A Winter Courtship by Collum Lynn

Author:Collum, Lynn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

“. . . And Mr. Raulerson even bought Eva an Irish thoroughbred. She is a wonderful rider,” Pamela said, chattering to Alison about her former school life. The girl eyed Sir Norton, who lay in bed across the room listening, and she airily added. “I am not so high in the instep as to think of Miss Raulerson as a Cit despite the fact that her father is in trade. She was the liveliest of my school friends.”

After a cough, the baronet replied, “I am sure she is very nice, Miss Reed, but I would not recommend you air your views on Cits to the ton. Society people are rather proud and hold themselves above such common citizens.”

Alison, sensing the pair might argue, said, “Norton, you should be resting. Are we disturbing you with our conversation?”

“In truth, Ally, I do not feel but a little ill. I think it foolish to be delaying our trip for--”

“We are all perfectly happy to stay until your fever subsides.” Alison rose and went to her brother. Laying her hand upon his forehead, she could feel only the slightest warmth. “I think that by night your fever should be gone.”

A brief knock sounded on the door, then the earl entered the room carrying a portable secretary. “How are you feeling, Stick?”

“More restless than ill.”

“A good sign that your malady is not serious in nature.” Seeing Alison beside the bed, he inquired, “Is he still feverish, Mrs. Prescott?”

“Only a little, my lord.” Alison straightened her brother’s covers to distract herself from Lord Crandall. Why could she not simply ignore his blue eyes and winning smile?

“Miss Reed,” the earl said, advancing toward the young lady, “I have come with a task for you. Miss Kimball made the suggestion to me, and I quite agreed.”

“I shall do whatever you wish, my lord.”

“I think you should write a letter to your aunt, explaining that you are safe and have found employment as a companion.”

Pamela started to her feet. “But, sir, how will you get the letter to them without them knowing where I am?”

“Never worry about that, my dear. I shall have it delivered by messenger. They shall never know who helped you. Holding your aunt in some affection, I thought you might want to ease her mind.”

The young girl sagged back in the seat. “Yes, I do.”

The earl placed the small wooden secretary on the table by the window. “You will need a candle, for I fear the light is not bright enough here for writing.”

“Allow me, Pamela,” Alison offered, while the earl moved a chair to the table. She brought one of the two candles which were burning on either side of Norton’s bed due to the greyness of the day. As Pamela dipped her pen into the inkstand, Alison walked to the opposite side of her brother’s bed to put some distance between her and Lord Crandall. To her dismay, he followed her.

“Miss Kimball suggested that I take the child out for a walk after her letter is written and I was hoping to convince you to join us.

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