Page 51 of A Duke Under Her Spell
“And we will fail together,” Marybeth whispered leaning her forehead against his cheek.
“Oh, Marybeth,” he breathed into her skin.
“I know,” she whispered back. “I know.” Standing she squeezed his hand and then walked away allowing the darkness to wrap around her like a blanket of loneliness.
Chapter 22
In the morning, they arose and set out for Bath once more. The Dowager Duchess was still in a fragile state as Felix carried her out to the carriage. Pillows were used to prop her up and make her as comfortable as possible. Marybeth sat down beside her to ensure that the Dowager Duchess did not fall out of her seat and harm herself in the process.
Marybeth had not slept very well. She had been unable to erase the feeling of Felix’s hand in hers. His words had played over and over in her head. She glanced at Felix across from her and noted that he, too, had not slept well. Her heart went out to him. He would never know the freedom that she had known in the forest. She would never know the weight of responsibility that fell upon his shoulders. Felix would surrender all for duty. She would surrender all for freedom. Neither of them would win.
Marybeth leaned her head back against the wall of the carriage and closed her eyes. She allowed the movement of the carriage to rock her to sleep. She dozed off and on throughout the entire journey, waking when the Dowager Duchess needed something, or they stopped to take a repast. The countryside was lovely as they rolled along, and Marybeth attempted to make the most of the journey by enjoying the landscape along the way.
The day was bright and clear. The grass was so green it practically glowed in the sunlight. White fluffy clouds floated overhead against the blue backdrop of the sky. As they rode, a breeze floated through the open windows of the carriage lessoning the stifling nature native to such forms of travel. Traveling in a carriage with five people on a warm summer’s day could get quite uncomfortable. It was even harder on the Dowager Duchess.
They reached Bath at nightfall and made their way toward the townhouse Felix had purchased some time before with the intention of bringing his mother on a regular basis to take in the waters. The few servants they had brought climbed down off of the carriage and began preparations inside of the townhouse immediately. By the time Felix carried the Dowager Duchess inside, Mrs. Snow had already secured a room for her, complete with fresh linens and a fire in the fireplace.
“I am surprised at the speed by which the townhouse was made ready,” the Earl of Bredon remarked. “When you proposed traveling with so few servants, I thought it a mistake, but I see now that you had preparation made in advance. Did you not say that this was the first time you had used the townhouse?”
“Yes, I had an arrangement with the previous owners that it be kept in habitable order at all times. There is a caretaker who sees to its upkeep.”
“A wise decision, Your Grace. We are honored to have been invited and look forward to taking in the waters with you upon the morrow.”
“Please select whatever rooms suit yourself and the Lady Cordelia. I will ensure that a footman brings you your trunks.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” The Earl turned and offered his arm to his sister. The pair of them ascended the stairs and disappeared from sight.
When the Earl had gone, Felix’s shoulders sagged in exhaustion. He ran his hand over his face and sighed as a man weighted with too many cares. Marybeth witnessed the entire thing from the doorway to the Dowager Duchess’s room after she had tended to the noble lady’s medicinal needs. A large section of the hallway to the upstairs acted as a balcony and looked out over the grand entranceway of the townhouse. Such a design did not allow one much privacy as they came and went.
Marybeth descended the stairs and came to stand beside the Duke. “Shall I prepare you something to help you sleep?” she offered, noting the large dark circles under his eyes.
“No, thank you. I shall manage.” He turned to look at her. “My sleeplessness stems not from illness.”
“Even so, I could help you if you wish. A tea perhaps?”
“I fear there is no help for what ails me, not even one of your healthful teas.” His eyes told her that it was thoughts of her that had robbed him of his sleep. She knew all too well how he felt. Thoughts of him had done the same to her.
“Perhaps not,” she murmured lowering her eyes. She longed to reach out and smooth the lines from his brow. She longed to ease the pain of his heart, but it was not her place to do so. “If there is nothing more needed of me, I shall retire for the night.”
Felix nodded. “I have arranged a room for you next to my mother’s so that you can quickly aid her if the need should arise. Mrs. Snow has agreed to sleep upon a pallet in Mother’s room to ensure that all is well through the night. I shall escort you there now if you wish.”
“Thank you,” Marybeth murmured nodding her assent.
The two of them climbed the stairs side by side, so close and yet not touching. Marybeth could feel the heat from the Duke’s hand within a breath of her own. She willed the warmth of him into herself to carry her through the night ahead. When they reached her door, Felix bowed ever so slightly over her hand and kissed it, then turned and disappeared into his own room down the hall.
“He is not yours to have, witch,” a voice from behind her warned. Marybeth turned to find Lady Cordelia standing in the hallway.
“No, he is not,” Marybeth agreed, then opened her door and walked into her room shutting it behind her.
* * *
The next morning everyone departed for the Pump Room. Upon arrival, they registered their names and places of abode as was the custom when visiting Bath and then purchase a drink of the odorous waters. Felix handed Marybeth a glass after having served his mother. She took a sip and found the taste to be absolutely deplorable. It took all of her will not to spit it out upon the floor at his feet. “That is ghastly,” she gasped out after swallowing. Her stomach roiled in anger at her for subjecting it to such.
“Quite,” Felix cringed in agreement.
“Why would anyone wish to drink such a horrific substance?”
“For their health, of course,” a little man who had been there taking the waters when they arrived huffed out.
