Page 79 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“I believe you saved his life,” said Elinor to Robert. “Where did you learn to do that?”
“Nothing worthy, dear sister,” Robert responded. “I seconded a man in a duel next to the serpentine; he was winged and fell into the water. The other second was a seasoned soldier, and he used this technique and brought my friend around.”
Arabella crouched next to Henry, rubbing his hands and smoothing his forehead. “We must get him somewhere warm and get the doctor to check him over,” she said urgently.
“Nathaniel, can you go and get one of my men to bring Dr Alwood,” said Robert, kneeling next to Arabella, putting his arm gently around her shoulders. “We’re going to take Henry to the castle. It’s nearer than the Hall, and all our families are there.”
Arabella turned to him and murmured her thanks.
Henry opened his eyes and smiled at his mother. “I’m sorry, Mama,” he spluttered, water still coming from his mouth as he spoke.
“Shush Henry. All’s well,” she reassured him.
“I didn’t want to leave Montbury,” he whispered.
“I know. You don’t have to leave. The duke’s solicitor has a plan, and you can stay here with me,” she said, holding him tight.
“I like the duke. I’ve got so many friends here. It feels like home,” Henry replied weakly.
“You never need to leave. Tomorrow, you must tell me how Mr Farrington tried to hurt Dash. But for now, I need you to be quiet. Do you feel sick?” she asked him, still wondering if he was really alright.
“A little, Mama. I swallowed some of the water,” Henry told her.
“As soon as you feel better, the duke and Nathaniel are going to teach you how to swim,” Arabella promised him.
“I did what the duke taught me, Mama. When I slipped in the water, I knew the tree branch would keep me afloat above the water.”
“You’re a very clever boy, but you must never run away again because we were all so worried about you. The best thing to do is talk to someone about your worries. It doesn’t have to be me, but talk to someone like the Reverend Colbrooke or the duke.”
“Now sit up, Henry,” came the duke’s voice. “I’m going to lift you up and carry you to the castle. If I tire, Nathaniel or Mr Brown will take over carrying you.”
At that moment, Jason Brown had come running down the path. “I’ve brought the pony and trap in case you found the little chap,” he informed them. “I thought it possible he may need a ride home.”
“I’m sure I can walk,” protested Henry.
“You might be able to, but your mama looks very tired, and I think we need to use the cart this evening,” the duke said to him gently.
Henry nodded and rested his head against Robert’s shoulder as they made their way up the hill through the woods to the trap, followed closely by Nathaniel and Emma.
Arabella felt her legs rooted to the spot. She’d been so close to losing her precious son. Now he was safe, the tears rolled down her face, forming rivulets down her cheeks.
Elinor took her hand as they followed a little distance behind. “He’s fine, truly. Dr Alwood will check him over, but I suggest you let Nanny take over as soon as we get to the castle. She is an expert on children and ailments, and I’d prefer her for Freddy over Dr Alwood any day.”
“You know, I felt exhausted before we came across this evening. I should have cried off, but I needed to see Mr Dawkinsabout Christopher Farrington. Now I can hardly keep my head up,” Arabella confessed.
“I shall ask my maid to prepare a hot mustard bath; then you can speak to Dr Alwood and assure yourself Henry is fine. Once he is in bed, you can sink into a feather bed yourself. You will all stay at the castle tonight. Mama will insist,” Elinor told her in a tone that forbade any argument.
“I’d be glad to stay, and I’m sure the others will want to be near Henry,” Arabella agreed.
As they reached the end of the woodland, the little cart stood waiting, and Robert placed Henry in the cart, then lifted Arabella up beside him. Jason Brown urged the pony to walk on, and they clattered across the drawbridge and into the courtyard, where the dowager duchess raced out to meet them.
“I hear he’s fine but had a lucky escape,” she said, indicating that two footmen should carry Henry into the castle.
“He fell in the water, but the duke knew a technique that saved his life. I shall never be able to thank him enough,” Arabella said, forgetting her exhaustion for a moment.
“Well, I’ve had rooms made up for you all in our family wing. There are no guests tonight as they have all gone to Harrogate to take the waters and see a play.”
Arabella nodded her thanks and agreement to the plan.
