Page 104 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 27
Percy walked into the parlour and bowed to Amelia and Louisa. Louisa curtsied and smiled. Percy looked over at Amelia, worried.
Amelia gave Percy an almost imperceptible shake of her head.
He leaned over the tea tray. “What have you got here to make me fat today?”
Louisa looked up at him and smiled. “I asked Cook to make lemon squares for you.”
“Just what I was going to choose. Tell Cook how much I love her, will you?”
Percy sat with his plate and took the tea he was offered.
Louisa coughed and drank some tea to soothe her throat.
“Are you coming down with something Louisa?”
“I’m not sure. I woke this morning with this cough. It will probably be cleared up tomorrow,” she said.
Percy looked at Amelia again, but she didn’t meet his eyes.
“Well then, a short walk through Kensington Gardens is out of the question. As soon as you feel better, perhaps?”
Amelia said, “Louisa, I haven’t been in years. It’s lovely. I’m sure you will enjoy it.”
Louisa turned to Percy. “Yes, tomorrow or the next day we’ll go?”
Percy nodded. “We will.”
To make conversation, Percy said, “Did I tell you I played cards with Cecil and Kent and another fellow at the club? I’m convinced Kent cheats, but I have yet to figure out how. He wins every hand. If I knew how to cheat, I’d at least lose a hand or two to keep the others guessing.”
This had the desired effect of making Amelia and Louisa laugh. But Louisa began to cough after she laughed.
Percy said, “Louisa, if I may, let me leave and come back tomorrow when your cough is better. I think you need rest instead of entertaining me. May I come again tomorrow?”
Louisa stood and curtsied. “I am so sorry, but I think it’s best. I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
Percy bowed and watched Louisa ascend the stairs. He turned to Amelia.
“What is happening? She’s so pale, and her cough is raspy.”
Amelia shook her head. “I don’t know. The only thing I can think is her ladies maid was coughing last week. She was sent home to her family until she feels better.”
“What did the maid have?”
“I don’t know. She left and was probably diagnosed at home.”
Percy started pacing. “Have you called a doctor?”
She shook her head. “She just started looking this bad. Up until now, it hadn’t seemed serious.”
“With your permission, I would like to send a note to my doctor. A footman can deliver it now.”
Amelia asked, “You have that much confidence in your doctor?”
“I would never put Louisa’s hands in anyone but the best.”
Amelia nodded, knowing that was true.
