Page 107 of A Duchess to Fight For
Percy rushed to the bottom waiting for the men to join him.
“In the parlour Percy,” Frederick said quietly.
He followed the doctor and Frederick.
Mendon came in. “Coffee, whisky, Your Grace?”
“Yes, whisky. Three glasses.”
Mendon bowed then came back and poured three whiskies, handing each man one. He bowed and left the parlour.
“Sit, Percy. I can’t have you pacing,” Frederick said. “It was right of you to call James here. We are fortunate to have him.”
Percy nodded.
“Louisa has pneumonia. It is in the early stages, so James here is optimistic.”
Frederick looked over at James.
“She is tired for one so early in the sickness. That is my deepest concern. Her mother and the servants know how to keep her comfortable. Frederick has convinced me to come every morning. He has also permitted me to keep you informed of her progress.”
Percy looked at Frederick and nodded his thanks.
“Unfortunately, modesty dictates Frederick and you are forbidden to see her.”
“This sickness is contagious, so there is a limit to how long anyone can be in her room.” James turned to Frederick, “It’s important that Amelia leave the room at regular intervals and get fresh air. Same with the servants.
“You must make sure they rotate their care of Louisa. And if anyone in her room begins to cough, they are forbidden to return to Louisa’s room and must be quarantined.
“I will be back in the morning.”
“What time will you be here?” Percy asked.
“Sometime between nine and eleven.” He bowed, “Your Grace, Your Grace.”
Mendon showed James out, and Percy turned to Frederick. Frederick knew what he was going to ask before he said a word.
“Yes, yes, Percy. But as soon as the doctor gives us his update, you must leave for the day. You are not to spend every day pacing in my parlour,” Frederick said.
“May I come late in the day to get an update? To find out if she rested comfortably during the day?” Percy asked.
“To what end, Percy? There is nothing you can do but wait and pace in your own townhouse.”
“Just at 6:30 p.m. on my way to the club for dinner? Five minutes. A five-minute update?”
Frederick sighed. “You will leave even if she had a bad day? Five minutes, good news or bad?”
“Yes.”
“If you stay more than five minutes, for whatever reason, you will not be received in the evening any longer. Understood?”
“Yes. Thank you. Understood.”
“Go home, Percy.”
Percy nodded. “I’ll be back at 6:30 p.m.”
Frederick mumbled, “I have no doubt you will.”
