closed her eyes for a moment, and Annis almost reached for her hand in sympathy. She was sure Lady Eleanor would hate that, so she resisted the urge.
When Lady Eleanor opened her eyes, she gazed at her linked fingers in her lap, saying softly, “I don’t believe I’ve ever expressed those feelings to Rosefield. I expect he thinks I’m a hard woman. A cold woman.”
Annis didn’t know what James thought of his mother, beyond her wish that he marry money, so she said nothing. She couldn’t think of anything to do but sit and listen.
Lady Eleanor drew a small, shuddery breath. “He’s a dear boy, truly, Miss Allington. A dear man, I should say. An admirable one. He’s smart. Studious. Disciplined in every way. He’s never been athletic—hates most of the things other young men do for sport—but he’s devoted to Seabeck, and I’m so very proud of him for that.”
“As you should be, Your Ladyship. It’s clear in everything he says.”
“I was terrified, when Perry found him this morning…” Her lips suddenly trembled, and she put a finger to them. “Well, never mind that,” she said, with an attempt at her customary briskness. “He’s going to make a full recovery. We must believe that. Hold to it.”
“Yes, of course.”
“And now,” Lady Eleanor said, unfolding her hands and spreading them on her knees. “Now we must speak of your stepmother. Ghastly business, all this.”
“Did the doctor see her?”
“He did. It seems to be the same ailment, but she shows no sign of coming round. James awoke almost immediately when Perry shook him by the shoulder.”
“I’ve just stopped by Frances’s room. I could see no change at all.”
“You must be terribly worried.”
“I am. This is the day we were to leave, but I don’t see how to manage that.”
“Obviously you can’t leave until she is much better.”
“This is why I’ve come to you,” Annis said. She folded her own hands and sat as straight as she could in the overstuffed armchair. “I don’t know how to prepare for the chance Frances may die.”
“I’m afraid that’s possible. I’m very sorry, but it’s wise of you to face it straight on.”
“If that happens, what do I do? I suppose I could wire my father for instructions, but I hate to alarm him.”
“I would say that’s a bridge you don’t need to cross until you come to it.”
“We can’t impose indefinitely on your hospitality.”
“I assure you, it is no imposition. However, our other guests are going home this afternoon, and with Rosefield confined to his bed, this will be a dull place for you.”
“That isn’t important,” Annis said. “All that matters is that James—I mean, Lord Rosefield—gets well. And that my stepmother does, too, of course.”
“Allow me to invite you to remain with us as long as you need,” Lady Eleanor said. “At the very least, until Mrs. Allington has recovered. Please say you will, Miss Allington. That will relieve my mind greatly. I feel responsible for what has happened.”
“I accept with gratitude, my lady,” Annis said. “Although I’m confident you bear no responsibility. I’m accustomed to being occupied, however. You must tell me if there’s anything that needs doing, if you’re busy, or you’re tired…”
“Very kind.” Lady Eleanor’s brief spurt of energy seemed to dissipate all at once, and she sagged back in her chair. “I am tired, Miss Allington,” she murmured. “First the death of my husband, so unexpected. The debts—the worries about Seabeck’s future—and now Rosefield’s illness. I confess I feel quite done in.”
Annis doubted Her Ladyship had forgotten her son’s rejected marriage proposal, which might have solved one of her problems. It was kind of her not to include it in her list of concerns. On an impulse she sprang up from her chair. “Why don’t you go and rest this very minute, Lady Eleanor? I can see to your guests’ departure. I can speak to Jermyn for you, make certain the carriages are ready, that the horses are properly in their harness—I’m very good at that. I know precisely what needs to be done.”
“Why, Miss Allington,” Lady Eleanor said, her words coming slowly, as if she wasn’t quite sure of them until they were spoken aloud. “That’s very generous of you. Do you know, I believe I will accept your offer.” Her Ladyship pushed herself from her chair and rang a little silver bell that rested on her desk. “A lie-down will do me the world of good. I’ll tell my housekeeper you’re going to step into my shoes,