Page 43 of A Duke Under Her Spell
“A terrifying prospect to be sure. She appears to be improving slowly, but only time and continued care will show us if she is truly on the mend,” Marybeth cautioned, not wishing for him to think her a worker of miracles so soon after starting the treatments. “It is simply too soon to be sure.”
“No matter the result, I am still grateful.”
“Then you are most welcome. I have come to hold great affection for her myself. I am also anxious to return and see to Oliver.”
“Let us hope the poor lad is recovering without mishap in your absence.”
“Yes, when I was forcibly removed from Arkley Hall, he had only just awakened a brief time before.”
“I am certain that he is just as concerned for your wellbeing as you are for his.”
“Poor Oliver.”
Felix chuckled and squeezed her hand. “That is one of the things I admire most about you.”
“What is that?”
“Your compassion for others even among your own struggles. It is an admirable quality held by so few.”
“It is not difficult if you truly care about others.”
“And with but a single statement, you prove yourself once more,” he remarked warmly. Marybeth blushed, relieved that she was behind him so that he could not see the crimson stain she was sure were upon her cheeks.
Upon arriving at Arkley Hall, Felix and Marybeth walked together to the Dowager Duchess’s bedchamber. “Oh, my dears! I am so glad to see that you are both safe and sound. I have been beside myself with worry.”
“We are well, Mother.” Felix moved forward and kissed her forehead. “Though we are both quite concerned about the lack of integrity exhibited by Lord Enfield, as I know you are.”
“Yes, quite. The idea of having shared a dinner table with that terrible man has left me feeling quite ill.” The Dowager Duchess reached her hand out to Marybeth and drew her near. “I am so very sorry for you and your dear mother. Please know that no matter what transpires regarding my condition, whether I am healed or not by your efforts, there will always be a place for you here at Arkley Hall.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Marybeth affectionately squeezed the Dowager Duchess’s hand in gratitude for her kindness.
“It is the very least we can do, my dear. What has befallen your family should never happen to anyone.”
“Upon that we can all agree.” Felix’s face bore a mixture of sadness and anger as he spoke. “I am of a mind to go and have words with the man, but it would not do a bit of good. The crime is long past, and there is naught to be done for it now as the only witness to it is dead.”
“Is his confession to me not enough?” Marybeth asked.
“No, I fear it is not. Lord Enfield is a peer of the realm. It would take far more than that to see him face justice. It is quite likely that he will never answer for his actions here on earth, but I suspect that not even God himself will aid him in the hereafter.”
“I believe there is much he is not telling me,” Marybeth confided. “I asked him a myriad of questions of which he only answered one.”
“I wager I can guess which one,” Felix remarked disapprovingly.
“Yes, the very one,” Marybeth confirmed shuddering at the thought.
Felix moved to touch her then stopped and withdrew his hand. The time for intimacy between them had passed. Marybeth arose and prepared the Dowager Duchess’s treatment. When she was finished, she turned toward the door. “I must go and see to Oliver now, Your Grace. Please do not hesitate to ring for me if you need me.”
“Thank you, Marybeth,” the Dowager Duchess replied smiling. “I am here if you need a listening ear.”
Marybeth nodded and left the room with Felix on her heels. They walked together below stairs to Mrs. Taylor’s sitting room where they had last seen Oliver. They found him sleeping quietly. “I need to check his wound,” Marybeth whispered.
“It is doubtful that you can do so without waking him.”
“I do not wish to risk it becoming inflamed.”
“I will help you. Perhaps together we can make it as pain free as is possible.”
Felix removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He walked over to the washstand in the corner and washed his hands, then put some water on to boil over the fireplace. Marybeth followed suite then began to carefully unwrap the bandages around Oliver’s head. “Marybeth?” Oliver murmured from beneath her. His eyes fluttered open.
