by Gay, Gloria
After giving Robert instructions on Bella’s removal and assuring him that a nurse who had his complete trust would be in attendance, the doctor left. He would be back in the house within the hour with the nurse and would conduct a more thorough examination.
Celia sighed with relief. She dared not even glance at Robert, for he would be sure to see the flood of gratitude and love in her eyes. Although she must express her gratitude, she must not err in the same way she once had. Her love must remain locked in her heart where it caused grief only to herself.
By the afternoon of the second day, Dr. Lorne was able to give an exact diagnosis of Bella’s illness: she was indeed suffering from pneumonia. The delirium had stopped, thankfully, for it filled Celia with the most terrible fear.
The doctor advised that Bella must be kept absolutely still and quiet. The doctor stressed the importance of following his instructions to the letter. The nurse was instructed in the importance of Bella being kept from anything that might disturb her. But the nurse, once she had received her instructions from Dr. Lorne followed them faithfully. As yet, Bella was barely conscious, but even when she began to be aware of herself, Mrs. Pratt allowed no one in the room except Celia and only for the times when she took her meals or breaks.
Liddell called at the house in the morning and in the afternoon and it was soon obvious to everyone that he had fallen head over heels in love with Bella.
Celia had been in an extremely uncomfortable position. Not being allowed to be at Bella’s side except to relieve the nurse during her meals and rest periods, she was left with a lot of time on her hands in a house where she was a guest. She kept to her room the greater part of the day or took walks in the small walled garden.
She was glad that Robert had much to occupy him in London, in Parliament.
On the fourth day of their stay at the Merrick house Celia received a letter from her mother that had been forwarded from Shelton by Tom. She tore the seal off the moment she received it and read the news with mounting astonishment.
Dearest Celia,
It was with relief that I received the news from Fred that our dear Bella was saved from such an unfortunate misadventure and that although she has taken ill, she is at present in good hands. Be so kind as to thank Lord Merrick for me and assure him that my gratitude knows no bounds.
And now I must tell you the news that was communicated to me in the letter from Sir Hugh that was lost and that I learned upon reaching Farley Hall. Sir Hugh’s condition was aggravated by the news of his grandson’s death in a carriage accident. My stay here has been saddened not only because of the effect of this tragedy on Sir Hugh and the pall that hung on the house on my arrival but from the certainty that Sir Hugh’s condition was fatal. You will understand the harrowing experience I have gone through, not being in a peaceful state of mind to begin with from the uncertainty of Bella’s whereabouts. Dear Sir Hugh depended entirely on me during his last, sad days on this earth and we became closer in that little time as we had not in the decades that preceded it. The sorrow he felt from all quarters I cannot begin to describe, but I am content that I have done my duty by him. Being his only relative, apart from my children, it was incumbent on him to entrust his affairs to me. This, of course, includes his last wish as to the manner and place of his burial, etc. He died peacefully in his sleep last night, with me at his side, holding his hand; the last mortal words he heard in this world were words of prayer and comfort from me.
He informed me, in a strained whispery voice in the presence of his solicitor, that there was a provision in the entail, that if the property should come down to no male heirs, the title would become extinct as is the law, but the property itself would become the property of the last male heir in direct blood line, male or female. When Sir Hugh could not go on, he allowed his solicitor to explain the details to me.
So, Fred, as you may not have anticipated, is now the heir to Farley Hall, although not being a direct male heir, being an heir from the last female in the line (myself), he did not inherit the title, as he is my son, and not the direct son of a male heir.
I had not ever dwelled even remotely on such a thing. For I was under the impression, wrongly, that Sir Hugh had a grandson and two nephews. Well, he had only one grandson and no nephews! His son died of the typhus some years ago and left as his heir a son, Sir Hugh’s grandson. I was surprised when you told me this in your letter.
Can we adjust ourselves to all these changes in so little time, Celia? I confess that not in my remotest dreams did I think of anything similar. The fact that Farley Hall has now passed on to our Fred is still new on my nerves. The grand house and the land—fifty acres and a neglected but working farm (from how you described the estate)—has passed on to Fred!
I have not even been able to communicate this to Worth, since he will not be back from Liverpool for some time. Dearest Celia, write back to me at once telling me how my sweet Bella fares. Fred has assured me she is in the hands of a competent physician and that has gone a long way to ease my mind. Fred and I are at sixes and sevens here, having to do so many of the things Sir Hugh requested of me. You cannot begin to know how invaluable Ellen was to me in this distressing period.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Botts, is an honest sort and she and her daughter have been with Sir Hugh all their lives, so we shall keep them with us as is befitting such devotion. She came into a small pension upon Sir Hugh’s death but not enough to live on so she prefers to continue here and help her daughter and her grandchildren with the pension.
If I have at times complained of ennui in the past I may never do so in the future, for how I have longed to be at home and bored rather than this unexpected drama for which I am not constituted either physically or intellectually. How I remember your words, Celia, when you assured me that being without you would force me to fall on my own resources! You were a prophet, dear daughter, for I have had to draw from a strength I did not know I possessed; and were it not that I am the mother and you the daughter instead of the other way around, I would suppose that I was taking after you!
