“Yes, my dear. I’m here.” He heard the rustle of her gown as she sat gingerly on the side of the bed and took his hand. “You’ve had a fever, Colly. Elvina and I have been here for two days now, helping you recover.”
He tried again to open his eyes, this time managing to see the pale oval of her face in the shadows of the room. Candlelight drew brief flickers of flame from her hair. It must be dark. “Why am I here? What happened?” He blinked and squinted his eyes, trying to focus them.
She stroked his cheek, her touch light yet comforting. “Plenty of time for questions when you’re better,” she smiled. “For now, there’s broth. You must drink and get your strength back. You’ve had a high fever, but it broke this morning.” She turned as Elvina joined her. “Drink, Colly. Then sleep.”
Something warm tickled his nose as she gently raised his head so that he could sip. It was good, tasty, beef perhaps, and fresh vegetables. He wanted to ask, but a great lassitude seemed to envelop him, and it was all he could do to manage the liquid.
“Rest now, love,” whispered Ivy, pulling up the covers around him. “Sleep. I’ll be here when you awaken.”
“Don’t leave,” he muttered, closing his eyes.
“I won’t,” she answered quietly. “I’ll always be here for you, husband.”
He drifted then, comforted, warm, secure in the knowledge that he was with Ivy, the woman he cared for, the woman he’d married. That was a very smart thing to do, he decided as his body slid down the hill into sleep. He’d finally done something right with his life.
A period of disturbed rest followed this positive train of thought.
He was awoken periodically, fed broth and sops, and then allowed to return to sleep. Sometimes he wondered why it was such a struggle to stay awake, and now and again an ache in his side made him frown.
A moment came when he was suddenly quite cold, but then felt soft warmth covering his bare skin. Was that a man’s voice? Perhaps it was.
Perhaps those were stairs he was being carried down…if only his mind wasn’t so unclear. He frowned as he felt sunshine on his face and then smelled the familiar scent of his travelling carriage.
But the need to sleep was overwhelming and he barely registered yet another movement, slept to the rhythm of hoofbeats, remained unaware of another set of stairs and the softness of a more familiar bed went unnoticed.
But there came a moment when he awoke to discover himself in his own room.
Exactly how much time had passed since he’d arrived back at Hartsmere House, he didn’t know. A fire burned low in the hearth, there were several candles across from him on his bureau, and he smiled to see his wife curled up in a large chair under a blanket reading a book.
“Ivy,” he croaked.
She jumped up and hurried to his side. “You’re awake?”
“So it would seem,” he answered, his voice rough. “I’m at Hartsmere?”
“Yes, yes, we’re home,” she smiled. “I have water if you’re thirsty…”
He shook his head. “Not at this moment, no.” He blinked. “How did I get here?”
She touched his face, a sensation he remembered well. “A long story, Colly.”
“Hmm.” He frowned. “Er, there is something I…well, Ivy, I have to obey a pressing need…” He willed her to understand.
She did. “I will ask Martin to attend you. He’s been helping us with your care.”
“Martin?” Colly tried to puzzle that one out.
“He’s now your valet, Colly. I’ll explain it all in a while.” She rose and moved to the door.
“Come back?”
“As soon as you’re comfortable,” she smiled over her shoulder. “Martin? His Grace needs your assistance…”
The young man walked shyly into the room. “Of course, your Grace.” He bowed to her.
“I’ll leave you to it,” she said, closing the door behind her and leaving the two men alone.
Sighing, Colly looked at Martin. “Well then. It seems like I need a nursemaid.”
However, Martin was a great deal stronger than he looked, and although it pained Colly to admit it, the help was much needed.
Sliding back into bed with a sigh of relief, the Duke nodded his thanks. “Much appreciated, Martin. I understand my wife has appointed you my temporary valet?”
“Yes your Grace,” he answered. “Since you weren’t up to doing for yourself as you usually do, she suggested I might be of use.”
“And you are, lad. Consider yourself promoted to full valet.”
“Sir? Your Grace?” The young man’s jaw dropped.
“We’ll work it out.” Colly leaned back on the pillows. “I need a strong arm at the moment, and you’ve a pair of those. In addition, I suspect there’s a good mind in that head of yours or her Grace wouldn’t have chosen you. So it’s done. And now if you’d let my wife know, I’d like to have her come back, please.”
“Oh…of course, of course your Grace.” Martin bowed a bit unsteadily. “Thank you. I will endeavour to do my very best, sir…”
“I know. Off with you now.” Colly waved him away and eagerly awaited the return of his wife. He was overflowing with questions and trusted her to answer them.
She was back within moments, followed by Elvina with a tray.
“If that’s more broth, ladies, I take leave to tell you that I am going to turn it down.”
Ivy laughed. “’Tis good to hear that tone in your voice, your Grace. It tells me you are on the road to a full recovery.”
“No more broth, your Grace.” Elvina smiled as she put the tray down. “I’ve a little breakfast for you. Toast, eggs, and a cup of tea.”
“My mouth is watering already.” He moved a little on the pillows and winced. “Uh…”
“Before
