“I thought it was obvious. Carrying you.”
“But why?”
He paused and gave her a tender kiss. “Because I can. Because I want to. Because I love you and that little bundle of ours that you are carrying.”
“Oh,” she said softly and returned his kiss, lingering.
After she broke it, he carried her the rest of the way to the drawing room and then gently placed her back on her feet.
“I shall carry you everywhere if you allow me.”
Ashlyn’s hand cradled his cheek. “Not everywhere. Just some of the time. I will let you know when and where.”
He took her hand and kissed the center of her palm before lowering it to her side. Then he opened the door and placing his hand on the small of her back, led her inside the room.
Dr. Bradford rose as they entered. “Good morning, Your Graces. May I say that you look to be in excellent health, Your Grace. Is everything progressing well?”
Ashlyn nodded and sat. “Yes, the midwife tells me that everything looks to be fine. I had trouble keeping much of anything down early on but I feel I am making up for that in recent weeks.”
“That is very good to hear.” Dr. Bradford took his seat again.
Reid sat next to his wife. “What brings you to Gillingham, Doctor?”
A shadow crossed the physician’s face. “I am afraid I am the bearer of bad news, Your Grace. It concerns Mr. Pickens.”
“Pickens,” Reid echoed. “Edward’s father?”
“Yes. The boy is Pickens’ only child. There was a little girl, but she died recently in an accident.”
“The mother passed away some years ago, I understand,” Ashlyn said, her fingers finding his.
“Yes,” Bradford confirmed. “Mrs. Pickens gave birth to a stillborn son. She did not survive long after the delivery. I believe young Edward was five or six at that time.” He paused. “This time, it is Mr. Pickens who is suffering.”
“What is the nature of his illness?” Reid asked.
“Winter fever. The pneumonia. It is a severe case. He has run a high fever for several days now and has a pain in his side. A terrible cough that racks his body. Mrs. Harrick, his neighbor, has come and tended to him for a few days but as Mr. Pickens has grown worse over the past two days, Mr. Harrick has forbidden her from continuing to do so.”
Ashlyn tightened her grip on him and asked, “Will he die, Dr. Bradford?”
“That is why I am here. I don’t believe the poor man has long. I think it best if Edward comes and says his goodbyes.”
She began sobbing, throwing her arms about Reid and clinging to him. The men sat in silence until she calmed.
“Forgive me,” his wife apologized. “I seem to be quite emotional.”
“It is common with women when they are carrying a child, Your Grace. Nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about.”
“Can Mr. Pickens be moved?” Reid asked. “We could bring him to Gillingham and care for him here.”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Your Grace. I believe he is too ill to be moved and wouldn’t survive the short journey.”
“Then I will send a couple of servants to nurse him,” Ashlyn said. “And we will bring Edward to his father now.”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Your Grace. Not in your delicate condition. The medical community doesn’t totally understand where winter fever comes from and how—or if—it spreads.”
Reid took her hands. “It would be safer for you to remain here, love. I will take Edward to see his father. Decide which servants you wish to tend to him and what you want brought to see him through his final days.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes. “Yes, of course.” She turned to Dr. Bradford. “Thank you for coming, Doctor.”
“I hate being the bearer of such sad news but I thought the boy deserved to see his father one last time. I will see myself out.”
The trio left the drawing room and went downstairs. Dr. Bradford bid them good day and Ashlyn told Bellows which servants would be going to the Pickens’ cottage. She instructed him to send blankets and invalid foods.
“Cook will know what should be sent,” she said.
“I will see to it now, Your Grace.”
“Have the carriage readied for us, Bellows,” Reid added. “I will take young Edward to his father. The servants can bring the supplies in a cart when those have been gathered.”
After the butler left, Ashlyn said, “We should tell Edward what is happening before you take him. He should prepare himself.”
“We shall tell him together. Let’s go find him.”
He swept her up again and carried her to the wing used for Dunwood Academy. They found Edward and Thomas together at a music lesson conducted by Mr. Phillips, who also taught art to the boys.
