Edward leaned over the washbowl of the guestroom which he had not yet graced with sleep. What on earth was Anne doing here? He gazed in the mirror. He looked retched. Dark eyed and grey in complexion. His hair was in desperate need of attention, and he had not shaved for at least three days. He splashed his face with cold water, running his wet hands through his unruly dark hair in an attempt at slicking it down. He was still wearing the same shirt he had adored the morning he left Epsom Spa in such haste.
Glancing quickly about the room he found his waistcoat and hurriedly put it on. He tugged upon his sleeves and attempted to smooth the leg of his trousers. Taking one more inspection of his rumpled appearance in the looking glass, he scolded himself for such frivolous behaviour. Anne would not judge his appearance, though he did not wish for her to see him in such a neglected state. Edward prided himself on his immaculate appearance and attention to detail.
Leaving the room, he walked the three doors down and gently opened the door. Mrs Smith, the Fraser's housekeeper, looked up from her embroidery. A young maid sat on a chair opposite, a book of prayer upon her knee.
"I shall be but a few moments, are you quite certain all is well?"
"Do not fret sir," replied the housekeeper. "We are quite content and there has been no change in your absence. My lady is also in good company." At such reassurance, Edward nodded and silently closed the door. Taking a calming, slow breath he headed downstairs in search of the library.
Anne stood looking at the volumes in front of her. So much poetry in one collection. She stopped upon finding 'Poems, in II Volumes' by Wordsworth. She knew it well; her aunt Tilly had given her a copy of her own. She was just about to take the volume from the shelf in order to read while she waited, when the noise of the door handle turning, stopped her mid action. Turning from the bookcase, she found Edward, still rather dishevelled, standing in the doorway.
"My apologies for leaving you on your own. I was quite surprised upon hearing your voice when you called; though I must admit such a surprise was more than welcome."
"I had not realised you would be present," Anne said quietly. Edward was looking at her so intently she felt quite heady. His dark eyes were fixated upon her face. She suddenly felt rather hot. "I came to call on Lady Fraser," Anne said softly. "I... Well you see..." she trailed off. How exactly was she to explain her reason behind her early call? Deciding directness was likely the most suitable approach, she took her seat once more before continuing.
"I was informed by Mr and Mrs Hurst that both you and Lady Fraser left the Epsom Derby before the race to return to London. Naturally I was alarmed by such an occurrence and assumed something very important must have taken you away so promptly. Mr Hurst implied it was perhaps due to Lord Fraser's poor health. You will forgive my ignorance, for I was not aware of Lord Fraser, his person nor his poor state of health. I felt ashamed for such an ignorance and wished to call on Lady Beatrice to offer my assistance and compassion, if such a scenario were true."
"It is true," Edward replied as he settled himself in the dark red, leather armchair opposite Anne. 'A messenger arrived just before dawn to inform Lady Bea of Lord Fraser's decline. Naturally I escorted her home the moment I learned of the matter."
"Forgive me, but I had assumed Lady Beatrice to be already a widow. I had no notion Lord Fraser was still present." Anne looked at him, his face was sombre. "You never made mention of his Lordship once, apart from once sharing with me to his being a dear life long friend of your late father."
"It is true. Malcolm Fraser has been like an uncle to me. I have spent considerable time with him over the last few months. I will confess I have neglected him poorly since his confinement. I am ashamed at myself for not making more of an effort. As it is you, my dear Anne, I know I can be entirely honest. I have no fears with you."
"Whatever do you mean, Edward?"
"I have not spoken to you of Lord Fraser, because the situation gives me great pain. It takes me back in time to a moment when all I could do was focus on my own loss and sorrow. After my father's death, I avoided many family acquaintances such as the Fraser's for several years. My fathers untimely demise had been but an unfortunate accident; a hunting party in Devonshire where his horse was spooked by another's impatient shot. The horse bolted and my father never woke from the fall. How I wished it had been anyone else of the party but him."
"Oh, Edward I am sorry, please do not dwell on such a matter. I did not wish to pry."
He gave her a faint smile. "Do not worry Anne. I know that would never be your intention. You are the purest of souls; as I said, I do not fear expressing my inner thoughts with you. Over time I came around. The bitterness I felt that other men stood when my father did not passed. I was merely seeking someone to blame, a way to channel and focus my anger. Though of course in time, I could see the situation for what it truly was. It was no more than a freak tragedy.
The Fraser's have always been close with my family. We have connections through blood and marriage, though not for the last two generations. When Lord Malcolm became sick last year, I must confess, I withdrew a little from their company. I could only focus on my own selfish distress in the matter and the feelings which it sparked again in my soul. I found being in his company difficult knowing the end was near. The man is as strong as an ox. He gave as good a fight as anyone could with the devil."
"Do not be so harsh on yourself," Anne said, moving from her seat to kneel by Edwards side. She hesitated a moment, before reaching forward with her gloved hand to take hold of his. 'Your feelings are a natural reaction. They are to be expected when one suffers the loss of a most beloved father."
He looked down at her as she kneeled before him, her small hand placed upon his. He closed his palm in order to hold her hand tight. How he had missed her. The upset and turmoil of the last few days melted, fraying at the edges, as he focused on her amber eyes looking up at him. Being with Anne, as always, simply made everything feel more positive.
"By the time we returned, the fever had taken hold of him fully, he is still out of consciousness and the physician says he is unlikely to wake. It shall not be long."
