Page 37 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
“First of all, Adlington, let me say how sorry I am to hear that the marchioness does not fare well. What the hell happened? All was well when we last spoke.” Easton’s voice was kind and sympathetic.
Leopold rubbed his face. “What has happened is that the marchioness is the most infuriating, maddening woman. I could never have guessed how many years she would shave off my life.”
Easton arched a brow. “How so?”
“I had gone to see to affairs at my estate in Staffordshire when I received an urgent letter from the marchioness’s sister, Miss Cora, informing me that she had taken ill.”
“Good heavens! Is it the blue death?” Easton exclaimed.
“Fortunately, no. I am deeply grateful for that, although Dr. Benedict is not entirely sure what ails her, but he suspects exhaustion is a part of it,” Leopold explained.
“Whatever has the marchioness been engaged in that would cause such exhaustion?” Easton asked.
“You may remember that when we last spoke, I told you the marchioness was willful. I was not exaggerating. She fancies herself as a healer. I have known ever since the first day that I met her.”
“A healer! How extraordinary.” Easton’s mouth dropped open.
“The marchioness has the kindest heart and she means well.
Easton raised a brow. “You say that you knew of her abilities before you wed. Did you mean to say that her parents indulged her?”
Leopold sighed. “Her mother is dead and her father was crippled by grief. She was left to do whatever she bloody well pleased and that is exactly what she did.”
“I see,” Easton replied.
Leopold was silent as the butler entered the room with tea and pastries. He served Easton and Leopold before leaving the drawing room.
Leopold took a sip of his tea before he continued. “After she assisted Cook’s daughter, we spoke of it. I explained my concerns, and I thought she understood my position. I was wrong.”
“Why would you say that?”
Leopold took a sip of tea before he replied. “Clearly, she did not believe my contribution was enough. She was motivated to leave her siblings at Adlington Hall and go to the hospital.”
Easton shook his head. “An unfortunate turn of events.”
They ate in silence for a moment until Easton spoke.
“How did she come to be at Dr. Benedict’s hospital. Did you not wish for her to be seen to at Adlington Hall. Particularly with the hell this disease has unleashed on London.”
“Easton, my good man, this is the things of nightmares since the blue death is what annihilated my entire family. The marchioness knows this, and she knows what it took for me to be whole again.”
Easton’s eyes held empathy. “As do I, Adlington.”
“According to Miss Cora, the marchioness came to London to assist Dr. Benedict with sick children. She felt compelled as a healer.”
“Good grief! Did Dr. Benedict allow it?”
“I do not know if he thought she had my blessing. I never asked. He was sensible enough to ensure she did not encounter children who were too ill. I suppose I will be forever grateful for that.” Leopold was comforted just sharing with Easton.
“Indeed.”
“She is so giving, so selfless.”
“That she is. An unusual lady.”
Leopold paused. “There is more.”
“Really? I would think that everything you have already said is quite enough.”