“Mr. Phillips, if you would take Thomas somewhere, Her Grace and I need to speak with Edward alone a few minutes.”
“Certainly, Your Grace,” the tutor said. “Come, Thomas.”
“No. I want him to stay,” Edward said firmly. “You both would not be here if it wasn’t serious. I need a friend,” he insisted.
“Very well,” Reid agreed.
Mr. Phillips left and the two boys sat across from Ashlyn and him. Both looked very young. And frightened.
Ashlyn began. “Dr. Bradford, the physician for Gillbrook, just called upon us. He had some sad news. Your father is ill, Edward. With the pneumonia.”
Edward flinched. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”
“It can be fatal,” Reid said quietly. “Your father has a very serious case. It’s best if I take you to see him now.”
The boy looked at Reid with sad eyes. “He’s going to die, isn’t he?”
“Dr. Bradford thinks it is highly likely he shall. I am very sorry.”
Edward swallowed painfully as Thomas put an arm about him. “I want to see him. I didn’t get to see my mother. It took hours for her to have the baby and they wouldn’t let me into the cottage. Then the baby was born dead. And Mama was dead after that.” He lifted his chin. “I want to see Papa now. Before he goes.”
“Fetch your coat then,” Reid said. “I’ve called for the carriage to take us to his farm.”
“May I go, too, Your Grace?” Thomas asked.
“If Edward wishes you to,” he said.
The boy nodded. “I would like Thomas to come.”
“Could you also gather Thomas’ coat?” Ashlyn asked. “I need to have a word with him. His Grace and Thomas will meet you in the foyer.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Edward left the room, his shoulders squared.
“He’s very brave, isn’t he?” Thomas asked.
“He is,” Reid agreed. “We’ve something to tell you, as well, Thomas.” He glanced to his wife.
“Your father has asked that you spend your Christmas holidays with us this year,” Ashlyn said. “We would be happy to have you.”
“He doesn’t want me,” Thomas said sadly. “He’s never wanted me. He didn’t like Mama at all. I am just like her.”
The boy’s words tore at Reid’s heart. “We certainly want you. Both as a pupil at Dunwood Academy and our guest during the Yuletide season.”
“Is he getting married again?”
Ashlyn frowned. “Why do you ask that, Thomas?”
“Because he gambles. Mama told me when she was dying. She begged me to be nothing like him. She said he had massive debts. I suppose he has found a new bride who will bring a lot of wealth into the marriage.”
Reid studied the boy, who was only twelve, yet seemed to carry the burden of his father’s sins on his thin shoulders.
“I believe he is offering for a Lady Sylvia,” Ashlyn said. “I hope you will like her.”
“She won’t ever be my mother but I will be polite to her,” Thomas declared. “If I could meet her, I would tell her she is making a mistake. Hopefully, Father will treat her better than he did Mama.”
Anger rippled through Reid at the boy’s words. He couldn’t understand men who mistreated wom
en, especially ones they had vowed to love and honor.
Reid stood and the boy did the same. He put his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. “It is good of you to accompany Edward to see his father. He will need your friendship now more than ever, Thomas.”
“And I will need his. Thank you for allowing me to stay at Gillingham during the holidays.” Thomas paused. “Where will Edward go?”
“He will always have a home with us,” Reid proclaimed.
They went downstairs and saw Edward waiting in the foyer. He handed Thomas his coat.
Ashlyn hugged Edward. “Be strong for your father.”
“I will, Your Grace,” Edward promised.
Reid told her to stay inside because of the bitter cold. He slipped on the greatcoat his valet held out and then led the boys outside to the carriage. They were silent during the short journey to the Pickens’ farm.
When the vehicle came to a halt, Thomas said, “I can wait here if you’d like, Edward.”
“No,” the boy told his friend. “Come inside. I want you to meet my father. I want him to know my best friend.”
A lump formed in Reid’s throat at the words.
