Page 85 of Leap of Faith
She still wore her clothes from the night before. Lord Westwood had ordered her to sleep and she knew he’d been right.
She stood and made an attempt to wipe the creases from her gown, but it was of no use. Looking around, she saw a dressing table and set to work, trying to make herself presentable. After brushing and replaiting her hair then winding it into a simple coil, she splashed her face with water and used the toothbrush and powder set out for her.
Gingerly, she turned the handle to the chamber where Joy was, and saw to her relief that Lord Westwood still sat beside her sister, who appeared to be sleeping.
“Good morning. How do you feel?” he asked. He stood as he came to her in his shirtsleeves and his hair slightly dishevelled.
“Almost human.” She had not been as quiet as she thought.
“I am glad to hear it.”
“What time is it?”
“Thirty minutes past seven,” he said, consulting his pocket watch and looking terribly handsome in his disarray.
“I have slept for fourteen hours?
“I should say it was well deserved. Why do you not have a bath and break your fast? I can remain a while longer.”
“I would not impose so! I have already slept much longer than I should have. You should have woken me.”
“Nonsense. I am quite used to being awake until dawn. I will rest when you are ready. I will not take no for an answer,” he said, with a look she was certain he meant to be stern, but instead was rather endearing. To be taken care of was a new sensation she could grow accustomed to.
“Very well, but I shall not be long.”
He rang for a servant and directed them to have a bath drawn for her, followed by breakfast.
“Did she give you any trouble last night? I missed giving her the next dose of medicine,” Faith declared in sudden realization and began to hurry to the table littered with vials and draughts.
“I managed to administer it,” he confessed, placing a gentle hand on her arm to stop her. “The directions were well written.”
Faith turned back and looked up at him. “Thank you.” So much was encompassed in those two words that she could not seem to express. She reached out her hand as if it would explain. He took it and brought it to his lips as if to say he understood.
“I will take my bath now, then.” She stepped back and left the room before she turned into a puddle in his arms as she longed to do.
The one thing she’d reflected on over and over whilst keeping vigil beside Joy was when Lord Westwood had almost begun to kiss her that day in the garden. Had it only been a few days? Perhaps she should not be thinking of such things at a time like this, but what else could she think on besides that which would certainly send her into madness?
When she reached her chamber, a maid was there to help her into the bath. She could not deny the relief she felt at sinking into the warm lavender-scented water. It was a guilty pleasure indeed.
It only served to turn her thoughts again to Lord Westwood. Was she a fool to think anything might come of it? Of course she was when he had discarded hearts all over England. Why would she be any different? And now he was only performing his duties as guardian. Nevertheless, he was unexpectedly attentive to her every need; arranging everything—from ensuring that she ate to passing time with her in easy conversation to ordering her to sleep—thus it was only natural that in such circumstances she should come to lean upon him and feel an affinity and comfort from such a saviour. It would surely pass once she was away from Taywards. With this in mind, she said a fervent prayer for Joy’s hasty recovery for both their sakes.
The maid helped her to towel herself off and dress again, then told her she would escort her to the breakfast room.
“Oh, no, a tray in my sister’s room will do very well.”
“The dowager has requested you to breakfast with her, miss,” the maid said as though it were an order, so Faith followed, knowing it was useless to argue.
The maid took her down a flight of stairs to the main floor, where the dowager’s apartments were, and led her inside.
Faith curtsied. “Good morning, my lady. I thought you did not rise before noon.”
The older lady cackled. “Not normally. Certainly I do not leave my apartment before noon, but I wanted a chance to speak with you.”
Faith could not imagine what there was to say, but she sat down as the dowager pointed her to a chair.
“How is your sister?”
“Unchanged, my lady.”
