To Marry a Duke by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-08-20T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Demelza, sitting diagonally to Allegra, was unaware her future mama was in distress and blithely addressed her. Richard’s accident had not, it seemed, had a similar effect on her composure.

‘Lady Allegra, why did Richard not let us in to see him?’

Quickly Miss Murrell answered. ‘My dear, he would not wish to upset you. When he returns tomorrow he will be glad of your company. He has never been one to enjoy being an invalid.’

This appeared to satisfy Demelza and the barouche lapsed once more into quiet. Allegra sensed that they were travelling on Witherton land and her spirits revived a little. Surreptitiously she dried her face and pushed the handkerchief into her reticule.

‘Miss Murrell, the staff will not know about the accident. Could I ask you to inform them?’

‘I’ll do so gladly, my dear. Lord Witherton and Mr Tremayne will require some necessities. Do you wish me to organize their valets to convey them to Great Bentley Hall?’

‘Yes, if you would.’ Allegra’s voice was listless and even Demelza noticed something was amiss.

‘Lady Allegra, are you unwell? Do you have the headache?’

Again Miss Murrell stepped in. ‘She does, Miss Demelza, so it is best we do not disturb her with idle chatter.’

‘I have megrims sometimes. I have to stay in bed and—’

‘Yes, yes, my dear, but hush now. We’re almost home. You run along to your rooms, I have duties to perform but will be with you shortly.’

On hearing that hated word Allegra’s tears flowed anew. Her companion spoke quietly to her. ‘I suggest you remain here, my dear, until you’re feeling better. I’ll have Abbot come down to attend you.’

Allegra nodded, unable to speak. She felt the carriage rock to a standstill, heard the other occupants descend, but her head remained bowed. How long she sat, alone, she had no idea. She was aware of a movement beside her.

‘My lady, come along. Let me help you to your bedchamber.’

Gratefully Allegra accepted Abbot’s help and completed the manoeuvre to the ground. With her dresser’s arm around her waist she stumbled inside. The distance from the blue corridor, up the stairs and along the blue gallery, had never felt so far. It took a supreme effort of will to keep upright. Eventually she felt the softness of carpet beneath her boots and knew she was almost there.

‘In you come, my lady. Jenny and I will help you disrobe. You sit still; we can manage without any assistance from you.’

They raised her arms, lifted and lowered her, until the cool slither of her nightgown settled around her naked form.

‘There now, lay back and sleep, my lady. You will feel much better in the morning.’

Abbot’s voice was the last thing she remembered before slipping into the first, dreamless, and refreshing sleep she had experienced since her father’s suicide.

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