The door opened and a footman helped them down the stairs. Edward pushed open the door to the one-room cottage. A woman rose from the chair placed beside the bed. She came and folded her arms about Edward.
“I am sorry,” she said. “He’s been calling for you. It’s a good thing you’ve come.”
“It’s all right, Mrs. Harrick.”
Reid said, “You may return home, Mrs. Harrick. I have servants who are coming to stay with Mr. Pickens.”
“That’s kind of you, Your Grace,” she said. “Godspeed.” She slipped out the door.
Edward walked slowly toward his father. Reid and Thomas followed a few paces behind him. As they approached, Pickens mustered a smile when he saw his son.
“My boy. You’re here,” he wheezed.
The farmer’s eyes were glassy from fever. He had also lost a good bit a weight since the last time Reid had seen him. Reid noted the man’s rapid breathing and the cough that began and continued for some minutes. He helped Edward raise Mr. Pickens and lightly pounded him on the back.
Handing the farmer a handkerchief, Reid watched him cough into it—and along with the mucus saw the blood left behind.
“Papa, this is Thomas. He is my best friend.”
Pickens nodded. “I’m happy to meet you, Thomas. My boy will need a friend.”
Another fit of coughing seized him, so loud and long that it frightened both boys. Reid asked them to go and bring in additional firewood and add it to the fire. They left.
The gaunt farmer’s gaze bored into Reid. “I’m dying, Your Grace. What’ll happen to my boy?”
“Rest assured, Mr. Pickens. Her Grace and I will make sure Edward is cared for.”
Chapter Three
For three days, Reid took both Edward and Thomas to the Pickens’ cottage, along with baskets of food for the two servants caring for the ill farmer and the boys to eat during the day. He stayed for an hour each time, making sure all was well, before returning to Gillingham and an anxious Ashlyn, who fretted about Edward and Thomas and the fact she could not go to visit Mr. Pickens because of her delicate condition.
He arrived home and went straight to her office. She sat in a chair by the window, staring out. He lifted her from the seat and sat himself, cradling her in his lap. She placed her head on his shoulder.
“Is the news any better today?” she asked.
“I see no progress in Mr. Pickens’ condition,” he reported. “At the same time, I see no further decline. I believe the visits from his son and Thomas have lifted the man’s spirits. Edward reads to his father or the boys sit silently, one on each side of his bed, holding his hands.”
“He won’t survive,” she said dejectedly.
“No, I am afraid not. Dr. Bradford was there when I left just now. We spoke outside the cottage. He agreed that Pickens has rallied somewhat, thanks to visits from Edward and Thomas, but Bradford believes it is only a matter of time and that we should prepare Edward for his father’s eventual end.”
She lifted her head, her beautiful amethyst eyes filled with tears. “We must take him in, Reid.”
“I agree.”
Ashlyn lowered her head again, burrowing into him. “I love you,” she said.
He stroked her hair. “I know. I love you, too, sweetheart.”
She toyed with the buttons on his waistcoat as she said, “My love grows for you each day, just as this child within me thrives. But what I truly love is the fact that you didn’t even question me when I stated we must take Edward in. You agreed—with no discussion.”
“The boy needs us,” Reid said. “It will be difficult for him to lose his only living parent. Edward will be an orphan. Of course, he’ll have a home with us. Always.”
She lifted her face and pressed a gentle kiss upon his lips. “Very few titled men would take in such a boy, Reid. Especially a duke.”
“Edward is kind and loveable. There is no question in my mind that he will need us. We should be there for him. It is because I am a duke that we have the necessary resources and can make a difference in this boy’s life.”
“You know I have hopes that he will win a scholarship to university and return someday to teach at Dunwood Academy.”
Reid kissed her. “Let’s leave scholarships to other deserving boys in need. We will pay for Edward’s education. If he decides to return here, that will be a gift to us and the school, as well.”
“I don’t want him to feel indebted to us for providing him with an education,” she worried.
He chuckled. “All of that is far in his future. Let us get through this crisis in his young life. The rest will come in time.”
