The dowager countess was pale. She looked like she was about to faint herself. But she took hold of the housekeeper and gently urged her towards the drawing room.
“Come with me, dear. You need to sit down. Deborah, go and tell Cook that I need her to make some hot tea. And find Blake!”
Deborah didn’t hesitate. She ran off into the kitchen where she found Cook and Blake sitting at the table drinking tea. As soon as they knew the dowager countess was in, Cook sprang up and busied herself at the stove, while Blake ran into the house. Neither said much to Deborah, but from the sympathetic look Cook shot her and the squeeze on the arm Blake gave Deborah as he went past, they were just as scared as she was. It was almost as if they were warming to her.
Deborah could only hope so. She didn’t like being considered an outsider.
Deborah followed Blake into the drawing room and saw Blake pouring a brandy from the drinks cabinet. Dowager Lady Ipswich had Mrs Lambert sitting on the couch, rubbing her back as the woman struggled to breathe through her crying. It was a strange sight, seeing a lady of nobility comforting a servant. But Deborah thought nothing more of it as she sat on the other side of the housekeeper, helping Dowager Lady Ipswich to calm her down. She didn’t like seeing anyone in distress, no matter who they were.
Finally, Mrs Lambert was calm enough to get up under her own steam and leave the room. Blake went with her, with instructions from Dowager Lady Ipswich to send Mrs Lambert straight to bed.
Shortly after, the doctor appeared. His cravat was loose, and he wasn’t wearing a coat, his face red and sweating. He bowed to Dowager Lady Ipswich, practically ignoring Deborah. “My lady.”
“Doctor.” Dowager Lady Ipswich stood. Deborah stood with her. “How’s my son?”
“He’s not out of the woods yet. But I’ve managed to get him back.”
“Get him back? What do you mean by that?”
The doctor took a deep breath. “There… there was a point, my lady, when his heart stopped. By some miracle, we got his heart beating again.”
His heart had stopped? Deborah couldn’t stay standing, she sagged onto the couch. “Oh, Your Grace.”
“I’ll be along tomorrow to see how the duke is,” the doctor went on. “There’s not much else I can do, except keep vigil on him.” He paused. “Anytime he gets worse between now and tomorrow, let me know.”
Deborah didn’t like the tone of his voice. She looked up and saw him looking right at her. The expression in his eyes was cold, very cold. There was a genuine hatred looking back at her. Deborah forgot how to breathe for a moment as realization sank in. Not him as well. How could he?
“Thank you, Doctor.” Dowager Lady Ipswich said stiffly. “Will you see yourself out?”
“Of course.” The doctor bowed again, ignoring Deborah completely, and walked out.
Dowager Lady Ipswich turned to Deborah. “Deborah, are you all right?”
Deborah was trying not to panic. The walls felt like they were closing in on her again. She pressed a hand to her chest and focused on trying to breathe slowly.
“Deborah, dear?”
“He looked at me…” Deborah croaked and swallowed. “He looked at me like I was guilty.”
“What?” Dowager Lady Ipswich stared. “You think he thought you were responsible for Ipswich’s condition?”
“I don’t think, my lady. I know.” Deborah could feel the chill going down her back. “He was pointing the finger at me without saying it aloud.”
The dowager countess looked like someone had slapped her. Then she shook herself and snorted. “Oh, don’t be daft. Doctor Edwards isn’t a man who places judgement without findings.”
“But he did,” Deborah protested. “And I… I didn’t poison Ipswich. I know I didn’t.”
“Calm down, love. You’re getting hysterical.” Dowager Lady Ipswich sat beside her, taking Deborah’s hands in hers. “I know you didn’t poison him. Now, you need to be calm. Ipswich needs you more than ever, and you’re not any use to him when you’re hysterical.”
She was right. But it was difficult for Deborah to maintain her composure. People were beginning to think she had something to do with Ipswich’s illness. Much like a lot of the servants thought she had been a thief before. Oddly, the thefts had stopped when Ipswich became severely ill. But Deborah didn’t doubt that this was a permanent thing.
