As Anne carefully unpicked the frayed lace from the trim of the collar, she was aware of eyes upon her. Glancing up, she met the questioning gaze of the girl opposite. The young chambermaid looked away immediately, embarrassed at being caught openly starring.
"Missy is it not?" Anne asked smiling warmly in an attempt to put the girl at ease. The young girl merely nodded in reply. "Do not be shy in front of me I beg you. May I ask how long you have been with the Fraser's?"
"Over these last two years, Miss. Me, sister had the job before me; but Lady Fraser got her an apprenticeship in a kitchen under some fancy baker. So with her position needing filled it was offered to me, being her sister an all."
"That was very good of Lady Fraser to do your sister such a kindness. How does she fair in her new role as prodigal patisserie chef?"
"She likes it very well, Miss. She gets every Sunday off and comes home with treats for me, and our ma and pa. Sometimes she even brings something special for Lord Fraser." The girl trailed off and looked towards the elderly gentleman. "The doctor said we must prepare for the worst. Lady Fraser was so upset when the doctor came a calling."
"Oh child, do not think on it. We can only try our best to be positive. We must try to help your mistress as much as possible. I am afraid I am not acquainted with your master, but I hold the friendship of Lady Fraser most dear."
The girl edged closer to Anne. She looked perhaps not yet fifteen. She was studying Anne most intently.
"Pray child what is it," Anne laughed, "do I have something on my face?"
Missy again looked quite shocked at being found out. Clearly the girl had not mastered her own emotions quite yet. She would need to learn to control her inner impulses if she was to fare well in a life of service. "I do not mean to stare at you Miss, it's just, well I ain't ever seen such a beautiful thing." She pointed towards the bundle of fabric surrounding Anne.
"Oh, you mean my shawl?" Anne asked lifting the item which had fallen from her shoulders and now lay spilled across her knee alongside her discarded gloves. "It is called a Paisley shawl; it is inspired by the exotic Kashmiri fabrics of the far east. I purchased the item while I was living in Scotland, though the extra embroidery along the edge is a detail of my own creation."
"It is such a pretty pattern, I ain't seen one like it before."
"They are becoming increasingly common I assure you. Though this is by no means as fine as some. I have a few more in my wardrobe, some with more colours than you can imagine."
Anne lifted the end of the shawl, offering it to Missy for inspection. Just as the girl tentatively fingered the fringing along the edge, a groan suddenly emerged from the room's other occupant. Missy jumped at the sudden noise, crying out in a loud squeal of fright.
"Calm child, calm," Anne soothed, touching the girl on the arm before moving closer to the bed. His Lordships breathing seemed more pronounced, almost heavy. There was a slight sheen to his forehead which had not been there upon Anne's previous inspection. He was perspiring.
"Quickly Missy, will you please fetch me some cold water and some rags in order to make a compress? Then I want you to go and find Mrs Smith, tell her I wish for her to come and speak with me at once."
Nodding profusely, Missy left the room in search of the housekeeper. Anne crossed the room and pulled the drape back slightly in order to expose the window catch. The room was so stifling; she was certain some fresh air could do no harm. Fighting with the latch it finally sprung open, allowing Anne to crack the window. She drew the drape back across, leaving only a small gap, allowing some light to filter into the dim room. She remembered her own time when bed bound, it had been such an awful long time in the dark.
Standing over Lord Fraser she placed the back of her hand against his brow. He was indeed warm, though not as clammy as she expected, which she always assumed to be a good sign. Pulling at the sleeves of her dress, she rolled them up towards her elbows the best she could.
She had just unfolded the top third of the bed sheet to expose his upper chest, when the door opened. Mrs Smith came into the room with a basket of cotton rags, Missy followed beind carrying a large jug of cold water.
"Missy will you please empty some of the water into the basin and soak a handful of these rags while I quickly speak with Mrs Smith?" The girl nodded, taking the basket in order to follow the young ladies request.
"Mrs Smith, I was under the impression from Lord Colville it was assumed all hope was gone, but I feel he is breathing more steadily than even upon my arrival. I am unsure, but I believe he may have broken his fever. I shall try and cool him the best I can, but I must ask if you can send again for the doctor."
"Should I send also for Lord Colville?"
"No, not yet. He shall be back directly I am sure, and nothing is likely to change in the next hour. We can only do our best to soothe him best we can. Yet I do believe he should be assessed by the physician once more."
"I shall send the message boy immediately. Should I send anyone else in to assist you?"
"No, we shall be fine, between myself and Missy it shall be enough for the present. Before you go, how is Lady Fraser?"