I long to embrace you once more Celia, for it seems years since I last saw you and I confess I miss the warmth in your eyes with which you always regarded me, even though at times I must have tried your patience and await your letter anxiously with news of Bella’s recovery.
One more thing before I close: Although everything is upside down at the moment, when it all settles you will realize that we must now live at Farley Hall. The enormity of this has not yet sunk into me. But Celia, just think! We have our own home now and I am certain that Fred, who is such a smart and ingenious young man, will restore the estate.
We are no longer dependent on Worth and although he was kindness itself the thought of not being Caroline’s penniless relations (as she takes care to inform everyone) and always on the brink of being made homeless by her, at least the nicer part of a week that must have been fashioned by a mad genie.
Sir Hugh’s solicitor apprised Fred and me of everything to do with the economics of Sir Hugh’s situation, for the estate and the income passes to Fred’s hands. And although it was never sufficient to keep the place in repair it is at least enough of an income to ensure that the house, the farm and the fifty acres around it will continue to stand and that Fred may carry his inheritance with dignity. We shall be adding our small income to it, also.
Adieu, dearest, and may I soon embrace you.
Your loving mother, Margaretta.
While Celia read the words which jumped at her from the paper, a hundred thoughts raced through her mind and she felt as though a barrelful of bricks had been removed from her shoulders. She realized that tears rolled down her cheeks and that try as she would she could not sort anything out with any degree of sense.
Farley Hall now belonged to Fred!
One day they were beholden to their uncle for subsistence and the next day they were independent! The word had such a sweet ring to it. It was too much! And Fred, who had not yet reache
d his eighteenth birthday was now head of the family!
Celia went and sat by the window overwhelmed and overexcited. She must calm herself or she, too, would soon be in a fever; so many things had piled upon each other in the course of one week. It was no wonder her mother had said the week had been fashioned by a mad genie.
A maid came in to inquire after her and asked if she would like her tea. Celia was grateful for the offer for she felt her face flushed and her mind dazed. She saw by the clock on the mantle that it was nearing the nurse’s afternoon rest period, a time she looked forward to because she could spend two hours at her sister’s side.
Mrs. Pratt instructed Celia on the poultice that must be kept on Bella’s chest, for Bella, restless still, would unconsciously remove it.
“It must be warmed at the coals, Miss, when it starts to get cold. Not hot, mind you.” Mrs. Pratt was very nice and very efficient, but very repetitive. She had told her this about the poultice in great detail each time she left for her rest and meal.
“What is it made of?” Celia asked.
“Flaxseed, mostly,” said the efficient lady. “Also you must try to coax the young lady into drinking as much water as she can take. You will find she will only take a sip or two, so you must give her the water at least every ten minutes.”
“Yes, Mrs. Pratt,” said Celia wearily; she had found it was better to let Mrs. Pratt talk than to remind her that she had mentioned all this before, so she listened in silence for a few minutes.
Celia longed for the woman to be gone so that she could minister to her sister, for Mrs. Pratt was making her want to pull out her hair by the roots.
“In about an hour sponge her neck and face with water, don’t forget,” Mrs. Pratt still urged at the door.
Once the nurse had left, Celia went to the window to open wide a shutter that had slammed shut. Doctor Lorne had told her fresh air was most important, as it was beneficial to the lungs.
As soon as Bella recovered a little she would be carried out to the garden so that she could breathe as much fresh air as possible. Celia leaned out the window for a moment and glanced down at the curving garden lane lined with spring beds. The night was fresh and there was a gentle breeze with the scents of honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine. She was glad the Merrick town house in an old area of centuries’ old houses that had more land and tradition. Beyond the house Celia could see the clustered trees of a park and beyond, Mayfair.
CHAPTER 21
“You did not have to come so soon, Mrs. Pratt,” Celia said. “I could have stayed another hour with Bella.”
“Ah—and then I’d have the devil to pay with the young lord, Miss!”
“Lord Merrick?”
“He was particular about me not letting’ you tire yerself over your sister. It’s of no use to have two ill young ladies instead of one!”
“Besides,” she added, “there’s that cocky young man come to ask about the young lady.”
“Mr. Welsh?”
“Him it be, and a more smitten young man my eyes have yet to see,” said Mrs. Pratt with a wide smile. It was obvious she liked and approved of Liddell.
“He’ll be waiting at the drawing-room for ye,” added Mrs. Pratt. “I imagine with the same request of seeing yer sister as he had yesterday.”
“Poor Liddell,” said Celia. “I suppose we should let him see her. He seems to hang on my answer each morning and each evening, and I am sad to have to tell him ‘Not yet.’ He is so helpful, it seems the least one can do.”
“It wouldn’t hurt—a peek at her pretty face, I mean,” said Mrs. Pratt eagerly, seeing an opening. “Just for a minute or two, Miss. The young love to over-flowing,” she added. “Not like when ye get older and the dam near as gets empty of all that nonsense.”
