Page 86 of Leap of Faith
“That is most unfortunate, but I am glad you followed my grandson’s advice to rest. He is quite capable of sharing your burden.”
“It is quite unnecessary for him to do so, but I cannot deny I feel better for it.”
“He is pleased to do it. He would do more would you allow it.”
Faith tried not to let her embarrassment show, but she felt her cheeks warm.
“You are unused to plain speaking, I can see. In my day, we were not so mealy-mouthed.”
A maid brought in a tray and set it on a table between them. The dowager paused in her speaking while she was served a cup of chocolate. The maid then turned and also poured one for Faith.
“Eat as you please,” the dowager said as she waved to the tray which held an array of rolls and scones. Faith’s stomach turned, for she did not know how to react to this verbal assault.
“Well? Have you made progress with my grandson? My feelings on the matter are unchanged.”
“Ma’am, at the moment, my thoughts are wholly reserved for my sister and her future.”
“Balderdash! I do not mean to disrespect your feelings towards your sister, but there is little to be done until Dr. Harvey says so. You have little else to think about all day as you sit there. Have you not considered my grandson as a match? I assure you he is quite eligible.”
As if Faith were unaware of that! “Ma’am, he is my guardian. Such thoughts would be highly improper.”
“Not with me, they are not. You should encourage him. Gentlemen always need a little help to see the proper path clearly.”
Faith took a sip of the warm, rich chocolate. She had no idea how to reply. None of her upbringing had prepared her for such a one as the dowager, and she knew quite well that what the lady proposed was outrageous.
“On the other hand, perhaps you have the right of it,” the old lady said thoughtfully as she tapped one gnarled finger on the table. “Perhaps it is your indifference to him that has sparked his interest.”
“My indifference?” Faith was utterly lost.
“Indeed, I believe he suggested as much. Yet with one such as Dominic, who has come to see the opposite sex as vessels of fawning and simpering, you are a novelty. However, if he has no encouragement, will he miss his chance?”
The dowager seemed to be carrying on a conversation with herself.
“What do you wish me to do?”
“Do not fawn and simper.”
“No.”
“However, do not discourage his attentions should he make them.”
Faith could only shake her head. It was not so simple as the dowager inferred and her interactions with Lord Westwood were limited to the times he visited her at Joy’s sickbed. They would be even less so if they were to take alternate watches, as he would be sleeping when she was awake. Faith nibbled on a roll, wishing she could excuse herself and return to her sister’s side. She may have slept a little, but her thoughts were hardly clear—especially on this matter.
It was one thing to consider the viscount herself, but another to hear his grandmother plot coldly against him. Did Faith want him? Yes, if she knew his affections to be true, but she wanted him to decide for himself—not because his grandmother wished for the union.
Faith finished her chocolate and her roll while the lady continued to pour unwanted advice into Faith’s ears. Granted, the anecdotes about Dominic in his youth were amusing, but she did not feel she had the right to them as his mere ward.
“My lady, forgive me, but I must return to my sister. Lord Westwood has been with her for over sixteen hours now.
“Pooh. It does him good to exert himself, but I have prated long enough. Thank you for humouring an old lady. And heed well my words, miss.”
How could Faith possibly forget them? She made her escape while she could.
* * *
Dominic had sleptfor a few hours and had just finished breaking his fast when the door opened and Freddy burst inside. Dominic had not even heard him approach.
“I have but just heard! I was at Newmarket and when you were not, I sent a groom to your house. What happened? How is she?” he asked, out of breath.
