Page 67 of The Quiet Wife
“Frederick, the children have scarlet fever. Children die of scarlet fever. Please, we need you here.”
“Good thing they are adults then, isn’t it?” he finished what he was writing but didn’t avert his gaze from the page.
“I can’t persuade you to stay?” Frances hesitated, wanting to snatch the pen from him so she got his full attention for a change.
“What on earth would be the point? I can’t do anything; my being here won’t change anything. I’ll only be in the way.”
“You wouldn’t be in the way. The girls would love to see you. You could reassure them that all will be well.”
He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Frances…” he said in warning tones that made her cold. She lifted her chin defiantly.
“When do you leave?”
“In about an hour.”
“Will you stay in the flat?”
He nodded.
She walked to the door but turned back to regard her husband. “Would you like to be informed should one of your children die or would that be too troublesome for you?”
CHAPTER 21
Speke Hall – Liverpool
“You said what?” Lizzie gasped. “Dear God, what did he say? What did he do?”
“I didn’t give him much chance. I fled. I’ve seenthatlook in his eye before.”
“Oh, love.” Lizzy reached out and gripped Frances’ hand tightly. It wasn’t the last of it, that was for sure. Frederick did not forget or forgive slights. He would make her suffer for what she said some way or another.
“How are the girls?” Lizzie asked.
“Poorly.” She wrung the handkerchief she held in her hands. “So poorly.” She lifted her hands to her face and immediately Lizzie swept her up into her arms and held her.
“I’m just glad Freddie isn’t here.” She pulled away, sniffing into her handkerchief. “I’ve written to him and told him all about the girls but begged him to stay away.”
Lizzie squeezed her tight and Frances leaned into the embrace for a moment before sitting up and giving herself a quick shake.
“Anna and Jemie have been wonderful. I don’t know what I would have done had they not been here.”
“You would have managed, you always do. Anyway, I should see the invalids before I change for dinner.”
Lizzie brushed the crumbs from her dress as she stood. “Please don’t go to any lengths. Dinner will be quite informal. Just us and Anna and Jemie.”
Lizzie disappeared and Frances headed for the kitchen to speak to cook about some broth for the girls.
“It’s all being done, ma’am,” Mrs Taylor wiped her hands on her apron. “Nanny arrived with instructions from the doctor, and some suggestions from Mrs Whistler, so we have been getting things ready.”
“Thank you so much,” Frances said, and Mrs Taylor just patted her arm.
“Worry not. We will make sure they have the very best. I’ve got bone broth cooking overnight, and Mrs Whistler suggested warm milk with egg and honey in.”
“I imagine the girls will like both.”
Mrs Taylor bustled back to the range.
***