"She is still in a deep sleep; the laudanum has seen to that." She looked back at Anne as she reached the door. The young lady was already wringing out the wet rags to creating a series of cold compresses for the master. She stood a moment watching Anne instruct Missy to gently cool the master's brow, while Anne deftly undid the top buttons of his nightgown to place another cold pad over the gentleman's upper chest. "May God have mercy on us all," said the housekeeper as she closed the door behind her.
Edward sat in the back of the hackney as it made its way painstakingly slowly towards Berkley Square. He was too tired to ride. It had been hard enough manoeuvring his way back to his own residence. He had fallen asleep for nearly an hour while lying in the warm water of his bath; yet he felt no more awake now than before. At least he was now clean shaven and properly attired. He had decided, as the streets where now busier at such a time of day, he had best leave his black beast in the stable in favour of a safer mode of transport. He did not trust his reaction time and his head was far too heavy for concentration. He had already been away for far longer than he had intended. He could only hope Anne would not mind.
He stretched his long legs in an attempt at regaining some form of comfort in his stiff limbs, but it was a fruitless. His whole body ached. Three days with no sleep, hunched over a chair was in no way good for his aging bones. At least he felt more human; he always felt vastly improved after a bath and close shave.
His stomach gave a rumble of protest at its recent bought of neglect. Mrs Smith had brought him a plate of cheese and cold cuts late yesterday evening, but he had barely touched a morsel. Perhaps, if all was well on his return, he could persuade Anne to sit with him a while to partake in a light luncheon. He would feel better with her for company. He always felt at his best when Anne was near.
As the carriage rounded the corner, he noticed the familiar mount which now stood outside number ten. The young messenger boy, Conner, stood by the horse's side holding the reigns.
"Stop the carriage," Edward bellowed as he hit the roof of the hackney with his leathered fist. The wheels were still moving as Edward opened the door and jumped down onto the street below. He strode across the street and when only several feet away from the blonde-haired boy called out;
"Conner, why is the doctor here again? Tell me what has happened?"
"The new lady sent for him my Lordship. Mrs Smith said I was to get him to come as soon as possible. I only did what the lady asked me to do,"
"My apologises, I did not mean to alarm you, I am sure you have been very good indeed."
With that Edward ruffled the boy's hair in reassurance before taking the steps two at a time, entering the foyer unannounced. He stood stalk still a moment, he could hear nothing. He did not like a house when it was so silent. There was no hysterics such as though witnessed upon the physicians last visit. Surely, he should hear something?
Reaching the top of the stairs, at a speed which left him almost breathless, he grasped the door handle and flung the door wide.
His jaw dropped at the scene before him. He was met by the beaming face of Mrs Smith and a rather watery eyed young girl, he recalled named Missy. The dark drapes had been pulled back to allow the mid-morning sun to shine into the room. A gentle breeze came in from a recently opened window. Doctor Reynold's stood wiping his hands on a piece of cloth; upon seeing Edwards reappearance, he offered his right hand to shake.
"Lord Colville, I must say your appearance is a vast improvement from your earlier state I can assure you. Before I should have mistaken you for the patient!" Reynold's chuckled at his own musing observation. "It would appear God is very much on our side at present."
Excepting his outstretched hand, Edward shook it quite out of habitat rather than from intention. He could not stop staring at the scene before him. There in the bed lay a very weak, but very much awake, Malcolm Fraser. The frail gentleman made no attempt at conversing, his eye lids flickered, only staying open momentarily. By his side, half leaning over the edge of the bed in order to access the patient as easily as possible, was Anne.
Her dress sleeves were pushed up to her elbows and her gloves had been long discarded. Wisps of her thick, chestnut hair fell about her face as they escaped her usual neat chignon. A small bowl of watery broth was held in her lap as she gently spooned the liquid into the elderly gentleman's mouth. Upon meeting Edwards gaze, she gave him a wide grin.
"I must say Lord Colville, quite the nurse you have there. Would not mind her present at all my examinations. I am just as astonished by the turn of events as you. Not out of the woods yet old boy, but there may be some fighter spirit left still in there. He is still rather out of it for the present, another day or so should see if he comes round. I have left several of my own remedies and tonics. I have given instructions to the ladies here present as to what and when to administer to the patient. I was keen to bleed him, though the lady was quite adamant in her refusal; though if you wish it, I can perform the task now under your direction."
"Edward please no," Anne said firmly. "There is no need to put any more stress upon the gentleman." Suddenly worrying she had over stepped her position, she continued; "surely if bloodletting were to be required, there is no harm in waiting a day or so to see how his Lordship fairs."
"I believe in this case the lady may be quite correct, Doctor Reynolds. Let us wait and assess such a need the morrow. If you would be so kind Mrs Smith, will you take the good Doctor to check on Lady Fraser before he leaves? I shall meet you in the foyer momentarily to bid you farewell."