Someone wanted to get Deborah out of Ipswich’s life, and they were prepared to use the duke as a tool to do it.
***
Ipswich had been terrified when he came around and was told by Randle that he had stopped breathing. Whatever had got hold of him wasn’t leaving. Seven months of being confined to his house, unable to go outside. He barely had any visitors, except for his mother and Deborah. Randle had protested that he shouldn’t have visitors, but Ipswich wasn’t about to turn away the two women he cared about. Seeing them made him feel better.
Seeing Deborah had made him feel better.
Ipswich knew he needed to get out. Something suspicious was going on, and everyone was noticing it. Randle was starting to drop very heavy hints that Deborah was involved, which Ipswich dismissed. Deborah had no reason to do this. If it was her why would she do it before they married? Wouldn’t she wait until after the wedding? Ipswich refused to entertain the idea that Deborah was involved.
So after almost dying in his own bed, Ipswich made the decision to have his things packed. He would go to his estate in Suffolk where he hoped the fresh air and the countryside would help him recover. Doctor Edwards protested it, and Randle certainly did, but Ipswich was firm. He wanted to get away from London. Something here was making him ill, and he wasn’t about to stay there a moment longer.
Ipswich sent word to his mother what he was planning to do, extending an invitation for her and Deborah to join him at his estate. If he was going to recuperate, at least he would have some decent company. The servants at his country estate were good people, and the doctor who had brought him into the world resided close by. Ipswich knew he would be comfortable with that man.
But he did do something that created even more surprise in the household. Ipswich knew that Randle openly disliked Deborah, and he didn’t want to hear any more about how his illness could be his fiancée’s fault. It was driving him mad listening to Randle accuse Deborah whenever he could. So he fired his valet. While he had been a good man, Ipswich didn’t want to have him anywhere near Deborah.
Something in his gut said that Randle would do something more drastic to make Deborah leave.
Randle had been outraged. He had accused Ipswich of being under a witch’s spell, which had had Ipswich bursting out laughing. The thought of it was ludicrous, but he stood firm. Randle was out with his belongings at the same time as Ipswich was helped into his coach. He could still hear his former valet’s shouts following him down the street.
Ipswich noticed the change as soon as he got to his estate. The air was fresher, and he began to feel better. He didn’t think the two were connected, but it felt nice not to feel like he was about to empty his stomach into the wash basin. That first night, he slept very well, not plagued by nightmares for the first time in months.
Chapter 8
Recovery in the Country
When he woke, the sun was streaming in through the gap in the curtains. Ipswich couldn’t see the clock from across the room, and he had a headache. Not as bad as before, but it was there. It was hard to open his eyes.
Somehow, Ipswich managed to find the bell pull and tugged on it. Shortly after, the door opened, and a young man with dark hair entered the room. It took a moment for Ipswich to recognize the footman who had recently been promoted from boot boy. “Miles.”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“What time is it?”
“It’s just gone midday, Your Grace.”
Midday? Ipswich hadn’t realized he had slept sixteen hours. He rubbed his eyes. “It’s been a while since I slept that long.”
“We all noticed,
Your Grace.” Miles blushed a little, but he hurried on. “Hopefully, time here will help you recover.”
“I hope so, too.” Ipswich eased himself up and waited for the world to stop tilting. “Have the dowager countess and Miss Ray arrived yet?”
“Yes, they arrived shortly before lunch. I’m afraid they had luncheon without you, Your Grace.”
“That’s fine.” Although, for the first time in months, Ipswich felt his stomach growling. “Miles, would you mind asking Mrs Lang if she could make me something to eat so I can have it up here? And I would like a bath.”
“Of course, Your Grace. I’ll let Mrs Lang know and arrange for your bath to be prepared.” Miles paused. “Would you like me to let Dowager Lady Ipswich and Miss Ray know that you’re awake?”
“Yes, please. I’ll be down as soon as I’m refreshed.”
