Desperate Remedies: An addictive Regency romance (Historical Regency Romances Book 3) by Christina Courtenay

Author:Christina Courtenay [Courtenay, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Choc Lit Historical Romance: A Joffe Books Company
Published: 2024-03-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

For Lexie, the night passed in a blur of pain and discomfort. Her stomach rebelled in several different ways, both against whatever had triggered her illness in the first place and to the remedies the doctor tried on her. He forced her to swallow large quantities of salt water, which made her vomit again, then he tried various other things, until she refused to open her mouth any longer. Finally, when her stomach seemed to have calmed down a little, he gave her laudanum and she slipped into blessed oblivion.

When she woke, it was to find Margaret dozing in a chair next to her bed. She sat up when Lexie croaked out a request for water.

‘Lexie, you’re awake! Thank the Lord, we’ve been so worried. I’ve no idea what you ate, but I’ve told cook that she’d better not serve any seafood again unless she’s absolutely certain it’s fresh.’

Lexie sipped at the glass of water her sister held for her and frowned. She hadn’t eaten any seafood, of that she was sure, but since she didn’t know what else could have caused such a violent stomach upset, she didn’t say anything.

‘The doctor will be back later to check on you, but in the meantime you’re not to leave this bed.’

Lexie attempted a smile. ‘Don’t think I can.’

‘Yes, well, I suppose you’re weak as a kitten. Would you mind if I just allow Rupert to come in for one moment? He’s been pestering me all morning, wanting to see that you’re all right.’

‘Of course.’

Rupert came charging in soon after, but stopped at the sight of his aunt’s no doubt ashen features. ‘Do I really look that bad?’ Lexie joked and he grinned at her.

‘Yes, but the doctor says you’ll be better soon.’

‘So glad to hear that.’

‘Did you really cast up all night? Mama says that . . .’

‘Rupert, really,’ Margaret protested, ushering him back towards the door. ‘I’m sure your poor aunt doesn’t wish to discuss such things with you. Now run along and play or something. You may see Lexie again later.’

Lexie closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

* * *

A commotion near the door woke her for the second time that morning.

‘Really, my lord, this is most unseemly. I cannot allow you to―’

Lexie opened her eyes and blinked at the sight of Synley standing by her bedside, with Margaret looking daggers at him from the doorway.

‘There is no impropriety if you stay where you are, Lady Hawthorne,’ he said. ‘I merely wish to see with my own eyes that Miss Holloway is on the mend.’ He looked down at Lexie, his eyebrows raised. ‘Are you?’

‘To tell you the truth, I’m not sure, but at least my body is calm now and there is no pain, so yes, I suppose I am.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. You had us worried there for a while.’

‘Yes. I’m sorry.’

‘Not your fault,’ he said, his mouth tightening. He threw a glance at Margaret, who was now arguing with Rupert just outside the open door.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.