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She inhaled deeply, and out of nowhere, her lungs felt like they were bursting in her chest. She swallowed, hoping to stifle the cough, but it failed. One cough broke free, then another. Instantly, she covered her mouth with the handkerchief she’d been holding. But she couldn’t control her body. Suddenly, she was racked with a fit of endless coughs.
“Elizabeth?” Robert rubbed her back and stared into her eyes as she was plagued with a torturing fit of coughs.
Ash had somehow left her side without her knowing. But he’d returned with a cup of water.
Quickly, she drank the liquid. The cool, clear taste subdued the urge to cough, yet her cheeks were still heated. “I’m fine.” Another cough escaped, but it wasn’t as violent as the others.
Ash lifted a brow. Robert did the same.
“Truly.” She took a slow deep breath. The urge to cough was still there, but she could subdue it and not let it control her. But had little strength to do much else.
Robert hugged her, then pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Ash, take her home and put her to bed. She needs to rest. I’ll send word to Dr. Camden to call on you.”
“I don’t need Dr. Camden,” she argued.
By the hard set of Ash’s jaw, her argument would carry little weight.
“I’ll be waiting for him,” Ash said with a nod, then took her arm.
As they turned to leave, a small boy stood at the door. She hadn’t even heard it open, but how could she with her wicked coughing?
“Hello there. Are you looking for His Grace?” Robert asked.
Both she and Ash stepped aside as Robert walked to the door.
“No, sir,” the boy said. “I beg your pardon for listening.” Without evening looking at them, the boy took off down the hall.
“Who was that?” Ash asked.
Robert lifted his chin as he straightened the buttons on his sleeves. “Martin Richmond’s son, Graham.”
Ash blew out a breath and looked at the ceiling. “Why was he here?”
“He’s here most days when the Duke of Southart is in attendance. Richmond’s office is connected to the Duke of Southhart’s office down the hall. He likes to bring his son.”
“Bloody hell,” Ash murmured.
For some unknown reason, Elizabeth needed to defend the young boy. “He’s just a lad who probably entered the wrong room.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Besides, there is no more Midnight Cryer.”
Robert stared at her as he considered her words, then smiled. “You’re right.”
Ash nodded. “Let us be on our way. Robert can see Southart and determine if there’s anything to worry about.”
Chapter Five
Dr. Wade Camden smiled down at Elizabeth. His cool palm rested against her forehead. “You don’t have a fever, and you say you feel right as rain. I believe you.” He removed his palm and sat on the edge of the bed. “But your husband would have my hide if I let you out of this bed before the end of the afternoon.”
“Lady Overton was invited to the Duchess of Southart’s soiree this evening. So, you’re saying she shouldn’t attend?” Ash stood at the foot of the bed with his arms across his chest.
Elizabeth was about to argue but decided not to when the handsome doctor shook his tawny-colored hair and winked one blue eye in her direction. “I didn’t say that. I said her husband would object if I didn’t instruct her to stay in bed this afternoon. Nothing was mentioned about this evening.” The doctor closed his bag. “If you rest and have no relapse of a coughing fit, I see no reason why you can’t attend this evening. I’ll be there myself and can see how you’re feeling.”
“You will?” Ash tilted his head and regarded Dr. Camden. “Overton would probably allow her to attend if you were there.”
“Allow me?” she asked incredulously. “Sir, I make my own decisions.”
“Lizzie, behave,” Ash chided, but his attention was still on the good doctor.
“Lady Overton can make the decision whether she attends tonight. But I see no danger in her attending, or even dancing.” He turned his attention back to her. “I’ll hope you’ll save a dance for me.”