“I suppose I should allow him,” Celia agreed. “Bella seems a little better. Her color is not as pale as before.”
“Ye want I should go fetch him, Miss?” asked Mrs. Pratt eagerly.
“Yes, do, Mrs. Pratt,” Celia acceded. “I’ll wait here. But tell him he’s allowed only a little while.
“Ah, Liddell,” Celia greeted him at the door, stretching out both hands.
Liddell’s eyes were unbelieving, as though any moment Celia might retract her permission and not allow him to come in.
Celia moved aside for him to enter the room and he walked inside on tip toe.
“Sit by her,” Celia told him. She smiled, for he seemed in a trance. He looked as though he had walked into a temple rather than a sickroom.
He sat where Celia directed and his eyes rested on Bella with such a look of adoration that Celia thought she might go to the window for the little time Liddell would be allowed by Bella’s side. She was certain Liddell did not want to waste these few precious moments in conversation with her.
It was amazing to Celia this love Liddell had developed for Bella, and touching, too. She could not have chosen a more sober young man for her sister if she had searched far and wide. She was happy at this unexpected outcome.
Celia could not be certain of Bella’s feelings, for she had hardly glanced at him before she had fallen ill. But one thing was certain: a girl of Bella’s impressionable temperament could not withstand such devotion for long without returning it in kind. That was why Jack had been able to manipulate her in the way he did, for she had fallen for his total attention on her more than on his person.
After fifteen minutes Celia stood up from the window and rang for Mrs. Pratt. And with a last wistful glance at the bed Liddell went out of the room with her.
* * *
Downstairs, Celia spoke for a while with Liddell as she bid him good-bye and told him he looked forward to seeing him at dinner. She assured him that Dr. Lorne had every hope for Bella’s recovery.
Lord Merrick arrived, accompanied by Dr. Lorne, and on seeing Liddell, invited him to stay for dinner.
Celia wished Henrietta had not left so soon after her arrival, for she was the only lady at the table and felt conspicuous. But Robert and Dr. Lorne kept a steady flow of talk, with now and then Liddell being asked his views, or a comment directed at Celia which did not require much participation on her part.
“Ellen arrives this evening,” Robert said to Celia. “She brings you news of your mother and has expressed a wish to renew her friendship with you and to be of help with your sister.”
“I’m very glad,” Celia said, looking into his eyes. “I have missed her very much. At what time is she expected?”
“I hope they make good time,” Robert responded. “Barring any trouble with the carriage I imagine they should arrive soon.”
* * *
As Celia was the only lady present, Robert skipped the wine drinking with the men. Lord Merrick led the small party to the drawing room and they continued their conversation there when the sound of wheels outside announced Ellen’s arrival. They all trooped outside and assisted the travel-worn girl.
Ellen declined dinner, assuring her brother she had had a meal shortly before. At this time Dr. Lorne took his leave, and Liddell, seeing that he should not take advantage of Merrick’s hospitality reluctantly took his leave. At the door he expressed to Celia his wish to be allowed to visit the following day and Celia assured him he was most welcome.
“I’m certain by tomorrow I shall have even better news on Bella’s condition,” Celia told him, “for each day marks an improvement in her health. She is in good hands, as you have seen for yourself. Dr. Lorne is one of the best physicians in London and nurse, Mrs. Pratt is professional and efficient in her work.”
“After a half hour’s rest I shall want to talk to you, dearest,” Ellen said to Celia when Liddell had left. “So much has happened and in so short a time. There’s so much I have to tell you!”
“There’s much I have to tell you, also, Ellen.”
Ellen went up the stairs, without giving Celia an opportunity to accompany her and Celia suddenly found to her embarrassment that she and Robert had been left alone. She
could not just dash out of the room and as she searched her mind for an exit line Robert came to where she was and spoke in a natural, easy tone about Bella’s improvement.
It occurred to Celia as she spoke to Robert that there were no barriers between them anymore. Color stole up her cheeks as she remembered their last time in the wood, so she turned away from him and walked toward the mantle so that he would not see her blush.
“I hope very much that your stay with us is comfortable, Miss Meade,” said Lord Merrick.
“Oh, yes, it is,” Celia assured him. “I’m so grateful for your help, my lord. I shall always be in your debt. When I remember in what distress you found me and how you came to our rescue…”
When he said nothing she went on, “And Fred—I dare not think what could have happened if you had not interfered.”
“I’m glad I could be of service,” Lord Merrick replied.
Celia’s hands trembled. Her feelings for Robert were such that she could not trust herself in his presence. The thought of how much he had helped her and how he had brushed away her troubles combined with her love for him made her realize she should quit his presence at once. She could not trust herself to be alone with him. She knew he was aware of him as she was, that their bodies sizzled in each other’s presence.
She turned towards the door.
“I think Ellen wants to talk to me,” she said, hiding her hands in her back so that he would not see them tremble.
“Yes, of course,” Robert responded “Good night, Miss Meade.”
“Good night…Robert.”
* * *