"Where is Lady Beatrice," Anne asked. "How does she fair?"
"Bea is not in a good state. You wonder at her not speaking of her husband to you? But how does one put on a brave face when they are close to loosing everything they hold dear? Darling Bea has never had a family of her own apart from Lord Fraser. Never have I met a couple more happily suited or in tune. I believe Bea simply does not speak on the subject in order to avoid the difficult reality."
"Do you think she would see me? I only wish to be of assistance, but if you think it best I shall leave and promise to say nothing of the matter to anyone."
"My darling girl, never for a moment did I fear you speaking of such a matter to others. I am afraid old Bea is unlikely to be seeing anyone, not for a good few hours anyway. After hearing the doctors most recent diagnosis, she was over come by a case of the hysterics. She was given laudanum but not an hour ago. I do not think she will rise before early evening. It is a good job too. The poor lady has not slept a moment since we left Epsom."
"And what about you? You do not look as though you have taken any rest either. When was the last time you slept?"
"I must confess I have been as vigilant in my bedside manner as Bea. I could not leave her, nor could I leave Lord Fraser at such a moment. My conscious would not allow it. My father would never forgive me."
"But you must take some rest," Anne said softly, squeezing his hand. "You will be no use to her Ladyship if you are not fit. Why do you not try and take some now?"
"Anne, I can not sleep. What if Malcolm was to wake, or worse? I would never forgive myself for not being present. Upon your arrival, I sent the house keeper to sit with him alongside the chamber maid, but I really must be getting back. Lady Bea is also under supervision. I have not even had a moment in order to change my clothes and break my fast!
"How can I help? Please Edward, let me be of some assistance. I am not useless, let me offer my support. I shall endeavour to do whatever you may need to be done."
He looked at her, and slowly stood, drawing her hand up, so she too now stood opposite him. "You are anything but useless. I do not think there a more capable women in all of London. There is no other I would ever turn to for support and sucker." He let go of her hand, allowing it to fall back to her side. He regretted such an action immediately.
"But what can I do? If you will not take rest, can I at least persuade you to go home and change your clothes and take some refreshment?"
"Anne I can not leave, someone needs to watch over Lord Fraser while Bea rests. The household staff is not large. Mrs Smith must go and attend to Bea with her ladies maid."
"I can stay. I shall sit with Lord Fraser until you return if it would help you in doing so."
"You would honestly do that?" Edward asked. " Anne are you quite sure?"
"Yes of course, I would do anything to ease your comfort. If you wish it, I can stay here until you return. If you would only introduce me to the housekeeper before you take your leave."
"I would not leave you for long, but simply to call home and dress, I shall return within the hour."
"Do not fret. I shall be fine until you return. Now, if you will show me the way, I shall take up my position directly so you may be gone and make your return as promptly as possible."
Edward called for Matthews, instructing the butler to ready his horse.
"Matthews this is Miss de Bourgh, a dear friend of mine and Lady Beatrice. She will be staying with us for the next hour while I head out. Will you make sure the lady has anything which she may require in my absence?"
The butler nodded in agreement and left in search of Lord Colville's horse. Edward lead Anne up the dark wooden staircase to the upper floor. Upon reaching the masters bedchamber, he knocked the door gently before entering.
"Mrs Smith this is Miss Anne de Bourgh. She is to sit with Lord Fraser until my return."
"How do you do Miss," replied the house keeper, pushing her embroidery into her apron as she stood from her chair. "There has been no change since you left my Lord." Turning to Anne she smiled; "Missy will stay with you. If you require anything she knows where to find me. I shall be with the mistress."
'Thank you Mrs Smith, I shall return directly." Edward turned to Anne. "Are you quite certain you are willing to stay?"
Anne looked at the elderly gentleman from where he lay. From this distance he seemed to be but asleep. His face was thin, sullen and pale. A gnarled hand was exposed above his bed covers. Anne moved forward and pulled the bedsheet high in order to tuck his hand back inside. It was cold to the touch, his skin was as thin as paper.
"I shall be quite content. Perhaps Mrs Smith would be so kind as to find me any lace work or stitching in order to help keep my hands occupied while I sit with the master?"
He should of known Anne would not be phased by such a scene. Watching her simply tuck the patients hand back beneath the covers with no dramatics, filled him with pride. How he had longed to see her. Nine days without her company was far too long. He had no intention of such an occurrence happening again. She was just about to take up the chair next to the bed when Edward took hold of her elbow, stopping her mid action.
"I shall endeavour to be as quick as I can." He leaned forward a placed a soft kiss upon her right temple. Letting go of her arm, Anne all but slumped into the chair; her legs turning to jelly from such an intimate gesture from Edward.
Mrs Smith made a great show of coughing as she led Edward out, leaving Anne and Missy to watch over Lord Fraser. Mere moments later, another maid appeared with a sewing basket filled with odds and ends for Anne to use in order to pass the time. Finding an old dress collar in need of repair, Anne selected the item and began to repair the lace trim detail.
Occasionally she would glance towards her charge, watching intently for the slight rise and fall of his chest, the only active display of life from the gentleman. She tried to focus her mind on the task in hand, however she barely proceeded past threading her needle. All she could think on was the chaste kiss which Edward had placed upon her brow; and how she wished he would hurry in his return in order so he may do so again.