Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,17
high, rocking the carriage more than usual.
She wondered how ill her mother truly was and if the illness was a ploy by her father to try and reconcile mother and daughter. Papa had said Mama was dying. Elise hated to be hard-hearted but she would believe it when she saw it with her own two eyes. She also didn’t want to speak to her mother with Claire in the room. It was one thing for her mother to spew venom Elise’s way but she wouldn’t have Claire subjected to one of Lady Shelby’s tirades.
On the other hand, she was eager to reunite with her father and have him meet his granddaughter for the very first time. She knew the two would fall utterly in love with one another. Elise had always been her father’s shadow and she believed Claire would be the same during their short stay at Shedwell.
The carriage rolled to a halt and, a moment later, the footman opened the door, helping her and Claire out. Elise leaned back in to retrieve the satchel, holding the books and all-important stuffed rabbit that her daughter couldn’t go to sleep without. Miss Molly already rested in Claire’s arms.
The front door opened and she saw the local doctor exiting the house. When he saw her, he smiled.
“Lady Elise! How good it is to see you after all this time.”
She didn’t correct him since he’d called her that from her childhood. It might be nice to be Lady Elise for a few days instead of Lady Ruthersby, the dowager countess who didn’t really belong in society anymore because she was a glorified servant.
“Dr. Wilbourne, I am happy you are here. If you have time to come inside again, I would like to discuss my mother’s case with you.”
Sorrow crossed his face. “Of course, my lady.” He glanced down and, once more, a smile lit his face. “And who is this young sprite?”
Claire’s brow furrowed. “What’s a sprite?”
“This is my daughter, Claire. She will be four tomorrow. This is Dr. Wilbourne, darling. He brought me into the world years ago.”
Claire frown deepened. “Where were you, Mama?”
Elise laughed. “I’ll tell you sometime. Let’s go inside. It’s cold.”
By now, the Shelby butler had appeared and two footmen hovered. “Hello, Baines. Could you have the footmen bring up our trunk?”
“Yes, my lady. You will be in your old room, of course. Lady Claire will be next door.”
She shook her head. “No, she will sleep with me, Baines.” Turning back to Dr. Wilbourne, she said, “Come inside. I want to find Papa and then discuss my mother’s illness together.”
Holding out her hand, Claire took it and they went inside. Baines asked if they would like to go to the library, while the housekeeper said she would take Claire to the kitchen for some milk and bread.
“I wanted her to meet Papa first.”
Mrs. Baines looked startled and she began stammering.
“Allow Mrs. Baines to take Claire with her,” suggested Dr. Wilbourne. When Elise started to protest, he said, “I insist, my lady.”
She supposed their discussion would be too mature for her daughter’s ears and nodded in agreement. Bending low, she looked Claire in the eyes and said, “This is Mrs. Baines. She has some warm milk and bread for you. You said you were hungry.”
Claire nodded sleepily. “I am, Mama.”
“Come along with me, Lady Claire,” the housekeeper said. “Once you’ve eaten, we’ll put you to bed.”
“She’ll stay with me in my room, Mrs. Baines,” Elise said.
Baines led them to the library, where a fire was lit. She went to stand before it, holding her hands out, seeking its warmth. Dr. Wilbourne poured them each a brandy. She noticed he did not pour a third glass.
“Why isn’t Papa joining us?” she asked, shedding her cloak and gloves and placing them on a chair. “Is Mama so ill that he won’t leave her side?”
“Sit, my lady,” the doctor ordered, handing her a snifter.
She took a sip, the amber liquid burning a path down her throat and pooling in her belly. They seated themselves in two wing chairs and she looked at him expectantly.
“Your mother is severely ill. I fear she hasn’t long. When the pneumonia reaches this stage, there’s nothing to be done except keep the patient comfortable.”
“I see,” she said, taking another small sip.
“Your father is also ill.”
Fear trickled through her. “Is it also the pneumonia?”
“No,” Dr. Wilbourne said, shaking his head. “It’s his heart.”
His words startled her. Her father had always been lean but robust, walking and riding on