The next morning, Reid and Ashlyn breakfasted with all the pupils of Dunwood Academy as usual. Afterward, a flurry of activity began as parents of their students began arriving to take their sons home for the Christmas holidays. Reid had the ducal carriage readied to bring Edward and Thomas to the Pickens’ cottage and just before they left, Dalinda and Rhys arrived. When he spotted their carriage pulling into the yard, he told his driver to ferry the boys to their destination and return to Gillingham.
“I will ride over on Thunder in a little while,” he assured Edward and Thomas. “Will you be all right on your own?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” they responded in unison.
The carriage left and Reid greeted the earl and his countess.
“Dalinda, you are looking as lovely as ever,” he proclaimed, embracing her and kissing both her cheeks. Offering his hand, he said to Rhys, “It seems marriage agrees with you, Sheffington.”
Rhys laughed. “Marriage to Dalinda is like living with a whirlwind. She is ever in motion.”
When Reid’s father had wed Dalinda years ago, Reid had thought the young, pretty bride, only a year older than Reid himself, a featherhead. He had gone off to university and then war, not knowing that his father took his second wife in hand and taught her much about running an estate, as well as how to be a duchess. By the time Reid returned upon his father’s death, Dalinda had grown into a beauty, one who was mature beyond her years. She had helped to manage Gillingham during the final years of her husband’s life and done an excellent job, allowing Reid to inherit a thriving estate.
“Arthur and Harry will be thrilled to see you,” he said as he escorted the couple inside.
The foyer was filled with trunks and boys running here and there as different pupils departed. Ashlyn was in the midst of the chaos, sharing a special goodbye with each child and giving words of encouragement to their parents. When she spotted Dalinda and Rhys, she broke into a huge smile and made her way over.
The two women embraced and Dalinda said, “You are glowing, Ashlyn. How are you feeling?”
“I was filled with nausea at first but it passed. I am finding I tire more easily now, though, but other than that, I am in excellent
health.” She looked around. “Bellows, will you see that the earl and countess are shown to their room and that hot water is brought up? And their luggage, of course.”
Turning back to the couple, she said, “I still have a few students to see off and then we can sit and visit.”
“Mama!” Harry cried, running to Dalinda and throwing his arms about her. “It is so good to see you. And Rhys.” He hugged his stepfather.
Arthur joined them. “I have so much to tell you and Rhys, Mama,” he said excitedly. “Could we go riding later?”
“I would enjoy that,” Dalinda said. “Let Rhys and me get settled and then we’ll see about that ride.”
“When are we going home?” Arthur asked.
Reid saw the pleased look flash across Rhys’ face when the boy referred to Sheffield Park as home.
“We’ll leave in the morning, Harry,” Rhys told his stepson.
“Good. I can’t wait for Christmas!”
After the couple went upstairs, Reid spoke to a few of the parents who remained. Once things calmed down, he told Ashlyn he was headed to see Mr. Pickens and check in on things.
He found Dr. Bradford at the cottage again, leaving just as Reid galloped up on Thunder. He dismounted and looped his horse’s reins around a post.
“How is Mr. Pickens today, Doctor?”
The physician shook his head from side to side. “A bit worse, Your Grace. I think he’s held off as much as he can and will soon lose his fight.”
“How long do you believe he has?”
“A few days at most,” Bradford replied. “Since the cottage is leased, poor Edward will have nowhere to go. Arrangements must be made for the boy.”
“Her Grace and I will be taking Edward in. Legally, there is nothing I can do but I plan to make the boy my unofficial ward. When the school term finishes, he will remain at Gillingham each time. We will also see that he has a university education. He is quite bright and the best student at Dunwood Academy.”
Bradford’s eyes widened at this news. “That is most generous of you, Your Grace, taking in a farmer’s boy. Especially one with such a noticeable defect.”
Reid frowned at the mention of Edward’s firemark. “Edward has great potential, Doctor Bradford. We want to see that he is able to fulfill it.”
O Night Divine: A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales Page 30