‘It would be the quickest solution,’ she admitted, ‘but first, we must get Alyssa to her room. Sir Giles, do you think—?’
She had not finishing speaking before he lifted Alyssa once more and headed for the door, walking past the butler who was returning with a glass of cordial.
‘Order my carriage, Rowberry,’ he said.
‘Second room on the right at the top of the stairs,’ called Letty, hurrying across the hall in Gil’s wake. ‘You may give that to me, Rowberry, and when you have ordered the carriage, ask Mrs Farnell to come to Alyssa’s room.’
Gil climbed the stairs with careful haste. As he did so, Alyssa began to murmur the incomprehensible disjointed phrases of delirium into his chest. He glanced down in concern but continued on until he reached the room, pushed the door open with one shoulder and laid his burden gently on the bed.
‘Thank you, Sir Giles. I don’t know how we would have got Alyssa upstairs so quickly without your help,’ said Letty.
‘Will you take good care of her?’ His gaze did not leave Alyssa, who was still murmuring incoherently.
‘I love her as a sister; you need have no anxiety on that point. But please hurry!’
He nodded. ‘Doctor Plant is an excellent physician,’ he said and, with a final glance towards the bed, he left.
Letty had already partially undressed Alyssa when Mrs Farnell arrived and together they removed the rest of her clothes, dressed her in a cotton nightgown and unpinned her hair. Letty bathed Alyssa’s face with water which seemed to calm her a little, but made no impact on the heat emanating from her body. She thrashed to and fro, murmuring about her headache and crying out for a drink, her comments jumbled with other unintelligible phrases.
‘Her fever is worsening and her cheeks are very flushed. I hope Sir Giles hurries back,’ remarked Letty anxiously.
‘So do I, miss,’ said the housekeeper, shaking her head. ‘The mistress is in a bad taking, for all she’s young and strong.’
It was another half an hour before Sir Giles returned, and Letty met them in the hallway, ‘I am relieved to see you, Doctor – the fever has taken firm hold and she is delirious.’
‘Hmm … Sir Giles explained the symptoms on the way, Miss Ravenhill,’ said the doctor, removing his coat. ‘I fear I know what ails Miss Paradise, but I need to examine her to make certain.’
‘You know? But how can you?’
Doctor Plant collected his bag. ‘I will explain later, if I may. Where is the patient?’
‘In her room. Follow me, if you please.’
Gil stood nearby, a frown carved on his forehead, and he called out to Letty as she began to climb the stairs. ‘Miss Ravenhill, it is late, but would you mind if I stay to hear the doctor’s opinion? I would appreciate it.’
‘Not at all,’ she replied, over her shoulder. ‘Ask Rowberry to provide you with some refreshment.’
During his anxious wait, Sir Giles alternately paced the drawing-room floor or stared out at the sky, turned blood red by the approaching sunset. But he had no eyes for the beauty in this display. He was a rational man, but from the moment he realized Alyssa was ill, reasoned thought had deserted him. He had somehow managed to discuss her symptoms with Dr Plant dispassionately, all the while yearning for her condition to have improved on his return. However, judging by Letty’s expression, her condition had worsened and the longer the doctor stayed with her, the more serious the illness was likely to be. By the time the doctor returned, anxiety had clawed savagely at Gil until he dreaded the news he must hear. Pale and drawn, he passed the doctor a glass of wine and asked, ‘Do you know what Miss Paradise is suffering from?’
‘It is as I suspected, Sir Giles: scarlet fever.’
Gil stared. ‘Scarlet fever! Is that possible? I have heard of no cases in the area.’
‘Nor had I, until yesterday,’ said the doctor, sitting down. ‘Miss Paradise asked me to visit a young child on the estate, Samuel Fletcher. He has been unwell for several days and I believe Miss Paradise visited the family during that time.’
Overhearing this as she came in, Letty observed, ‘Yes, she was worried about the boy and took provisions to help his recovery.’
‘In doing so, she unwittingly exposed herself to scarlet fever,’ said the doctor. ‘When I examined the child yesterday, the fever was well advanced and the rash which accompanies the disease already developing. I planned to send word and recommend precautions be put in place, but the damage was done as far as Miss Paradise was concerned: the child had already passed the disease on to her.’
