Page 46 of A Gentleman's Wife

“Mrs. Bamber––” he began, but the moment he saw her face, the old woman had already crumbled into tears.

“Is she going to be all right, sir?” she whimpered. “I can’t bear it if something happens to her. She’s such a sweet girl, and we’re all so fond of her…”

Thomas placed his hands on her shoulders. “As am I. I understand your concern, but your tears will not help her now. She needs your strength.”

Mrs. Bamber pursed her lips and nodded, blowing her nose into a kerchief. “Yes, sir.”

“Please gather the maids and see that each of these pearls are retrieved from the floor and returned to my study without my grandfather knowing.” He’d likely receive an earful about it if the old man were to find out.

“Of course, sir.”

When Thomas turned back from delegating duties, Mr. Sanders had his fingers resting under Marianne’s jaw. “Her pulse is returning to normal, and I’ve found no broken bones or bleeding wounds. She’s not had a convulsion for a few moments. We can move her now.”

Thomas moved to gently pick up Marianne, cradling her against his chest. Her hair slightly tousled and her forehead bearing a sheen of sweat, Thomas found himself pressing a kiss to her brow.

Once ensuring the ballroom doors were closed, he followed Eliza upstairs, with Mr. Sanders close behind. She opened the door to Marianne’s bedchambers and pulled back the blanket so they could settle her into bed.

Thomas sighed, sitting on the bed by her feet. The evening could have been so perfect. She looked so happy and beautiful. She’d braved every aspect of being hostess with ease. He’d wanted it to be a success for her, but it had likely been ruined because of him.

“This is my fault, isn’t it?” Thomas asked, his stomach twisting with guilt. “I never should have let Grandfather insist on this damned ball.”

Eliza shook her head. “It’s hard to say. She did lose sleep over it, but she could also be in an infinitely happy moment, and still have a fit. There’s no direct connection to what causes this.”

“The only consistent thing we know about epilepsy is inconsistency,” the doctor said, patting him on the shoulder. “There is nothing any of us could have done.”

“What will happen now?” Thomas asked.

“She will probably wake shortly in frustration and confusion, perhaps in tears. But a good night’s sleep will do her good. I’ll stay with her so you can return to the ball.”

Thomas narrowed his eyes, stifling the desire to raise his voice. “You expect me to just leave her?”

“In her current state, it might not make a difference if you’re here or not,” Mr. Sanders said gently. “Though I can understand it would make a difference to you.”

The words made sense, and they dampened his anger but not his desire to stay.

“Miss Eliza knows how best to care for her after these episodes, and I will remain for a time in case she needs additional support. You can see to the rest of your duties at the ball, and she will still be here when you’re finished.”

Thomas didn’t like it, but he nodded. “Very well.”

He moped down the stairs, noting the pearls had all been cleared from the corridor, so he returned to the ballroom. Henry and James stood close to the door, which had already been opened for the rest of the guests.

“No one even noticed you were gone,” Henry said encouragingly, handing him a glass of punch.

“Charming,” Thomas mumbled, tossing back the drink.

James set a hand on his shoulder. “Steady there. She’ll be all right?”

Thomas nodded. “The doctor and her lady’s maid will remain with her. They’re both trained in her care, and I can see to her when this ridiculous event is over.”

“Most of the sets are waning with fewer numbers, so the last stragglers will likely see themselves home.” Henry cleared his throat. “And I believe the countess has already made her departure.”

Thank heaven.If Thomas never saw her again, it would be far too soon.

“I convinced your grandfather that he’d had enough and saw him to his room for the night,” James said.

Thomas looked up at him. “Thank you for that. I know you hate to impose your ducal rights, but I was most appreciative of it.” Then he turned and clasped Henry by the shoulder. “I’m thankful to both of you for your help. If you hadn’t been here tonight…”

“You would have found another way,” Henry said with a reaffirming nod. “You always do.”

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