As the door closed behind the departing figures, Anne spoke to Edward again in a much more forceful tone. "Promise me you will not let that man draw any more blood. I know what it is to be prescribed the frequent healing powers of bloodletting, and I will not have you subject this man to such a practise any longer."
Edward was quite taken aback by such a forceful outburst. It contrasted greatly against the sweet picture of the fair nurse maid she made before him. He knew Anne had been severally ill in her youth, he had no idea what scars such an experience had left on her person.
"You have not yet promised me," she repeated again as the tone of her voice went up an octave.
"My dear Anne," he said softly, walking forward. He kneeled in front of her; it took all his inner strength not to pull her into his arms. He could feel the wide-eyed gaze from the chambermaid upon him as it was, he did not wish to give her any more fodder. "Anne, you clever girl, I promise I shall allow no such thing. I would never act in any manner which you disagree with so severely. You have my word I shall not allow it.
She looked down at him and smiled. How marvellous it felt to be so close to him. She turned her head in order to focus on her charge once more. Offering the gentleman another small spoonful of broth, she tried to make light the conversation. "You sir, promised me you would return within the hour. It is now almost one o'clock."
"And you assured me you would be quite happy to sit and watch over my old friend here, but as we can see you were not content with such a mundane task."
"I think his fever must have broken in the early hours. I have seen it many times. We had a most horrific outbreak of scarlet fever several years ago at Rosings Park. Nearly everyone was touched by such a tragedy, some in more ways than others. I did my best to be of use.
"I was most correct in my observation, was I not?" Edward remarked as he stood tall once more. Anne looked up at him with a most quizzical expression. "I said there was no women in all of London more capable than you."
"I am afraid I cannot take all the credit; I had a great deal of help. Missy here is a wonderful companion. She too must be congratulated for her actions."
The young girl beamed at such praise from the elegant Miss de Bourgh. If only the dark-haired gentleman would look upon her with such feeling as he did upon the genteel young woman.
"Then I am equally indebted to both of you. Missy I shall have you a new bonnet made up especially as a token of my most eternal gratitude. He pulled his leather glove from his hand and gently reached for the hand of Lord Fraser. Anne withdrew her spoon and sat back in her chair, allowing Edward some room. She watched him as he gently held the frail man's hand within his own. Anne was positive she could see Edwards lips moving in prayer.
Drawing his hand back, he cleared his throat in an attempt to control his composure. "If you will excuse me, I shall leave you in order to wish the Doctor farewell."
Now on their own once more, Anne could continue undisturbed in her task. She was determined to try and make Lord Fraser take in as much fluids as possible. Missy began to potter about the room, tidying items and sorting the sodden pile of rags.
She watched Anne from the corner of her eye. Never had she seen a woman stand up to a gentleman as she had done only moments ago. More so, she had not seen a man like Lord Colville take the advice of a woman so readily.
"Miss, do not think me impertinent, but is he your beau? Me sister has a beau, he works as a valet for another well to do family close to her place of employment. He brought her flowers once, big bunch of 'em."
Anne looked at the young girl and gave a small nervous laugh.
"Your sister is very lucky. I cannot say with all certainty that he is. Though I am exceedingly curious to investigate such a possibility."
"He looks at you like he is your beau."
Anne felt her cheeks blush. She was starting to believe his looks most genuine indeed. "Well perhaps we should keep that little observation between ourselves, I would be most grateful if you would indulge me in such a request."
"Oh, miss I would do anything you asked of me," the girl replied. "I should not do anything to displease you."
"That is very kind of you," Anne replied touched by the girl's clear admiration. "Now, would you pass me a new compress, this one feels quite warm."
A few moments later, Mrs Smith appeared in the doorway. She waited, watching Miss de Bourgh as she took a new compress from the chambermaid and placed it gently on his Lordships brow. She didn't wish to interrupt the lady when we was thus engaged.
"Begging your pardon Miss, but Lord Colville requests your presence in the drawing room."
Nodding, Anne looked to Missy. "Do you think you can continue to feed him little spoonful's in my absence? Do not give him too much, it is a great deal to swallow when one is out of practise. But we must try and make him drink."
Nodding eagerly at having such an important task so willingly bestowed upon her; Missy took Anne's place next to her master and continued with the broth just as described.
Picking up her gloves and shawl, Anne followed Mrs Smith down the staircase and into the drawing room below.
Upon entering the room, she found Edward standing with his back to her as he gazed out of the window.
She had an overwhelming wish to place her hand upon his back, in attempt to offer him comfort, but resisted such an improper urge. She hoped above all hope, that young Missy was indeed correct in her keen observation. As far as Anne could see it, there was no finer man to be found than the man who stood before her now.
