Page 91 of Wild Lily
“She does it only for her own enjoyment, claiming she’d never match a professional’s expertise. But her subjects are unique.” Lily finished her glass of brandy and put it aside. “She paints women and children. Quite charming.”
“Do you also draw and paint?” Leland asked her.
“Oh, no. I’m afraid my talents are totally lacking. I draw lovely little stick men.”
Both men gave a laugh.
“I wish I could contribute something to the world like that. But I think my skills are in nursing.”
“Nursing?” Leland was clearly shocked, his bright eyes even bigger than before.
“Yes.” She glanced at her husband whom she’d not seen all afternoon until he’d appeared in his dressing room to change for dinner. “Now is a good time to tell you, Julian, that I went to the tenants’ cottages today to check on those who are ill. I fear three have bronchitis. I saw a few children. Two have croup. Those blankets you ordered sent down to them are useful to make tents for bronchitis kettles. But they have only two in the whole village.”
“Steamers?” Leland asked her. “What do you mean?”
“Breathing in steam is very useful to keep the lungs clear. The best way to do that is to make a tent, then force in air with kettles specifically made for the purpose. They have a wide base so they don’t tip over and a very long spout.”
“I’m glad you went,” said Julian, his brown eyes heavy with concern, “but you may also now fall ill.”
“You mustn’t worry,” she told him. “I’ve been near people who have much worse maladies and never been sick a day in my life.”
“Still—”
“It gives me great joy to be of real use to someone.”I can’t spend my life ordering about servants and then not care for them when they are in need.“I’d like to purchase more equipment. Help them regularly.”
“I wouldn’t dream of refusing you joy, my dear. But that could endanger your health. Though I am sad to say it, the farmers do not have benefit of the best food and warm fires. I’d like to improve that, but struggle with the means. This rain doesn’t help. The crops will be spare…” He narrowed his gaze on his glass, disturbed.
She tipped her head, aware she must not shame her husband in front of his friend. “If by small favors, I can improve their health, I want to. In fact, I’d like to buy more copper kettles for them. Nelson inhalers too. A special type, you see. But I’d need the name of the local doctor.”
“As you wish.” Julian raised his glass to sip, his deep brown gaze delving into hers with what was appreciation. “I’ll see to it in the morning.”
“I’d like to find the local chemist’s shop too to order a balsam compound of aromatics for the kettles.”
“You and I will do that, too,” Julian said with a smile spreading on his lips. “They will be most grateful.”
She nodded, thrilled and a bit embarrassed by Julian’s seeming wonder at her suggestions. She wished to change the topic. “So. Tell us, Mister Leland, do you return to London tomorrow?”
“I am called to Ashford, my lady. Your husband and I have a mutual cousin who gives an annual ball. He insists I join him. In fact, it might be useful if I approached him about your Irish project, Chelton.” Leland looked at Julian with intent. “What do you think?”
“A fine idea. He might be interested. He just might.” Julian nodded. “Ask him.”
“What is your Irish project?” she turned to Julian.
“I wish to persuade my father to sell an estate near Tipperary.”
“I thought none of you could sell your land.” Entailed property was bound by inheritance laws.
“This land can be sold,” Julian said. “It’s free of the entail. Good fertile acreage, too. Someone will like it.”
“Wouldn’t it be best to keep it?” she asked.
“I would if we could afford to, my dear. But my father has not and cannot supervise it as he should and another owner would do very well for the tenants. And I know my father would welcome the cash.”
“I see,” she said. “Of course. And you think your cousin might buy it?”
Julian nodded. “He has the money. And he has a penchant for Irish race horses. This would be good investment for him.”
“Have I met this cousin?” she asked Julian. “At our wedding, perhaps? Forgive me, I may have forgotten him in the rush.” She feared she may have committed afaux pasto ask this, considering that Leland had not attended their wedding either.
