Love by Secrets (A Romance Novella) by Debra Elizabeth

Author:Debra Elizabeth [Elizabeth, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 2940013303003
Goodreads: 12934857
Publisher: Debra Elizabeth
Published: 2011-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“His heart is weak,” the doctor said. “He will need to rest. The country would be better for him, but I don’t think he would survive the trip now. Perhaps when he gets stronger.”

“Of course, doctor. Thank you for coming so quickly,” Catherine said. Worry etched her tired face. It had been a long day waiting for the doctor’s prognosis.

The doctor picked up his bag, ready to leave. “He must have no excitement; nothing that could possibly induce another attack. Quiet and rest are best.”

“Yes, I understand. When will he wake?”

“I’ve given him something to help him sleep. He should awaken tomorrow.”

“Thank you again, doctor.”

Emily had pacing back and forth in the parlor for hours. She watched the doctor leave, and rushed upstairs to her father’s bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door before entering. “Mama, may I come in now?” she whispered.

Catherine walked over, opened the door and pulled her daughter into her arms. “Shhh… he’s sleeping. He must not have any excitement. Let’s go downstairs and have some tea. He needs to rest.”

“Of course, Mama.” Emily followed her mother out of the bedroom. When they were seated in the parlor, and tea had been served, Emily took a deep breath and began. “Mama, will Papa be well again?”

“Yes, dear. With time and the proper rest, the doctor said he would recover his strength. His heart is weak, and he must rest.”

Emily sighed. The emotional turmoil of the past few hours weighed heavily on her.

“What is it, child?”

“Oh, Mama, it’s my fault,” she said, losing her composure. Tears fell from her eyes, and great sobs wracked her body.

Catherine was stunned by Emily’s breakdown. “What? I don’t understand. Dear, how can this be your fault?”

It was several minutes before Emily could stop sobbing long enough to respond. When she did, the look of sorrow on her face spoke volumes. “I was arguing with Papa about Mr. Richardson, and then he… then he… grabbed his chest and fell to the floor.” Another round of tearful sobs filled the room.

Catherine pursed her lips. Emily’s confession was too much for her to deal with tonight. She had nearly lost her husband, and her own composure had been severely tested. She did not want to upset Emily any further by talking about this tonight. Tomorrow would be soon enough. “We shall discuss this later.”

Emily looked up at her mother with red-rimmed eyes; dread seeping into her heart. “Mama, can you ever forgive me? I didn’t mean to hurt Papa.”

“Emily; enough dear. I think we’ve had enough excitement for today. Why don’t you take your tea and go upstairs now? It’s been a hard day for us and we all could use some rest. Have Nesmith help you into your nightgown.”

Emily was crestfallen. Her mother’s answer was no comfort, and did nothing to ease her guilt. “Yes, Mama. I shall find her at once.” She kissed her mother’s cheek, picked up her tea and walked out of the parlor and up the stairs in search of her lady’s maid.

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