‘But there are no marks on Alyssa. You may yet be mistaken.’
Doctor Plant shook his head. ‘I am not mistaken, Miss Ravenhill – the onset of the illness is very rapid, with the rash appearing within a day or so of the fever and sore throat. By morning, I fully expect Miss Paradise to be exhibiting that symptom also.’
‘Her cheeks were very flushed.’
‘Another classic manifestation of the illness, Sir Giles. The patient’s cheeks become reddened, hence the name. Her headache and nausea are also evidence that scarlet fever is present.’
Gil asked urgently, ‘And what is the prognosis for Miss Paradise? And the child, of course.’
‘Not unfavourable but there is always a danger of complications. Young, healthy patients usually survive the illness, unpleasant though it is, but they can develop a weakness of the heart which leads to many months of convalescence and sometimes, no complete recovery. As for the child, thanks to Miss Paradise’s prompt intervention, he is already showing signs of improvement, but it is too early to say whether he will recover fully – scarlet fever is the most severe and fatal of all the exanthematous fevers.’
Gil’s face drained of its remaining colour and he raked his fingers through his hair in agitation. For a few moments, he struggled to reply, but finally managed to say with passable composure, ‘She must receive the best possible care. Send all your expenses to Eastcombe, and engage a second opinion if necessary – from Matthew Baillie in London, if you think it appropriate.’
‘It will not, I hope, be necessary to consult Dr Baillie. Surely Miss Paradise will deal with payment when she is well again?’
‘I will attend to it. I do not want her troubled with the matter while she recuperates.’
‘If that is what you wish,’ he replied, throwing Gil a curious look. ‘Scarlet fever, however, presents specific issues which need to be addressed.’
‘Precautions must be taken to prevent the disease spreading,’ said Letty.
‘Quite so, my dear,’ replied the doctor. ‘The patient must be kept as quiet and isolated as possible. Have you some experience of the illness?’
‘Unfortunately, yes. I know what must be done, and will care for Alyssa myself.’
‘I am sure you are an excellent nurse Miss Ravenhill, but I will only allow it if you have help and take plenty of rest and fresh air.’
Letty nodded. ‘I will do as you ask. The housekeeper will assist me.’
‘And you must stay away until any danger is passed, Sir Giles,’ declared the doctor.
‘Stay away?’ Gil repeated, incredulous. ‘Impossible! I cannot – I need to enquire after Miss Paradise.’ He sprang to his feet and began pacing about the room.
‘Then you put your own health at risk.’
‘It is of no matter! I dined with Miss Paradise this evening and will continue to visit to see how she goes on. I shall find no peace otherwise.’ This last sentence was spoken too quietly for either the doctor or Letty to hear.
‘That is your decision, of course. Her cousin must be informed, as should the gentleman to whom she is about to become betrothed who, Sir Giles informs me, is in London,’ He looked at the clock and rose to his feet. ‘There is nothing more I can do this evening. May I trouble you to take me back to Frampton, Sir Giles?’
‘Yes, of course. I will contact Mr Kilworth if Miss Ravenhill can find a spare moment to write to Mr Brook?’
Le
tty agreed and Dr. Plant nodded, satisfied. ‘I will return first thing in the morning. You have my instructions, Miss Ravenhill. With the aid of the laudanum, the patient should sleep, if only fitfully, and I shall decide tomorrow if a bleeding would be beneficial.’
As the doctor collected his coat, Gil said in a low earnest voice, ‘Do not hesitate to send word during the night, no matter how slight your concern, Letty. Promise me you will do so if Aly – Miss Paradise’s condition should deteriorate.’ He added gruffly, ‘I will drag the doctor back here at any hour if you think it necessary.’
‘I promise I will.’
‘Thank you. I, too, intend to return early tomorrow,’ he said.
Gil and the doctor left, and Letty returned to Alyssa’s room. After arranging for the housekeeper to relieve her, she remained to care for her charge.
Alyssa’s fever and delirium continued, not helped by the sultry heat of a clear summer’s night. She muttered constantly and cited Sir Giles, Piers, Letty, the Nashes and Charles in her ramblings. Most of it was confused although occasionally a few phrases were clear enough to be understood and caused Letty to raise her brows in surprise. The laudanum quietened Alyssa but did not lessen the fever or ease the sore throat which made her cry plaintively in her lucid moments.
