Page 58 of Romancing Daphne

She passed an hour in just that way before the physician at last arrived. He proved competent and efficient. They discussed symptoms and treatments employed thus far. After a moment of silent surprise at Daphne’s abilities with herbs, the doctor declared himself impressed beyond words. He smelled the dregs left in Lady Techney’s cup and his praise began anew.

“Precisely the aroma I would hope for. The blend, I would say, was expertly concocted.”

She could tell his approval brought color to her face. If only she couldfind a way to control her blushes.

“Miss Lancaster has been indispensable.” James had, it seemed, awoken. He shifted about and sat up straighter. The cloth she’d set on his neckslipped off as he stood.“How is Lady Techney?” he asked the doctor.

“The tea has begun to break her fever. She will be well given time and rest.”

Daphne stepped back, intending to get out of the way. To her surprise, James moved to her side.

“How areyou?” he asked, his eyes taking in every inch of her face.

Again her telltale blush surfaced.“I am holding up. A little tired,” she admitted.“But nothing I cannot endure.”

“You should rest. Everyone else has been permitted to.” He motioned to the corner where the abigail dozed in a hard-backed chair.

Daphne was too tired to argue.“Why don’t I take your chair, and youcan sit up with your mother for a time.”

The arrangements were made. James and the physician tended to LadyTechney. Daphne leaned back in the chair, the same warm blanket Jameshad used tucked around her shoulders. She watched them as she sat there.A few times James looked in her direction and smiled.

She didn’t think she had ever been more content. The dreams she’d formulated at twelve years of age were coming closer and closer to reality.

Chapter Twenty-One

Mother was on the mendby that morning, something the family owed entirely to Daphne. In the quiet hours of night while this guardian angel of theirs had silently ministered to a woman she hardly knew, James’s view of Daphne had undergone a material transformation. Though he’d not chosen to courther, hehad come to realize that being permitted to do so was a gift he’d not fully valued. She was a wonder, a lady with a heart so deep and so giving as to put to shame every other person James had ever known. And he was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to know her better, to be her particular friend.

He pulled a chair up next to hers, where she sat keeping an eye on his mother’s progress.“How is our patient this morning?”

“You’ll be pleased to know she was alert enough for conversation earlier.”

Oh heavens.“What did she speak about?” He hoped his nervousness didn’t show.

“At first she simply said again and again how surprisingly good she felt.” Daphne smiled the tiniest bit, her eyes heavy with weariness.“And I do not think she was at all prepared to findmeat her bedside.”

James didn’t like the sound of that.“I hope she was not unkind to you.”

“She accepted my presence after a time.” Daphne rose and adjusted Mother’s blankets.“Though she was upset that I wouldn’t allow you to be awoken.”

“I would happily have taken over for you.”

“You were finally sleeping deeply. There was no need to disturb you.” Daphne checked Mother’s temperature with the back of her hand. Shemust have been satisfied; she returned to her seat once more.“Besides,tending the sick is a skill of mine, one I do not often get to use. I suppose that is something for which I should be grateful. Other than my father, I am blessed with a healthy family.”

James nodded. That would be a blessing.“I have never known a time when Mother was not susceptible to illness. Father has no patience for it.”

“You seem to have patience enough for the entire family.”

They sat quietly, neither speaking nor moving. He’d discovered that about Daphne; she was not uncomfortable with silence.

“The physician was impressed to see that you travel with your own herbs and remedies,” he said after another moment.

She pulled her legs up beside her in her chair.“Only those I need most often. I can generally find what I need in London, but these are taken from plants I cultivated myself. I know them better, know precisely how to use them.”

“So you are an herbologist and a gardener?”

“The best apothecary is alwaysboth.”

How she’d changed in the past weeks. He’d hardly had a word from her that first visit to Falstone House and only a handful more during their drive. They’d come far enough to speak easily.

---