Edward knew she was behind him; likely she was wondering what on earth he was doing standing with his back to her thus. But he needed a moment. Exhaustion, stress and now this feeling of absolute joy from the morning's events, had left Edward feeling quite emotional. He did not wish for anyone to see him quite so over wrought. He only needed another moment to fully control himself.
"You sent for me?" Anne eventually asked in an attempt to gain his attention.
"Yes, I did." Finally, he turned to face her. "Anne, I do not know what you did, but we are all very much indebted to you."
"I did nothing, it is Lord Fraser who has done all the work. I was merely there at a moment when I could offer some assistance in his progress."
"I am quite impatient for Lady Bea to awaken."
"Edward, do be careful. The gentleman is not out of the woods quite yet, there is still the chance he will relapse. I do not wish to sound cruel, but we must be sensible, do not give her Ladyship promises which may be beyond the strength of her husband."
"When did you become so wise, my little Anne?" Edward asked taking a step towards her. He was so tall, even taller than Darcy. He towered above Anne. She could smell the woody scent of his cologne.
"I do not know if I could call myself wise," she replied. He was so close; it made her head feel hollow. For the first time in their familiar acquaintance, she was most aware of them being quite alone. How many times had they been together, just the two of them? But it was at this moment, as he stood only inches from her, the realisation of such a scenario sent chills up Anne's spine.
She looked up at him. "Since when have I been your little Anne?"
"I think perhaps the answer to that question is always. It just took me some time to reach such an understanding. From the moment I found you at play under a table with your cousins brood, you have utterly bewitched me."
She felt her breath catch in her throat. "Well I have always been quite little," she replied in jest, trying to ease the nerves mounting within her stomach.
"Yes, it is a most endearing quality, and one you should make no attempt to change. But I think you know full well that was not my meaning behind my choice of words."
"I did not know," Anne replied softly, "but I wished it very much."
He chuckled softly, taking a step closer, stooping slightly to be closer to the level of her face. "Well I must say, that is very good to know indeed."
He felt nervous, why the devil was he nervous? He was just about to lean in for the kiss, when the door of the drawing room opened. He jumped back in surprise, cursing under his breath as Matthews entered the room.
"What is it Matthews," he almost cried in exasperation. Anne felt a wave of disappointment, surely, he had just been about to kiss her? Looking at his agitated state she almost wanted to laugh at how ridiculous they must appear.
"Begging your pardon sir, but Lord Fraser's nephew is here."
"Well send him in for goodness sake."
He looked at Anne, his face was most apologetic, she could not help but smile.
"I think it would be best if I were to take my leave at this moment. I shall call again tomorrow once her Ladyship is awake and to check on the patient."
"I could always call at Grosvenor Square this evening," Edward offered. The tone of his voice was most earnest.
"No, you do what you need to do here, then I must beg you to take some rest. You will be of no use to anyone, and especially to me, if you become unwell. I shall see you tomorrow, I will call around two."
He looked at her in such a way, she began to regret her composed response to his suggestion of coming to her this evening. However, she did not trust herself in saying yes to such a delightful proposition. Thankfully the arrival of the aforementioned nephew put an end to such a moral dilemma.
"Lord Colville, how happy I am to find you still here, pray what is the news, how is my Uncle? Where is my aunt? I must offer my most sincere of apologises I have been visiting friends and only returned this morning to find the news."
"Percival," Edward said drily, shaking the hand of the young gentleman. "You are looking well; may I introduce Miss Anne de Bourgh. You have this lady to thank, for am I quite certain she performed some miracle when left in the presence of your uncle. He is awake, though exceedingly frail. Lady Fraser at this moment sleeps. It was believed to be for the best. Miss de Bourgh, this is Sir Percival Winters, he is the only nephew of Lord and Lady Fraser."
"I am also the heir apparent," he added, "for it is most unlikely my uncle will produce a new heir now." He gave Anne a courteous bow of the head and a wide smile which did not quite reach his eyes. "Miss de Bourgh was it? Charmed to make your acquaintance, I assume you belong to the de Bourgh's of Rosings Park in Kent?"
There was something about the gentleman Anne did not like. "One and the same," she replied, "and also very much Rosings Park's current mistress." She could see Edward smirking from the corner of her eye. "If you gentleman will excuse me, I shall take my leave. I shall be back tomorrow to see how Lord Fraser progresses. Good day gentleman."
She left the room with her head held high, a mixture of emotions swirling in her stomach. As soon as she was alone outside the door of number ten, she let out a small shriek of delight. She was now most certain Edward returned her feelings of admiration. She was so full of joy she was positive she could walk from London to Rosings and back without any hint of fatigue. Her cheeks ached from the huge smile she could no longer hid. She regretted most deeply her not agreeing to Edward calling upon her this evening. Tomorrow felt like an awful long time until she could be with him once more.