Page 103 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“She’s still young and learning what her limits are,” Ava assured her
“If you’re certain,” Edith sighed.
She sat back in her seat and went back to her embroidery.
Edith listened to the children play. The sound of their chatter and imaginary games was a welcome, happy background noise. Christian soon came down to join them, and Ava rested across from Edith.
Slowly, though, Tilly’s voice became a less frequent fixture in the noise. Edith didn’t even notice it at first. But then…
Cough.
Edith froze at the sound. She looked up at Tilly, who had covered her mouth. Luke and Anthony had also frozen at the sound. Tilly sniffled, and a maid walked over with a handkerchief. Tilly took it and wiped her nose.
“Maybe Tilly should go for a nap,” Anthony suggested.
“I’m all right… I don’t want to nap,” Tilly murmured.
“You don’t seem all right, Tilly,” Luke noted.
Edith stood up and walked over to them. “Tilly, let me see,” she said, leaning down.
Her heart raced as she looked at her little girl. Tilly hadn’t recovered any color; her cheeks and forehead were flushed.
“Tilly, let me check something,” Edith urged, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Your Grace, I’m well,” Tilly argued weakly.
Edith wasn’t taking her word for it this time. She put her hand to Tilly’s forehead.
Her heart stopped.
Tilly was burning up.
“Tilly, how long have you felt this hot?” Edith asked.
Ava and Christian immediately looked up.
“I…” Tilly trailed off. Her eyes seemed unfocused, as though she were dizzy.
“Tilly?” Edith prompted.
“I’m not sick,” Tilly murmured.
“That’s not what I asked,” Edith said, panic seizing her heart.
“Can I feel?” Luke asked.
Edith nodded.
Luke felt Tilly’s forehead, and his eyes widened. “Papa,” he said, looking at Christian. “She’s really hot. Really, really hot.”
“Very well, let’s get Tilly upstairs so she can rest,” Christian said, taking charge.
Edith nodded and stood to pick her up, but she shuffled away.
“No,” Tilly whimpered.
“Tilly, please, you’re not well,” Edith pleaded.
