Page 51 of Foolish Bride
Sophia stepped close and lowered her voice. “I am afraid that his grace, your son, was not feeling well. Marlton is seeing him home.”
Eyes wide, Tabitha leaned forward. “Was it something serious?”
“I believe he had a rather bad headache. I do not think it’s anything for you to worry about. Daniel just wanted to make sure Michael was well and at home.” Sophia had managed the account better than Elinor could have.
“I see. I will call on him tomorrow.” She stepped away, then turned and touched Elinor’s arm. “It was nice to see you again, my dear. I am staying with my friend, Lady Cheltingham. I would be pleased if you would call on me. It has been a long time since we had a chat.”
Since it was impossible to visit Michael, perhaps she could glean his condition from his mother. Emotions brimming, Elinor couldn’t take much more from an already staggering evening. “I shall call the day after tomorrow, since you will see your son tomorrow, if that would suit you, my lady.”
“Lovely, I’ll look forward to it.” In a rustle of lavender fabric, Tabitha disappeared into the crowd.
“Come on, let’s see if we can locate Dory,” Sophia said.
At the edge of the ballroom, Dory and Thomas Wheel stood too close, deep in conversation. Talking about music, they were so engrossed neither noticed they were no longer alone.
“Are you enjoying the ball?” Sophia said.
Thomas stepped back. “It is quite distracting.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Your concert was magnificent, Dory. Don’t you think so, Tom?”
“We were just discussing it.”
“I am glad you enjoyed it, Sophia.” Dory smiled.
“I will leave you ladies to your privacy.” Thomas turned to Dory. “Thank you, Lady Dorothea, it has been a pleasure.” He winked at his good friend Sophia before leaving.
“What was that all about?” Sophia asked.
Dory shrugged. “He liked my music. That is all.”
“Hmmm,” Sophia said.
* * * *
As soon as he arrived home, Michael removed his jacket and cravat and tossed them on the chair in the corner of his study. He sprawled on the soft couch and closed his eyes.
Daniel closed the door. “Shall I pour you a drink, Mike?”
“You do not have to stay and nurse me, Dan. I only have a headache.” He put his arm over his eyes. The pressure helped ease the pain.
Daniel rang for a servant and the butler appeared a moment later. “Would you get his grace a cold cloth please?”
Nodding, the butler retreated.
“I am not nursing you. I am seeing an old friend home when he is under the weather. I only thought you might need a drink of brandy. I know that I do.” Daniel’s jacket was crisp and his cravat tied to perfection. Not one hair was out of place.
“Help yourself. None for me, though.”
Ignoring him, Daniel poured two drinks, then sat in the large wingback chair across from the couch. “Drink. It might help.”
Michael drank it in one swallow, then rested his head on the arm of the couch.
The door opened, and a maid arrived with a cold cloth on a silver platter.
Placing it over his eyes, he sighed with the slightest relief.
Daniel refilled both glasses. “Better?”
