Chapter 14 #2
They’d spent the last hour visiting Mrs. Croft at the hospital after receiving word that the birth of her child had involved complications.
Peter had wanted to wait with the visit, insisting they had more important matters to deal with.
Especially when considering their relationship with the Crofts.
Gabriella, however, felt differently. Her lengthy sojourn at their estate — the kindness they’d shown toward her when she’d needed help – had led to a bond of sorts. Especially with Samantha, who’d remained at Deerhaven Manor with her for part of the stay.
So when Gabriella learned Samantha had given birth, she’d not been able to concentrate on anything. Not until she’d been reassured that both mother and child were in good health.
Having taken a seat in one of the chairs, she flicked through the file she’d selected off Peter’s desk. It contained only a few short notes — the extent of what they’d gathered about Lady Edwina.
“I cannot imagine what she might be going through,” Gabriella muttered.
“Agreed. The sooner she’s found, the better.”
Unfortunately, Croft had sworn them to secrecy. In doing so, he’d prevented them from making use of the Runners.
Although his explanation for it made sense, it made the job so much harder.
It also made Gabriella wonder…
“Do you think Croft will tell us if he figures out where she’s being held?”
“I would certainly hope so.” Peter drummed his fingers against his armrest. “I’m not sure I can continue protecting him if he keeps insisting on taking the law into his own hands.”
“Maybe with the birth of his daughter, he’ll be more careful,” she suggested.
“Maybe,” he agreed, though it did not sound as though he believed it.
* * *
Despite the languor infusing Edwina’s body, encouraging her to submit to the sleep that constantly beckoned, hushed sounds drew her awareness. She forced one eyelid open, just enough to peer out from under her lashes.
The canopy belonging to the bed on which she lay gradually came into view as her vision sharpened.
Fabric rustled, and something made a soft clink. Edwina turned her head in the direction of the sound.
A woman bustled about, placing items upon a table.
Fighting the heaviness in her limbs, Edwina pushed up onto one forearm. “Please…”
Please what?
Please help me leave? Please fetch Mr. Havilland? Please give me more smoke?
She shook her head in an effort to clear it. Each breath was a struggle, each bodily movement a taxing effort.
“You’re awake.” The woman’s voice was pleasant, bright and melodious. She smiled at Edwina. “I’m Nelly. I’ve come to help you prepare.”
Edwina closed her eyes, tried to make sense of Nelly’s words, then opened her eyes again. “What?”
“Your debut. I’ve been told it’s vital that you look your best.” Nelly gestured to her right, and Edwina followed the motion to where a tub stood. “Let’s start with a soothing bath, shall we?”
“No. I…I don’t need—”
“Poor thing. Mr. Grover did say you would be exhausted from your journey.”
Grover? Who was he? Edwina tried to wade through her thoughts. The man she knew was named Havilland, was he not?
“He said you might not have fully recovered from the ailment that’s plagued you in recent weeks,” Nelly added. She picked up a glass and filled it with something, then approached. “This will make you feel better.”
When Edwina didn’t move to take the glass, Nelly set it to her lips and attempted to help her drink. Most of the liquid spilled onto Edwina’s gown, but some of it entered her mouth.
The flavor was strong but sweet. Wonderfully soothing, though not nearly as intoxicating as the smoke Mr. Havilland treated her to twice a day.
“Come,” Nelly told her while setting the glass aside. “Let’s get you cleaned up and prepared for when Mr. Grover arrives.”
Edwina blinked. “Who is Mr. Grover?”
A light chuckle. “Why, the gentleman who’s put you up in these rooms. Fine fellow, he is. Handsome too.”
“No… That’s Havilland.” Wasn’t that what he’d said?
“Well, whatever his name is, you’re lucky you’ve caught his attention. Now, you’d best get ready for when Mr. Grover comes to get you.”
Grover… Havilland… The man was coming to get her?
“Where am I going?” It felt like her brain was trapped in a fog.
“To the debut I mentioned.”
Her debut. That made no sense. She was too old for such things and she’d already been out in public. With Sebastian. Oh God, she’d completely forgotten about Sebastian.
“I have to go,” she said, pushing herself off the bed even though her legs felt like jelly. How long had she been here? What must her brother be thinking? And Claire… Dear, sweet Claire, left behind at Faintree Hall with her ailment. “Shoes, Nelly. I’m in need of shoes.”
“Silk slippers, you mean?” Nelly wound her arm around Edwina’s waist, steadying her. “Just wait until you see the gown you’ll be wearing. I daresay you’ll be the star of the evening.”
