Page 67 of The Lovers
“Are you all right?” James asked when he saw her silhouetted in the doorway.
“Yes. He’s angry as a bear, but he probably just needs time to cool off. Where will you go?”
“I’ll stay at the gamekeeper’s cottage for a few days. I can’t imagine that my father will remain in Suffolk long enough to notice. I’m not leaving you, love.” James reached out and cupped Elise’s cheek. “I will be wherever you are, for all time.”
“James, are you sure it’s safe for you to remain here? I’ve never seen him so angry,” Elise said as she walked into James’s embrace. “I fear for you.”
“What’s the worst he can do, eh?” James shrugged, dismissing Edward from his thoughts. “Try to go for a walk by the beach each morning after breakfast. I will be looking out for you.”
“All right. But stay out of sight until he leaves.”
James lifted Elise’s chin with his finger and planted a tender kiss on her lips. “Don’t worry about me. I have a horse, my weapons, and a purse full of coin. I’m better off than most.”
Elise waited until James galloped away before returning to the house. Edward’s snores could be heard throughout the house, so Elise went to the kitchen instead. A strange man sat at the kitchen table, a mug of ale and a bowl of pottage in front of him.
“Good morrow, me lady,” the man said, springing to his feet when Elise entered. He bowed to her and remained standing, waiting for permission to sit back down.
“Pray, continue with your meal, and then come see me in the parlor. I have a few questions to put to you,” Elise said.
“As ye wish, me lady.”
Elise didn’t have long to wait. The man came shyly into the parlor, hat in hand. He was a simple peasant and not accustomed to being invited into the house proper.
“What is your name?” Elise asked. She considered offering him a seat, then changed her mind. This wouldn’t take long.
“Aubrey Wilkins, yer ladyship.”
“Did you bring my husband from London?”
“Aye, ma’am. I work for a livery, ye see. Yer husband wished to hire the finest coach available,” the man went on, babbling with nervousness.
“And how are things in London?” Elise asked. She’d had no news of any kind since leaving with James, and the sights and sounds of plague-ridden London preyed on her mind day and night. James hadn’t mentioned anything about his sister or her family, but Elise knew that he was terrified. Molly had nowhere to go, and her husband would not leave his business. It was their livelihood, so abandoning his outstanding orders was out of the question.
“Things are right bad, me lady. Thousands dead of the plague. The stench of rotting bodies fills the air,” the man said and instantly regretted his choice of words. “Begging yer pardon, me lady. I didn’t mean to be indelicate.”
“That’s quite all right, Master Wilkins. I prefer to know the truth. Are you returning to London today?”
“In truth, I wish I didn’t have to, but the proprietor of the livery will be expecting ’is carriage back, so I must be on me way.”
“Godspeed,” Elise said. “Ask Mistress Benford for a parcel of food for your journey.”
“Thank ye kindly, me lady.”
Elise stared out the window. The stately coach that brought Edward from London rolled down the gravel drive, Master Wilkins on the bench. Elise wished that the coach was taking Edward away again, but he was still asleep, a small blessing in view of his current mood. A steady rain began to fall. The room grew dark, but Elise didn’t bother to light the candles. The house felt cold and empty without James in it, and she wished that she could sneak outand join him in the cozy comfort of the cottage. Perhaps once Edward left, she would be able to see him again, but for now she had to play the dutiful wife and hope that Edward’s ire had burned out, and he wouldn’t seek a way to punish her for her disobedience.
Elise put a hand to her belly. Four more months till the babe was born. She had no illusions. The birth of the baby would not set her free, but maybe Edward would be happier once he had a son.
FORTY-EIGHT
Edward did not leave as Elise had hoped. He wanted to but seemed unable to get out of bed. He was ill-tempered and unwell, which concerned Elise. He might have been exposed to the plague before leaving London, but it was too soon to tell, and Elise had no choice but to look after him. She’d sent a groom to fetch the physician from town, but he’d been called out on some emergency and would not come until later, or possibly even the following day.
Elise brought Edward some beef tea and sat down at what she thought was a safe distance while Edward drank it. He’d been pale before, but now his face was flushed, and his eyes burned bright, as if he were possessed by an evil spirit. He smelled strongly of sweat, and his hair and beard were matted and greasy.
“Bring me some ale. I’m thirsty,” Edward commanded after he finished the broth. Elise sent Peg to get the ale while she remained with Edward.
“You’re fevered. I’ve sent for the doctor, but he might not get here until tomorrow. Edward, was anyone at Asher Hall ill when you left?” she asked carefully.
“How should I know? The house is quarantined,” he replied, sullen as a child. “I spoke to one of the grooms through the gate. He told me you’d gone.”
