Page 99 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“Lord Arlington, Lady Arlington, you should not be here!” the old butler cried, seeming distressed to see them.
“Tis all right, Theodore,” Nicholas called as the children turned to flee. “I am no longer with fever.”
The servant seemed uncertain as he hurried to place a fresh pitcher of water on the toilet.
“It is not my command, Your Grace,” he explained, appearing torn. “The duchess fears that – “
“Where is she?” Nicholas interrupted, nodding for the children to go. They scampered from the room, casting him a grateful look as they realized they were not going to face trouble for disobeying.
“I believe she is with Captain Balfour in the gardens, Your Grace.”
“I wish to see her at once. Have you seen Miss Rose in the past days?”
“No, Your Grace. Trudy has been responsible for her but I understand she is still quite ill.”
“Send for Trudy also.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Theodore turned to oblige his request and Nicholas was left to consider what he had learned. The children were young and apt to fanciful ideas. They had also been sick and could not be certain what they knew. Yet Nicholas could not shake the sense that something was amiss with only half the household being incapacitated while the captain and servants had no issues. It did seem rather suspect.
Nicholas tried his legs again, the wobbling seeming to subside somewhat and he took a few cautious steps toward the window. The sun had broken through the horizon and it was already becoming a glorious day. Nicholas wondered how long it had been since the sun’s rays had touched his skin.
Today, I will leave this room. Rose and I will inhale fresh air and overcome whatever is this plague.
“Nicholas!”
He turned his head as his mother entered his quarters, a worried smile on her face.
“Mother, what in God’s name has happened? How could I be ill for almost one week?”
“I cannot say for certain,” she replied, drawing closer to stare at his face with relief. “Captain Balfour and I have been beside ourselves.”
Nicholas found it difficult to believe that the captain had cared in the least about his well-being but that was a matter for another time.
“Where is Miss Rose?”
“She is still unwell, Nicholas.”
“That does not answer my question, mother.”
“She should not be disturbed, just as you should not be exposing yourself to whatever it is plaguing you.”
“Yet you and the servants are immune to this mysterious illness? I wish to see Miss Rose at once.”
“You cannot,” Captain Balfour announced from the doorway. “She may be catching.”
“I did not send for him,” Nicholas growled, eyeing his mother with annoyance. “And I will not have this discussion again, particularly not with an underling.”
The duke watched as Balfour’s jaw tightened and he was satisfied.
“Nicholas do not be crass. It has been a harrowing week. The captain only wishes to ensure you are well again,” Duchess Buford sighed. “You need not make it more difficult.”
“Where is she?” Nicholas demanded, ignoring Balfour and addressing his mother. “I demand to see Miss Rose.”
Trudy arrived, gently rapping against the ajar door.
“You wished an audience, Your Grace?” she asked timidly.