“No.” Edwina shoved away from Nelly and staggered sideways.
“My lady, what are you doing?”
Edwina felt Nelly’s fingers upon her arm even as she collided with a side table. The delicate piece of furniture wobbled, knocking over the perfume bottles that sat upon it. Feeling as though she were balancing on a tightrope, Edwina flung out one hand in search of purchase.
Nelly’s fingers closed more firmly around her arm, tightening even as Edwina fell into the wall, pulling Nelly with her. The woman gasped, and Edwina emitted a grunt as she bumped into the hard surface.
“You shouldn’t be moving about unassisted,” Nelly declared. “Mr. Grover warned me of this. The medicine you received for your migraine is terribly potent. Rest is required until it wears off.”
Medicine. Edwina blinked while attempting to put her cluttered thoughts in order. Was that what Mr. Grover had given her? Was he a doctor she’d sought for assistance?
No. She shook her head. If she’d been in pain, she’d have sought Sebastian’s help. He might have called a physician, but she’d be at home.
She surveyed the room she was in. A pale palette dominated the space which appeared…impersonal. Sparse and uncluttered. Lacking in personality.
Not home. Somewhere else. Somewhere foreign where she’d never been before. And the garment she wore, she realized for the first time, was unfamiliar too. A wrap, with only a thin chemise underneath.
Palm pressed against the wall for purchase, she felt her pulse race, her breaths coming faster as panic rushed through her. “Where are the clothes I had on when I left home?”
“I, um… In the wardrobe, perhaps?”
“You do not know?”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but I’ve no idea. I’ve only seen you in what you’re wearing right now.”
Which meant someone else had changed her clothing, but who? She had no recollection of it, which increased her dread. For if she could not remember that, then what else might have happened while she’d been unconscious?
“Help me dress,” she muttered.
“You need to bathe first.”
“No.” Determined to leave, Edwina tried to guide herself forward with the use of the wall. Nelly’s hand on her arm, however, counteracted her efforts. She tried shaking her off, but the woman’s grip was unrelenting. “Release me.”
“I’m sorry, but I’ll face Mr. Grover’s fury if I don’t do as he asked.”
“Fine.” Giving up on the wall, Edwina swung around with every intention of forcefully prying Nelly’s fingers away. Except she underestimated her weakened state and stumbled.
Nelly released her, then gave her a shove, sending Edwina into a sprawl. Her palms and the side of her face pressed into the floor. When she looked up next, the woman was at the door. It opened, allowing a brief glimpse of freedom as Nelly departed.
Panting for breath, Edwina pushed herself into a kneeling position, then crawled to the nearest chair and proceeded to haul herself back up and onto her feet.
She’d almost succeeded when the door swung open once more, admitting the man she knew as Mr. Havilland. Another man followed him in. Nelly stood a few paces behind them.
“Oh, dear,” said Mr. Havilland. He padded toward her as though he had all the time in the world. “I was hoping you’d be more compliant, but it seems you’ve terrified poor Nelly.”
Edwina looked to the man she did not recognize. “Are you Mr. Grover?”
“Goodness no,” said Havilland. “I’m Mr. Grover. Remember?”
“No…I…” She didn’t understand what was happening. “I just want to go home.”
“But you ran away from home,” Mr. Grover said, his voice like honey. “Don’t you recall? You wished to escape your brother’s wrath. Indeed, you said you feared him.”
“No. That can’t be true.” Sebastian could be harsh and might well be feared by others, but he was her family. He loved her, protected her, and wanted only the best for her.
“It’s all right, though,” Mr. Grover said. “There’s no need to fret since you’re here now, with us, safe and secure. I’ll make sure you’re valued and appreciated for your worth.”
“Please let me go,” Edwina begged, her voice breaking beneath the tears that burned in her eyes.
“I’m afraid my conscience will not allow that.” Mr. Grover stuck his hand in his pocket and retrieved the familiar pipe along with a tinderbox. “While this isn’t how I planned on presenting you later, it will help ease your distress.”
Edwina shrank back, away from him, while clenching her jaw and shaking her head. As much as she craved the effect the smoke would have upon her, she knew it would steal her ability to think and to move.
Don’t inhale. Just pretend.
Yet the scent of the smoke alone, as Mr. Grover lit the pipe, was like a drug in itself. It tempted her, lured her, reminded her of the bliss it provided.
So when he held the pipe to her lips, encouraging her to inhale, she couldn’t resist. The teasing tendrils of ecstasy slipped down her throat and into her lungs, divesting her of every concern as she slid into peaceful surrender.