asked as he leaned closer to Eleanor. Henry stopped pacing then and walked so that he stood just behind Frederick’s chair. He clamped a hand down on Frederick’s shoulder and the Earl pulled away from Eleanor. “Forgive me,” he murmured, “I should have remembered myself.” Frederick sat back in the chair and Henry dropped his hand.
“I am recovering quite well, Frederick. Thank you for asking,” Eleanor said. Henry stared at her, amazed. Henry didn’t trust Frederick at all, but here Eleanor sat, smiling at her brother as though he had never caused her an ounce of pain.
“I must tell you,” Frederick said quickly, “I had no idea what Rosalin was up to.” He glanced around the room. “I did not know about the poison.” He locked eyes with his mother then, and she looked away. Frederick shook his head. “I knew Rosalin asked you for money, but I assumed you gave it to her because she had some in her possession. As it was enough to get us to Scotland safely, I thought little of the matter.”
Henry guffawed loudly. He couldn’t help himself. “Of course, you did.”
“I…” Frederick looked perplexed. “I mean… I knew you were sick when Rosalin and I left, but I never, not even once, did I suspect that she meant you any ill-will. Rosalin professed to love you so dearly. I never imagined that she wanted to hurt you.”
“She didn’t just try tohurtEleanor. She tried tokillher,” Henry seethed, barely able to contain his rage.
Frederick glanced at Henry and then he turned back to Eleanor. “I’m sorry, Eleanor. I’m sorry for any affiliation I ever had with Lady Rosalin Clay. I’m sorry that she hurt you. I’m sorry… I hurt you.” He reached out and took Eleanor’s hand. Before Henry could knock him away, Eleanor shook her head a very little, letting Henry know she wanted to hear what else Frederick had to say.
“I know I have never been the perfect brother.” Frederick paused and shook his head. “I know I haven’t even been a nice brother. When Caroline died and then Father followed thereafter… I just felt…” He hung his head shamefully. “I’ve no words to describe how I felt at the time. I was scared and I felt alone.”
Eleanor started to interject, but Frederick spoke over her. “I know I wasn’t alone. I know you were there, and Mother was there, too. But I felt very abandoned by everyone I loved so dearly. Then, a part of my heart hardened. I know it’s no excuse for being cold to you all these years, but I… I must apologize. Please forgive me, Eleanor.”
“Thank you for your words, Frederick,” Eleanor said softly. She smiled at him gently. “I would like it very much if you and I would try to become better acquainted and behave as a brother and sister should.”