Eventually, she fell into fitful sleep, exhausted from vomiting and the effects of the opiate. When Mrs Farnell came, Letty was reluctant to leave, but the housekeeper insisted.
‘And what good will it do if you are taken ill as well, miss?’ she asked, bluntly. ‘The doctor included your well-being in his instructions.’
‘Very well. I shall lie down, but call me at once if there is any change.’
Letty snatched two hours’ sleep and awoke with a start to find dawn approaching. Hurriedly, she washed, dressed and returned to Alyssa’s room to find her condition unaltered: she remained in a high fever.
Dr Plant confirmed this when he returned. ‘There is no change but I expect none for a few hours.’ He indicated the fine, raised rash that had begun to emerge on Alyssa’s shoulders and neck. ‘You see the evidence, Miss Ravenhill. There is no doubt it is scarlet fever and you and the housekeeper must take every precaution. No more than two hours in the sickroom before changing over, and as much rest and good food as you can reasonably manage in between.’
Letty looked down at Alyssa’s sleeping figure and whispered, ‘When she wakes, she is greatly troubled by her throat – can anything else be done to alleviate the pain?’
‘Very little, apart from laudanum. I have heard cloths soaked in vinegar and hot water applied to the throat ease the symptoms a little. I have no objection to you trying this remedy, but please remember to offer water as often as possible and, when she will take it, some nourishing food – I have no time for these fashionable reducing diets. I will bleed Miss Paradise to lessen her fever.’ Rolling up his shirt sleeves, Dr Plant looked quizzically at Letty. ‘Are you squeamish at the sight of blood?’ he asked. ‘I require your assistance if you will stay.’
‘Yes, I’ll help you.’ Letty did not relish Alyssa being subjected to a bleeding but she held the small bowl and could not help but admire the doctor’s skill as he completed the task with the least amount of distress to his patient. He stayed for a short while, checking Alyssa’s pulse and throat until he nodded with satisfaction. Reminding Letty of the precautions for her own care, he then collected his bag and said he would return later in the day.
Afterwards, Letty descended the stairs wearily. Worry had added to her tiredness and although she did not feel hungry, she was mindful of the doctor’s words and thought a little breakfast might refresh her for the difficult day ahead.
She was in the breakfast parlour when Rowberry announced Sir Giles was waiting.
‘Ask him to come in. I’m sure he will not mind a lack of formality this morning.’
Gil entered, his features etched with lack of sleep and concern. ‘My apologies for the early hour, but I must know how Miss Paradise is.’
‘I’m afraid she remains the same.’
‘No improvement?’
Letty shook her head. ‘None, but she is no worse either. The doctor thinks the fever will last until later today.’
‘I see. I had hoped for better news.’ he said, with a heavy sigh. ‘I have sent word to Mr Kilworth.’
‘Thank you, although I don’t suppose he will come until Alyssa improves.’
As if to directly repudiate this, Piers strode in. ‘Good God, Miss Ravenhill – I came as soon as I heard! How is she?’ He suddenly spied the other figure in the room. ‘Who the devil—? Ah, you must be Sir Giles. I have been intending to call upon you, sir; now this damnable business has done the work and allows me to introduce myself,’ said Piers, extending his hand in greeting. ‘Thank you for sending word so promptly.’
‘It was the least I could do, Mr Kilworth.’
‘Deuced good of you, all the same. Please also accept my thanks for bringing the doctor without delay.’ He turned to Letty. ‘So, Alyssa has caught scarlet fever from some urchin on the estate? Damn it, she is too well-meaning for her own good. Look where her kindness has left her.’
‘I hardly think this is the time for recriminations,’ observed Gil. ‘Although I wish current circumstances were different, Miss Paradise should be admired for showing concern for the child and she could not have known the danger.’
Piers gave a short laugh. ‘If she had, she would still have gone. Alyssa is the most headstrong girl I know.’
‘I cannot disagree,’ admitted Gil, ruefully.
