her back, led her inside the room.
Dr. Bradford rose as they entered. “Good morning, Your Graces. May I say that you look to be in excellent health, Your Grace. Is everything progressing well?”
Ashlyn nodded and sat. “Yes, the midwife tells me that everything looks to be fine. I had trouble keeping much of anything down early on but I feel I am making up for that in recent weeks.”
“That is very good to hear.” Dr. Bradford took his seat again.
Reid sat next to his wife. “What brings you to Gillingham, Doctor?”
A shadow crossed the physician’s face. “I am afraid I am the bearer of bad news, Your Grace. It concerns Mr. Pickens.”
“Pickens,” Reid echoed. “Edward’s father?”
“Yes. The boy is Pickens’ only child. There was a little girl, but she died recently in an accident.”
“The mother passed away some years ago, I understand,” Ashlyn said, her fingers finding his.
“Yes,” Bradford confirmed. “Mrs. Pickens gave birth to a stillborn son. She did not survive long after the delivery. I believe young Edward was five or six at that time.” He paused. “This time, it is Mr. Pickens who is suffering.”
“What is the nature of his illness?” Reid asked.
“Winter fever. The pneumonia. It is a severe case. He has run a high fever for several days now and has a pain in his side. A terrible cough that racks his body. Mrs. Harrick, his neighbor, has come and tended to him for a few days but as Mr. Pickens has grown worse over the past two days, Mr. Harrick has forbidden her from continuing to do so.”
Ashlyn tightened her grip on him and asked, “Will he die, Dr. Bradford?”
“That is why I am here. I don’t believe the poor man has long. I think it best if Edward comes and says his goodbyes.”
She began sobbing, throwing her arms about Reid and clinging to him. The men sat in silence until she calmed.
“Forgive me,” his wife apologized. “I seem to be quite emotional.”
“It is common with women when they are carrying a child, Your Grace. Nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about.”
“Can Mr. Pickens be moved?” Reid asked. “We could bring him to Gillingham and care for him here.”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Your Grace. I believe he is too ill to be moved and wouldn’t survive the short journey.”
“Then I will send a couple of servants to nurse him,” Ashlyn said. “And we will bring Edward to his father now.”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Your Grace. Not in your delicate condition. The medical community doesn’t totally understand where winter fever comes from and how—or if—it spreads.”
Reid took her hands. “It would be safer for you to remain here, love. I will take Edward to see his father. Decide which servants you wish to tend to him and what you want brought to see him through his final days.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes. “Yes, of course.” She turned to Dr. Bradford. “Thank you for coming, Doctor.”
“I hate being the bearer of such sad news but I thought the boy deserved to see his father one last time. I will see myself out.”
The trio left the drawing room and went downstairs. Dr. Bradford bid them good day and Ashlyn told Bellows which servants would be going to the Pickens’ cottage. She instructed him to send blankets and invalid foods.
“Cook will know what should be sent,” she said.
“I will see to it now, Your Grace.”
“Have the carriage readied for us, Bellows,” Reid added. “I will take young Edward to his father. The servants can bring the supplies in a cart when those have been gathered.”
After the butler left, Ashlyn said, “We should tell Edward what is happening before you take him. He should prepare himself.”
“We shall tell him together. Let’s go find him.”
He swept her up again and carried her to the wing used for Dunwood Academy. They found Edward and Thomas together at a music lesson conducted by Mr. Phillips, who also taught art to the boys.
“Mr. Phillips, if you would take Thomas somewhere, Her Grace and I need to speak with Edward alone a few minutes.”
“Certainly, Your Grace,” the tutor said. “Come, Thomas.”
“No. I want him to stay,” Edward said firmly. “You both would not be here if it wasn’t serious. I need a friend,” he insisted.
“Very well,” Reid agreed.
Mr. Phillips left and the two boys sat across from Ashlyn and him. Both looked very young. And frightened.
Ashlyn began. “Dr. Bradford, the physician for Gillbrook, just called upon us. He had some sad news. Your father