Page 49 of A Gentleman's Wife

Thomas returned to her side. “Don’t fret. We’ll have the necklace repaired and it will be good as new.”

Her hand dropped to the bed. The despair that enveloped her now felt dark, bringing her low again. “I’ve ruined everything,” she whispered, her throat tight with emotion.

“Marianne, look at me.” He took her hand, his lips brushing across her knuckles. “Please.”

She clenched her jaw to stave off its quiver, then turned her head on the pillow to face him. Despite his dark eyes, his face was soft in the morning light as he cradled her hand in his.

“The necklace was my grandmother’s, and it does have monetary value, but it is just an object. You are a living, breathing person, and you have more value than any number of pearls.”

The emotions that swirled in her heart now threatened to pour out her eyes and only served to further confuse her mind. “That’s not true,” she whispered, her voice wavering.

“It is, and I’ll remind you as often as needed until you believe it.” He kissed her hand again, warm lips lingering on her skin, taking her breath away. “Now rest.”

When Marianne woke again, the sunlight poured in through the windows. Often after a seizure, light would cause a throbbing headache, but thankfully, she’d been spared this time. And blinking her eyes open wider, she found a bouquet of flowers resting on her side table. It was a lovely collection from the hot house, and she assumed it had been brought in by Eliza to brighten the room, but Marianne had a slight suspicion they had been delivered by Thomas. She remembered the sorrow of their last conversation, but the flowers still brought her heart a rush of joy.

“Good morning,” came a woman’s voice.

Marianne’s head whipped around, and she found the duchess sitting in the chair beside her bed with a stitching pattern in her hand.

“Your Grace,” Marianne’s words stumbled out. “What are you…”

“Please, I am Isabel in private, remember?” She waved her hand, setting the stitching in her lap. “Thomas wouldn’t stop looking in on you after breakfast, so I told him to go rest himself and I would sit with you until you awoke again. I know he trusts your maid and the doctor, but he wanted friends to be with you as well.”

Marianne nodded. “Yes, friends.” Her mind was clearer now, but she still didn’t see how she could make friends with a duchess.

“Now whatever you’re thinking, you put a stop to it right now.” Isabel raised a finger at her with a smile. “Before I married the duke, I was a gentleman’s daughter, just like you. And I find I don’t quite fit in as easily with the rest of the nobility. So when I seek out your company, it is not out of pity or obligation. It is because I enjoy your company, and I’d like to be your friend.”

It was the last thing Marianne had expected to hear and entirely refreshing. She couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face. “I’d like that very much.”

“Good. Now, the doctor said a walk would do you good if you’re feeling up to it.”

Marianne straightened in the bed, sitting herself up. “Yes, I believe so.”

Isabel stood and offered a hand for Marianne as she leaned toward the edge of the bed. The muscles of her legs did as she’d wished, but they were still slow moving.

“Shall I fetch your maid?” Isabel asked.

“Yes, please.”

As Marianne steadied herself on her feet, Isabel went to the door and summoned the maid.

“Good morning, madam,” Eliza greeted her with a chipper smile. “You’re looking much better today. Plenty of color in those cheeks. Mr. Ramsbury will be happy to see you so recovered.”

Marianne bit her lip before saying, “Thank you, Eliza.”

---