The Paradise Will (12 page)

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 allowed 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.

The effect upon Piers of this small, almost childlike gesture was profound. He had been subjected to lachrymose young women in the past, usually when they attempted to gain their way by insincere weeping, but without effect. However, the sight of Letty’s silent tears, that prosaic little sniff and the way her lip
quivered
as she made the admission about her parents, pierced his soul and he cursed himself bitterly.

‘Good God, forgive me Miss Ravenhill. You must think me an unfeeling brute. But I-I did not know about your parents, or if I did, I have forgotten, which is inexcusable.’ He crouched beside her chair, taking her hands between his and saying firmly, ‘Your parents were older than Alyssa. She
will
recover, I’m certain of it – especially with such an agreeable nurse. Indeed, if I were ill I should happily keep to my bed for months just for the pleasure of looking up into your face!’

She gave a watery chuckle, amusement shimmering through her remaining tears. ‘You are the most complete flatterer!’

‘Certainly!’ he said affably, with a grin. ‘Now, that is better – you are smiling. When do you have to return to Alyssa?’

‘Not for another hour.’

‘Then stroll with me in the garden; it is a beautiful morning and you need the fresh air. You may tell me while we walk how my cousin does.’ Raising her hand to his lips, he pulled her gently to her feet and drew her arm within his.

‘Yes, Mr Kilworth,’ she replied, demurely.

He peered at her with a wry, quizzical look. ‘Deuce take it, I’m wary when you are compliant,’ he said, laughing. ‘You must be severe again.’

‘Very well, I suppose it will not do to be too conciliatory.’ Letty’s eyes
twinkled
at him as they walked outside.

On his return home, Gil organized fruit from his succession houses and
personally
selected items from the garden that Alyssa might find pleasing when her fever abated.

This completed, he went to his study and wrote to his sister. After sealing the note with a wafer, he began to look over some business papers, staying valiantly at his task until he realized he was achieving little, then thrust the papers
impatiently
to one side. Looking out over the lawns to the gardens beyond, Gil fell into a brown study, staring into middle distance. The turmoil in his mind was nothing to the turmoil in his heart, but there was nothing he could do until Alyssa was well again. And she must get well – he could not consider any other outcome.

He dare not broach the subject of his feelings with Caroline until he could give the conversation his full attention and that was impossible with Alyssa gravely ill. Caroline needed to hear his decision in unequivocal terms, as did his friend the squire. But while Gil’s torment at delaying his discussion with Caroline was acute, his anguish over the future was greater and his heart seemed to turn over painfully in his chest at the thought of Alyssa marrying Charles Brook. There was, however, one issue which could be dealt with now. In Caroline’s
opinion
, he spent too much time at Hawkscote. Well, his patience with her incessant meddling was exhausted. Caroline’s true character had been revealed: she was unfeeling, arrogant, and presumed too much – it was time he put an end to her interference.

He journeyed to Frampton Manor that afternoon, his mood bullish.

The squire received him warmly. ‘Giles, always a pleasure to see you! We can escape the attentions of ladies for a while if you will take a glass of my new claret,’ he said, conspiratorially.

‘Thank you, but no, Henry. I am here only to impart news and to speak briefly with Caroline.’

‘Oh? You seem sombre today. What’s to do?’ said the squire, squinting intently at Gil’s set features.

‘Miss Paradise is very ill. She has scarlet fever.’

‘Scarlet fever, you say? Poor child! Has the doctor been summoned?’

‘He has attended her several times but she continues in a high fever. I came to advise Caroline, and you and Mrs Nash.’

‘Very proper of you. Well, I’m sorry to hear of the young lady being laid low. I hope she recovers quickly as Miss Paradise and her ward are invited to our summer party.’ He shook his head and grimaced. ‘That event – and the damned bill for it – grows bigger by the day. Eugenie is scouring the county for ostrich plumes. Ostrich plumes, I ask you!’ He made a sound of disgust. ‘But you are not interested in such flummery now. Let us hope Miss Paradise is well enough to attend – I was looking forward to meeting her.’

‘I think you will approve, Henry.’

‘Ah!’ exclaimed Mrs Nash, entering the drawing-room like a ship under full sail. ‘I declare it is an age since you came to Frampton, Sir Giles. Who should Henry approve of?’

‘I was referring to Miss Paradise.’

‘Oh. Yes, well,’ she said, pursing her lips. ‘She is a provokingly pert young woman to my mind, although one cannot argue her manners and style are acceptable. Why were you speaking of her?’

‘I came to inform you she is ill. The doctor has diagnosed scarlet fever.’

The effect of this statement on Mrs Nash was alarming. She stood completely still, but her eyes widened until they threatened to pop out of her head, her jaw dropped slightly and the lace cap set upon her neat, grey curls began to bobble in an agitated fashion. ‘Gracious! We must act at once! Caroline,’ she cried,
‘Caroline!’

The squire raised his eyes briefly to the ceiling. ‘Must you shriek, my love?’ he asked. ‘It offends my ears.’

‘Indeed I must, Henry. This is shocking news. Caroline!’

‘What is it, Mother?’ Caroline entered holding an open book, which she snapped shut when she saw their visitor. ‘So you have decided to visit at last, Giles. I thought you had forgotten us here at Frampton.’

‘I could not forget you, Caroline,’ he replied, a queer smile hovering around his mouth.

‘Caroline, Miss Paradise has scarlet fever. Oh, I feel my palpitations coming on apace!’ said Mrs Nash, shuddering. She took her hartshorn from the drawer in the nearby bureau and inhaled deeply before adding, ‘We must advise our acquaintances not to go near until the danger is passed. And you, Sir Giles – you must stay away.’

‘I was there this morning,’ he said, in a dry voice.

‘This morning!’

‘Indeed. And last evening. Miss Paradise fainted away at the end of our dinner and I was obliged to help tend to her.’

‘Then you most certainly should not be here! Come along, Henry,’ she said peremptorily. ‘Simmons will see you out, Sir Giles; I’m sure you understand. Thank you for advising us, but you would have done better to send a note.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Eugenie, there is nothing wrong with Giles. Why, he looks as fit as a flea,’ protested the squire.

But Mrs Nash placed a hand on her husband’s back and thrust him firmly towards the hallway. ‘Please do not argue, Henry,’ she said, in a low imperative voice, ‘you will be better for a glass of claret this instant. Goodbye, Sir Giles.’

Obliged to retreat, the squire called out as he was propelled inexorably towards the door. ‘Give my regards to the patient, Giles.’

‘You were foolish to come here,’ said Caroline severely.

Gil raised his brows. ‘I do not have the illness.’

‘It is impossible to be too careful,’ she argued. ‘I have heard of no cases in the area so how has she been exposed to it?’

‘A labourer’s child was ill and Miss Paradise visited the family.’

‘Then she is well served for rubbing shoulders with illiterate workers,’ she said, her tone biting. ‘They are most unsuitable company for a lady even when one is carrying out charitable deeds.’

‘I expect you would not visit a sick child?’ he retorted.

‘Not when there is any danger of illness. And certainly not a labourer’s child: it is beneath me to do so, you must agree.’

‘I do not.’

‘So, once again you prefer Miss Paradise’s view; an unfortunate habit you must dispense with.’ She gave a trill of laughter. ‘Goodbye, Giles. You will be welcomed back once the danger has passed. Miss Paradise will receive some of my embroidery silks along with my wishes for her recovery.’