Page 39 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Good heavens! Dr. Benedict. Emma’s thoughts were racing. She knew who Dr. Benedict was, but what was she doinghere? Emma opened her mouth to speak, but the sound startled her. She sounded as if there was a frog lodged in her throat. Her tongue was quite dry, and her lips were cracked.
“Water. Please,” Emma managed to choke out. She waited as the woman poured water into a glass before propping Emma on the pillow to take a drink. Emma drank the whole glass. She was so thirsty. The next time she spoke, her voice sounded faintly familiar.
She peered at the woman. Why could she not recall the woman’s name? “Thank you. What is your name?”
“Lily, my lady.” Lily was scrutinizing Emma’s face.
Her eyes narrowed in confusion. “How long have I been here, Lily?”
“A sennight, my lady,” Lily replied cautiously.
Emma’s mouth fell open before she clipped it shut. She could hardly believe it. “Good Lord! I have been abed for a sennight?”
“You have, my lady. You do not recall?” Lily asked.
Emma heard the worry in the pitch of her voice. “I am afraid I do not.”
“You were caring for Polly when you fell ill. You had a raging fever, and Dr. Benedict was very concerned. He knew that it was not the dreaded blue death. He said it was likely to be exhaustion. Dr. Benedict was relieved when you finally came to,and he was sure you and the baby were well.” Lily explained excitedly.
“Baby?” Emma asked. Her hand flew to her stomach.She was with child?It surprised her because she had been so busy caring for others that she had not been thinking much about herself. Now that she had thought about it, she had missed her courses.
Good heavens!
Lily’s hand flew to her mouth, realizing she said far too much. “My lady, I am sorry. I thought you knew about the baby. Dr. Benedict will not be pleased that I told you before he had the chance to speak with you himself.”
Emma sought to reassure Lily. She seemed to be such a kindhearted woman. “I will not mention it, Lily. You have my word.” A look of relief crossed over Lily’s features.
“Was Lord Adlington here? I was sure I heard his voice, yet he was not there when I awakened,” Emma said.
The corner of Lily’s mouth curved into a smile. “Indeed, he was, my lady. He spent a great deal of time here, and I heard him reading to you at one point. As a matter of fact, he did not want to leave you and even spent the night. Dr. Benedict has been keeping Lord Adlington informed.”
“I see,” Emma replied although she did not see. If Leo had been so attentive, why was he not here now? Surely, if he was apprised of her condition, he would want to be here to see her as soon as she was able. Emma wondered if he knew about the child. She would find out soon enough. There was a knock on the door before the physician entered.
Dr. Benedict gave her a warm smile. “How wonderful! You are fully awake. Good morning, my lady.”
Emma shuffled up on her pillow. “Good morning, Dr. Benedict. I must thank you and Lily for taking such good care of me.”
Lily preened at the compliment. “Thank you, my lady. I will see to your breakfast now.” Lily closed the door softly behind her.
Dr. Benedict lifted the chair from behind the desk and placed it by Emma’s bedside. He sat down and fixed his gaze on her face.
“How are you feeling?” Dr. Benedict asked.
“I am feeling quite tired,” Emma replied.
Dr. Benedict breathed out slowly. “Has Lily told you that you were ill for a sennight.”
Emma’s brows furrowed. “She said as much. I do not remember when I fell ill. What was my ailment?”
Dr. Benedict sought to reassure her. “I believe it was exhaustion, my lady. You were doing so much, and I must admit I am to blame. I was so busy with all the other patients that I did not realize how overworked you were.”
Emma raised a brow. “Your fault? That is nonsense, Dr. Benedict. I was the one who decided to assist. You did not force me to do anything,” she replied matter-of-factly.
Dr. Benedict regarded her carefully before he continued. “You are also with child, and I assumed you did not know.”
One of Emma’s hands had remained on her stomach. She searched Dr. Benedict’s face. “I did not. I was much too busy even to consider it. I am quite happy with the news, but I am concerned. Is the baby well?”
Dr. Benedict cleared his throat. “As far as I can tell, yes. But we must be cautious. You need to rest and keep safe. It would not be appropriate for you to remain here. As soon as you are rested and fit to travel, you should return to Adlington Hall.”