Miles bowed and left. Ipswich managed to pull himself out of the bed, staggering towards the wash basin. He splashed his face with cold water, which felt very welcoming. Then he took a look at himself in the mirror nearby. He looked like a walking corpse, his face sunken and ashen. It was a wonder Deborah hadn’t run away screaming from him.
After he had washed, eaten, and dressed, Ipswich began to feel a little more human. Walking was a bit difficult, but Miles was at his side as Ipswich headed downstairs and into the drawing room. Deborah was alone by the window, sitting at the writing desk with her head bowed as she wrote. The sun shone through the window and settled on her, lighting her up by an angel-like halo.
She looked as lovely as ever.
Ipswich would have been content just to look at her all day and not move. Then Miles coughed politely, which caused Deborah to look at him.
Her eyes widened, and she lowered her pen. “Ipswich?”
Ipswich glanced at Miles, who bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him. He wanted to hurry over to Deborah and hold her for the first time in months, but Ipswich was worried he would fall over. Deborah, on the other hand, had jumped up and was running over. She slowed a little as she reached him, almost as if she was scared of touching him. Ipswich smiled and reached out for her. “It’s fine, darling. I’m not going to break.”
Deborah made a little sound that could have been a sob and flung her arms around him. Ipswich nearly buckled, but he forced himself to stay upright, embracing Deborah tightly. She was trembling. Or was that him? He could not resist kissing her.
Deborah accepted his kiss eagerly, resting her forehead against his with a sigh. “It’s been a long time since we did that.”
“I know.” Ipswich stroked her cheek. “I missed it.”
“So did I.” Deborah looked up at him. “How are you feeling? You certainly don’t feel as cold as you were before.”
“I certainly feel a lot better.” Ipswich pressed a hand to his head. “Not back to full strength, but better than I was.”
“I’m glad.” Deborah bit her lip. “Your mother and I… we were frightened that you were going to die.”
“I know.” Ipswich drew her back into his arms again, kissing her forehead. “And I feel awful for putting you through that. You shouldn’t have stayed so long.”
“I stayed because I love you, you fool.” Deborah slapped his shoulder. “I don’t walk away from someone like that.”
“And I’m grateful for it. But I’m not going anywhere now. And neither are you.”
“Not for the moment.” Deborah frowned. “But I’m here with Dowager Lady Ipswich as a chaperone. I cannot stay here very long as people will begin to talk.”
“I know that.” Ipswich kissed her softly. “And I had a thought while I was getting ready.”
“What?”
“We get married today.” Ipswich gestured at their surroundings. “Right here.”
Deborah looked like someone had hit her over the head. She was staring at Ipswich as if she had never seen him before. “Right here? But do you think…?”
“Why not? We’ve already published the banns. I have my own chaplain who can perform the ceremony, and my mother is here as a witness.” Ipswich paused. “We can wait until your family can get here…”
But Deborah shook her head with a smile. “Mother said she would be more than happy to celebrate with us at another time. She won’t be offended if I marry without her and Father present. Father believes the same.”
That was something. Ipswich relaxed. “All right, then. Then we don’t have to worry about that.”
“But what about your brother? Don’t you want him here?”
Ipswich scowled. The last time he had seen Allwood had been a month before when Allwood had spent all the time ranting about the fact Deborah was still there. Ipswich had sent him on his way very quickly. “I’m not having him or his wife object to what I want to do. And I want to marry you.”
Deborah stared at him. Then she smiled, and Ipswich’s heart missed a beat.
It was that smile he had fallen in love with. When was the last time he had seen that smile? Ipswich couldn’t remember. But he didn’t want it to leave.
Deborah cupped his jaw, her fingers brushing over the bristles. “I want to marry you, too. More than anything. I just don’t want to ruin what you want for a wedding.”
“As long as you’re there, I don’t care.” Ipswich kissed her hand. “Ready to become the Countess of Ipswich?”
“I am.” Deborah prodded him in the chest. “Just don’t go fainting on me.”
Ipswich laughed. “I don’t plan to.”
