Page 55 of Loving an Earl
“Not at all, my dear.”
After that, the day crawled by for Lilly. She spent time in the library reading, but her mind refused to understand anything her eyes read. She strolled through the gardens, but all the usually lovely smells coming from the roses and flowers seemed wrong. They mixed together to form one potent scent that overwhelmed her, turning her stomach against her. Hurrying from the garden, she sought refuge in her room, lounging on the chaise longue and staring into the empty fireplace. No matter that she told herself Langford didn’t mean his hurtful words, they pained her heart. Did he not understand that he could have died? And if he had died and she wasn’t taking care of him, she would never have been able to forgive herself.
She cared for him. More than she should and more than she wanted to.
Two days after Langford’s fever broke, against Dr. Bailey’s advisement, Mrs. Lewis and Mullens took him home. He would spend the remainder of his convalescence in his townhouse with all his household taking care of him, and Emmeline’s house became suddenly too silent after he left. Lilly found herself wandering the halls with too much free time on her hands. Looking after Langford had given her purpose and something to do during the day. Yes, she’d admit she had been exhausted when he was there; however, taking care of him made her sleep-deprived state worth it.
Weeks went by with only brief notes daily from either Mullens or Mrs. Lewis. Langford’s recovery was going well. Moving had done him no lasting damage, there was no more sign of infection, and his leg was healing well. Lilly tried not to be disappointed he didn’t write her himself. She also never received a missive from Redford during that time, which made her think that both men had forgotten her. In the evenings, she and Emmeline resumed their regular attendance of social functions. Emmeline seemed to enjoy herself, but Lilly’s heart wasn’t in it.
*
Edmund had beenhome for a month and sat in the library with his injured leg resting on a footstool, where he spent much of his time anymore. The leg still pained him when he moved it or walked—with the aid of a cane—but it was healing and getting stronger every day.
Howard, his butler, entered the room, followed by a visitor. “The Duke of Blackstone, my lord.”
“Thank you, Howard. Before you leave, please pour brandy for His Grace and myself.” Edmund indicated the chair beside his and Andrew sat down.
“Do you realize I have been visiting daily since you returned home and Howard still feels he needs to announce me? And you still ask him to pour us brandy when I’m perfectly capable of pouring.”
Edmund studied Blackstone and frowned. “Why the sour mood?”
“I don’t know. I woke up this way.” He took the glass that Howard offered and downed the contents in one gulp. “Thank you, Howard. Another, please.”
Edmund sipped his brandy. He had to be careful not to get tipsy and slip and fall and reinjure his leg. Dr. Bailey had exclaimed just that morning that the bones were healing nicely, but one fall could set him back on his recovery or damage his leg more permanently than it already was.
Blackstone took the refilled glass and sipped this time. “When do you think you’ll be able to get out and about around town?”
“Dr. Bailey says soon, but I’m in no hurry.”
“All right.” Blackstone looked at him with narrowed eyes seeking answers. “Are you going to tell me what happened between Lilly and you?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s personal and embarrassing. What about you and Emmeline? How is the courtship going?”
Blackstone snorted. “It is not a courtship. I fear we are mostly at odds with each other these days. But I’m hoping to remedy that in time. Are you ever going to forgive Lilly for the papers you found which Lilly didn’t create? Your uncle only did what he thought he needed to do to protect her. I’m glad he did and wish other husbands would be so forthright.”
“I hired a Bow Street Runner to look into Redford,” Edmund said, changing the subject.
Blackstone looked at him, one brow quirked. “And why is that?”
“Call it intuition.” He combed his fingers through his hair.
“There is something off about him. I’m glad you did,” Blackstone said.
He sighed. “I’ve only been in the man’s company a few times before my accident. But nothing he said or did rang true with me. I never should have suggested him to her. I need to know Lilly will be safe and happy if he proposes and she accepts.”
“Do you think he will propose?”
“I know he will. He wrote to me asking for my blessing.”
“And did you give it?”
“No. I told him I would think on it.” He paused and sighed. “I can’t give an answer until I see the runner’s report.”
Blackstone stood and placed his glass on a tray on the sideboard. “Is there anything you need before I leave?”