‘Oh, but that is part of her charm! It is awful to see her laid so low and I long to hear her to argue over her recuperation,’ said Letty. ‘Mr Kilworth, I am glad you are here, in spite of the possible risk to yourself.’
‘Bah!’ He shrugged, dismissing the notion. ‘I would be a poor sort of fellow to stay away just because Alyssa’s ill. I’m more at risk from riding neck-or-nothing across the countryside. Sir Giles obviously feels the same.’
Gil nodded. ‘I prefer to be here also, for news of her condition and to offer assistance. Miss Ravenhill, would it help if I liaised with Ennis? There is much work to be done at this time of year, and Miss Paradise decided upon the wage rise last night. She wanted it put in place as soon as possible. I am happy to do so if you will give your approval.’
‘Knowing everything is being dealt with would aid her recovery,’ replied Letty.
‘But I can assist Ennis!’ said Piers, a mulish look about his mouth.
‘Very true,’ agreed Sir Giles, smoothly. ‘Have you experience in managing a property like Hawkscote?’
‘No, but I am Alyssa’s nearest relative.’
Gil executed a small bow. ‘Then perhaps you are better suited to the role for that reason alone. Forgive my presumption – I meant no offence.’
In response to this reply, deliberately designed as an emollient, Piers smiled. ‘By Jove, you’re a capital fellow! You are forthright and, much against my will, I approve of you! Let us not argue over a trivial matter when Alyssa must be our main concern. Perhaps we can share the task? If you work with Ennis, I will continue to smooth the workers’ ruffled sensibilities.’
‘You know of the unrest?’ said Sir Giles with a hard, questioning look.
‘Alyssa told me, and I have undertaken investigations of my own.’
He gave Piers another measured glance. ‘Very well, I will liaise with Ennis.’
‘Please keep me informed. Between us, Hawkscote will be in good hands.’
‘I will do whatever is necessary to protect Miss Paradise’s interests,’ murmured Gil, with a hint of steel.
‘Alyssa will appreciate both your efforts on her behalf,’ said Letty.
‘Will you convey my best wishes for her speedy recovery, Miss Ravenhill?’
‘I will be happy to, Sir Giles, although it may be sometime before the effects of the fever and laudanum dissipate.’
Gil ventured, ‘Might I be allowe
d to see her as soon as she is feeling a little better?’
Letty, detecting a note of desperation in his voice, said reassuringly, ‘Of course! Alyssa will need company while she recovers.’
He gave a wry grin. ‘Then I shall be happy to provide as much of my company as she can tolerate in her weakened state.’
‘So shall I,’ declared Piers.
Letty regarded Piers steadily and with a faltering smile, she remarked, ‘Alyssa will be overwhelmed by this promised attention, but her recovery must come first.’
‘Exactly so – I’ll return this evening to see how she progresses,’ replied Gil.
He took his leave, leaving Letty and Piers alone.
‘Dash it, I was inclined to dislike that fellow but having met him, I can’t,’ said Piers, staring at the door that had closed behind Sir Giles. ‘He is astute and does not dissemble. And I’ll bet he’s an excellent sportsman too, with that physique. Seems bang up to the mark all round which makes his offering for the abominable Miss Nash incomprehensible.’ He shook his head in disbelief, and turned back to Letty. ‘Now, I’m in dire need of coffee, but first tell me more about Alyssa’s condition—’
He stopped abruptly. Large tears were brimming in Letty’s eyes and more overflowed her lashes to course down her cheeks. She was still seated at the breakfast table and no sound emerged to accompany the tears, but when she realized Piers was looking at her, she hurriedly cast her eyes downwards.
‘Letty!’ he cried, starting forward in alarm, ‘What is wrong?’
‘N-nothing! Nothing in particular, that is … I-I must be tired to indulge in tears, a practice I do not normally succumb to,’ she replied, sniffing prosaically as she wiped away the tears with her handkerchief. ‘And I’m worried about Alyssa,’ she continued, looking up at him once more. ‘You must know there is a possibility, albeit slight, that she might not recover.’
‘Not recover? But she must! Healthy adults do not die from scarlet fever. At least, I don’t think they do – do they?’
‘My parents did,’ said Letty, quietly. Her bottom lip trembled and she gripped it between her teeth.
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