***
The wedding was quick, but it was perfect in Ipswich’s eyes. He had waited nine long months to wed the woman he loved, and it was finally happening. Deborah had looked radiant, practically beaming as Ipswich slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her. Dowager Lady Ipswich spent most of the time crying happy tears.
The next three months passed blissfully. Ipswich chose not to go back to London, wanting to fully recover before he faced everyone again. As he spent more time at his country home, Ipswich felt himself getting stronger, more like his old self. His appetite came back, and his weight gained again. Soon, it was like the past year hadn’t happened.
He still wasn’t sure what had happened to him, but whatever it was had been left behind in London. Ipswich planned to leave it there.
More joy came along when Deborah announced she could be carrying his child. A check by the doctor confirmed it. Ipswich had never been more delighted. Deborah took to the pregnancy beautifully, glowing and looking lovelier every day.
They didn’t say a word to start with as per the doctor’s orders. But Ipswich itched to tell his mother, who knew that something was going on. Deborah suggested waiting until Christmas when they could tell everyone about it at the same time. Ipswich didn’t want to wait that long, but he agreed. It would make it an even better gift for their families.
When Christmas finally came around, Ipswich could hardly contain his excitement. His mother was coming with Deborah’s parents, and Allwood and his wife would be making an appearance as well. Ipswich hadn’t been too keen on seeing his brother, but Deborah had urged him to try, for the sake of Christmas. Even after what Mr and Mrs Allwood had said about her, Deborah was determined to see the best in them. She didn’t have a bad bone in her body.
And Ipswich loved her all the more for it.
Chapter 9
A Christmas Surprise
It was Christmas Eve when everyone was meant to arrive. And Ipswich suddenly couldn’t find Deborah. Where had she wandered off to? For a moment, Ipswich panicked. His wife had vanished. But his valet pointed him in the direction of their nursery, which Deborah had spent the last few months organizing. The baby wasn’t due until the summer, but she was determined to have everything ready.
Ipswich couldn’t argue with her on that.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Ipswich made his way to the nursery. Deborah was sitting on the window seat in their baby’s room, looking out the window at the snow. It had started falling two days befor
e, covering the whole world in a white blanket. Deborah found it fascinating.
“Deborah?” Ipswich approached her. “What are you doing in here? You scared me.”
“Forgive me, that wasn’t my intention.” Deborah sighed and leant into him as Ipswich laid his hands on her shoulders. “I was having a look at the snow. You get a perfect view from here.”
“I know.”
“And I was having a look around at the nursery. I had a feeling I had forgotten something.”
Ipswich laughed and kissed her head. “I know what you’ve forgotten. To give birth.”
“I’ve got another seven months yet for that.”
“And everything in here is ready. You don’t need to worry about anything else.”
“I know.” Deborah sighed. “I’ve just not been a mother before. It’s a little scary, as well as exciting.”
Ipswich could understand that. He had never been a father before, and he was going through all the emotions himself. “We’ll manage.” He turned Deborah’s face up to look at him, kissing her lips with a smile. “Things will be fine. You’ll see.”
Deborah’s returning smile was worth it. She rested her cheek against his belly, kissing his hand on her shoulder. “Do you think your family will be happy with our Christmas gift to them?”
“You know Mother will be delighted. She’s been asking me every time I’ve seen her if you’re with child yet. Stopping myself from blurting it out has been very difficult.”
Deborah giggled. “Same with my parents. They can’t wait to be grandparents.” Then her smile faded. “I hope your brother’s not going to cause a scene.”
“You were the one who wanted them to come here.”
“I know, but I’m still nervous. He’s about to become an uncle, but it also means he might lose the line of succession to the dukedom.” Deborah bit her lip. “I just wish he and Mrs Allwood would warm to me.”
Ipswich wished the same as well. It was upsetting that his brother was still against Deborah becoming the countess. But Ipswich had given up arguing with Allwood about it. Deborah was there to stay, and Allwood needed to get used to it.
Regency Romances for the Ages Page 4