“Fergus never left me alone. It was my first child, and I was four months gone. I could feel her.” Her voice cracked with pain. Unconsciously, she rubbed her empty belly.
“He did this often?” Dr. Perth’s voice thundered, but he moderated it quickly.
“Yes. I tried to make myself scarce, but he would come to my room in the night smelling of the bottle. The last time…” She went silent for a moment. “He hit me when I asked that he leave me and the babe. I had named her Lilly, if only to myself, because I thought her a girl, and she needed to be someone. She was someone to me.” Maggie’s voice was strained and pathetic, and she quickly became overcome, no longer able to control her sobs.
“Caw canny, lass. You cannae blame yourself.” The doctor tried to console her but was unable.
Maggie found his words soothing, but she needed to speak of it…for Lilly. “Fergus was not sorry. He always threatened that if I spoke of the beatings, it would not go well for me, but I no longer care.” She hiccupped but continued, “My husband sneered at me and said it was just a girl and that we would try again soon to have a boy.” The last words came out in a rush and a sob. But the words were out, and she was not sorry she spoke. “My poor baby girl was so tiny, barely forming when he killed...her. I shall always blame him for her death.” Her words were raspy and faint.
Shep stood up from the corner and came to a small open space near her pillow. He put his paws on the side of the bed, whimpering softly. Maggie could not reach him, but Lady Worsley acknowledged him, stepping forward and touching his back gently, stopping him from leaping onto the bed.
“Ye’ve been very brave, Lady Tipton.” Dr. Perth took a moment before proceeding. “Your wee bairn–did ye bury her?”
She gave a slight nod. Lady Worsley caught his attention and moved to Maggie’s side. Maggie caught the nonverbal exchange of sadness between them.
“Maggie, my sweet girl, when did you lose Lilly?” Lady Worsley rubbed her forehead and her face gently with a warm, wet cloth.
“Maybe three weeks past. I have only been away for a week.”
“I need to make sure you are healing correctly, or you could get the fever. Do you feel sick?” He was all concern, showing compassion she had never had with her husband. She tried not to doze but sleep beckoned.
“Sleep. Ye will be more relaxed, and my exam will be easier.” Dr. Perth patted her arm.
It was hard to fight the overwhelming fatigue, but she was determined to stay alert. She indicated agreement, and he pulled back the covers to begin the exam.
Turning to Lady Worsley, he asked for hot water and clean cloths. She immediately rang for Gertie.
Gertie returned quickly with the towels and water requested, and Dr. Perth used them to examine her. When he finished, he washed his hands while the women repaired the bed clothing.
“You are fine. ’Tis a miracle you dinnae have the fever or ague, considering the way they forced you to live. There are no signs of hemorrhages or redness.” He patted her hands. “You are a lucky lass.”
“I suppose, if by lucky you mean I am alive—then, yes.”
“Aye.” He turned and began giving directions to Lady Worsley and Gertie. Maggie and Shep could not live in her parents’ house. But she needed to find her father’s papers, which she hoped would provide her with enough money to go where Fergus would never find her. Slade had already had discovered her. He would be back. She did not feel lucky.
After Meg had tearfully told Dr. Perth about the abuse she endured and the crushing loss of her baby, the countess sat with her to comfort her until Max returned.
Chapter 4
Max drummed his fingers on his desk while he waited for Perth to come downstairs. His journey needed to get underway, and the sun had barely risen. The crisp weather would be great for traveling. He appreciated Perth’s willingness to be here so early in the day. There was much to discuss.
Two days before, he had found out that Meg—Maggie—had lost a child in the most hideous of ways. Tipton had beaten her. The knowledge had come as a shock to him; he could not comprehend any man being able to beat a woman, much less his precious Meg. Following Dr. Perth’s exam, Maggie immediately withdrew and had only eaten broth or the barest of food brought to her. It was as if she was finally allowing herself to mourn the child. Dr. Perth had come twice a day, concerned, but he seemed to think she was pulling through the worst of it.
Max had planned to leave two days before, but he needed to know Meg was in a better place before he left. A missive had come from Harlow in response to one he had sent when he had found Meg. Harlow replied that he had been away on business but wanted to meet with him as soon as possible.
He needed to see Perth first. I must know what he knows before I will leave for Harlow’s. While he had suspected once upon a time that Meg’s leaving had not been her decision, hearing it from her that she had been forced away tore anew at his heart. Lady Maggie Tipton had endured abuse and God only knew what other horrors at the hands of her husband. Max had not imagined himself involved in Maggie’s life when he had returned four days past, but he would do whatever he could do to help her. Graham, his valet, had packed his satchel and ensured that his horse, Willow, would be ready for travel.
The echo of the door closing upstairs reached him. He stood up, reproaching himself for the way he felt but anxious all the same.
Easy. You are getting ahead of yourself, Max,
