Her Scandalous Wish by Collette Cameron

Author:Collette Cameron
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2016-02-21T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Fate proved most fickle, bestowing a welcome blessing after extracting an excruciating toll. Philomena could find no other explanation for her and Giles staying in the Duchess of Daventry’s luxurious home while he battled for his life.

The duchess’s wholly unexpected generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Immediately upon spying Bradford carrying Giles’s limp form into Wimpleton’s manor, she’d sailed to the entrance, called for her coach, and insisted Giles be transported to her much closer house rather than the humble—more aptly, tumbledown—cottage Philomena and Giles rented on London’s outskirts. The colorful dame had also sent for her personal physician and insisted on paying Doctor Singleton’s fee as well.

“You’re my guests, Miss Pomfrett. I won’t hear another word about paying Singleton. That crusty, old barnacle ought to tend your brother for free considering how frequently I’ve needed his services of late.” She’d winked, a mischievous youthful glint in her eyes, despite the wrinkles etching her once handsome face. “Aging is not for the faint of heart.”

“I’m sure that is true,” Philomena murmured politely, uncertain what else to say.

“Besides, I quite anticipate seeing my nephew at sixes and sevens with you underfoot. That cocksure boy could do with a good rattling. I remember how eagerly he anticipated visits to Bromhamshire, my dear, and I know it wasn’t anticipation of seeing his cantankerous uncle or wastrel cousins at Bromham Hall that had him gallivanting to the country at every opportunity.”

With a painful pang to the region near her heart, Philomena remembered too. Blinking back tears, she forced her lips to turn up. She couldn’t retrace her steps and relive the past few years. Her only choice was to move forward, wherever that obscure path might lead her. “I’m not positive his lordship’s affections are what they once were, Your Grace.”

“Hmph. More fool he then.” The duchess’s expression grew solemn, though kindness brimmed in her eyes. “My dear, if things shouldn’t work out between you and my nephew, I would be honored if you would consider becoming my companion. My son’s wife prefers that I not visit often, and once Olivia marries ... well, this drafty old house gets lonely. And I dearly want to visit my daughter in Spain but have hesitated to take the journey by myself.”

Glad tears blurred Philomena’s eyes. An answer to one prayer. “Your offer is very generous, Your Grace, and one I gratefully accept.”

“Excellent. You’ve made me very happy, though in truth, I hope that boy comes to his senses.” After kissing Philomena’s cheek, her grace had set off to the kitchen to ensure a hearty broth was prepared in the event Giles awoke.

Now, whether he lived or died, Philomena wasn’t compelled to wed. Profoundly relieved, the closest thing to peace she’d experienced in long while engulfed her. She smoothed the rich satin counterpane across his chest again, then—holding her breath—tentatively rested her palm upon his gaunt chest. Yes, he still breathed, though shallow and weak, his lips blue tinged and his pallor as white as the sheets he lay upon.

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