Page 61 of The Best-Kept Secrets
“And it is not yours either.” Eve took Nia’s hand as it rested on the coverlet.
“I did very little today,” Nia said, “yet I’m utterly spent.”
“Dr. Wilstead did say you would struggle for a time to sort out what your limits are. Today, you have discovered, surpassed your current limits.”
“I sat in a gig, then sat on a chair, then returned to the house and sat on a chaise longue. How can a day filled withsittingbe beyond my endurance?”
“You know as well as I do that sitting in a gig is not the same as sitting on a chaise longue. Tomorrow, we’ll keep to the house, and you’ll feel better. You’ll see.”
Nia’s mouth turned down in an expression of sorrowful worry. “I’m going to ruin this house party for everyone.”
Eve squeezed her hand. “No, dear. Duke’s family is doing that.”
Nia smiled a little. “That has surprised me. Duke and Colm are so peaceable and easy to get along with.”
“Perhaps they are because they have seen the consequences of being the opposite.”
“I think Mr. and Mrs. Greenberry, at least, aren’t ordinarily the sort to fight and feud.” Nia kept her eyes closed as she spoke, looking closer and closer to drifting off to sleep. “Why would they be so much at odds with their own family?”
“I don’t know,” Eve said honestly. “What I do know, though, is that our family will never, ever become that. Because there is nothing we wouldn’t do for each other.”
“Will you do something for me?” Nia asked.
“Of course.”
“Once I fall asleep, will you rejoin the party? I will sleep so much better if you do.”
Eve suspected that was a bit of a Banbury tale, but she also didn’t think her sister had the energy for even a friendly disagreement. “I will,” she promised.
Nia’s next breath was the slow and deep sort that accompanied the arrival of sleep. She needed her rest. Eve remained in her chair beside the bed for a time, waiting until she was absolutely certain Nia was deeply asleep. Then she rose, carefully slipped her hand from her sister’s, and quietly left the room.
Eve returned to the drawing room, where a game of cross questions was underway. She managed to catch Mrs. Greenberry’s attention and wave her hostess over.
“Forgive me for pulling you away from the game,” Eve said.
“Not at all. Is your sister in need of something?”
“She’s sleeping, which is the best thing for her. But Ihave a question for Dr. Wilstead.”
Mrs. Greenwood smiled kindly as she motioned for Eve to walk with her from the room. Just outside the door, a footman sat at his post. He rose upon seeing them. “William, will you ask Dr. Wilstead to meet Miss O’Doyle and me in the north sitting room?”
“Yes, Mrs. Greenberry.” He hurried away to see to his assignment.
“I hope you will forgive the presumptuousness of deciding for you where the conversation will occur,” Mrs. Greenberry said, “but I acted on my suspicion that you did not wish for the rest of the party to be privy to your discussion with Dr. Wilstead.”
“I appreciate it.”
Mrs. Greenberry watched her as they walked. “How are you holding up, dear? We so seldom think of the toll an illness takes on those who care about and for the one who is ailing. But I have been that person, and I know how that feels. How areyou?”
“Overwhelmed and worried,” Eve confessed. “And I’m not sleeping well, so I’m tired.”
“I know you and Nia requested a room to share, but if it would help you get the rest you need, you can be provided a room of your own.”
Eve had never had a room of her own. She and Nia had shared from the time Nia had been born. “I will let you know if I decide to accept your generous offer.”
“Please do.”
They were only in the sitting room for a few minutes when Dr. Wilstead arrived. Mrs. Greenberry stepped to the side of the room, giving Eve a bit of privacy.
