Page 69 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

After one week,the symptoms decreased, just as Dr. Gray had predicted. Evan had still felt feeble and slightly nauseous but experienced no more muscle spasms. His heart and pulse beat normally once more. The delusions and accompanying fever vanished.

Then the real work began.

The second week, he was allowed to be up and move about, although walking tired him. Frequent meals on a tray appeared at regular intervals in his room. Dr. Gray wanted him to eat to build his strength but Evan could only tolerate small amounts of food at a time, thus the frequency. It was nothing for a tray to be brought to him eight or ten times a day. Each time, he was able to eat a little more. Each day, he could walk a bit farther. He craved whiskey every second of the day. It took extreme willpower to force the thoughts away, knowing if he drank again, it would kill him—and ruin any chance he had with Rachel.

With the start of the third week, Dr. Gray allowed Evan the run of the house and encouraged him to walk as much as he could to build strength. The doctor or Randolph shadowed his every step. Evan still thought of whiskey but only in a vague way. It didn’t seem as important as before. He hoped its grasp on him had lessened. He was allowed to eat three meals a day downstairs with Alex and Leah. It was the first time he’d seen the couple since Dr. Gray kept him in isolation through the worst of things. Now, Evan longed for their company.

No one knew he was staying with the Alfords. He began eating normally and the weight came back on. Alex had Evan’s clothes collected from his townhouse, though Leah admitted most of them had to be burned due to stains and smells that wouldn’t come out. She’d sent to Edgemere for more of his wardrobe and his tailor appeared one afternoon, fitting him for several new coats and shirts, as well.

He also was allowed to ride during that third week. Dr. Gray said besides walking, riding was the best exercise possible. Evan rode with Randolph each morning at six, well before anyone in thetonarose. They rode again between seven and eight at night, seeing no one of his acquaintance. He sensed his strength returning.

After dinner, Dr. Gray asked if he could address Evan, Alex, and Leah. They went to a small, intimate parlor, where Evan and Alex had played several chess matches the past week. Dr. Gray was a great believer in exercising the mind as well as the body. The first time Evan had been able to call out “checkmate” he’d almost wept.

The three sat and looked expectantly at the physician. Having come to know Gray well, Evan could guess what he wished to address them about.

“I know you had high hopes for Lord Merrick to reintroduce himself into Polite Society when the Season opened. I do not think it wise at this time.” He looked to Evan. “What are your feelings, my lord?”

Evan took a deep breath. “As much as I would like to attend the Parkers’ ball in three days’ time, I’m not ready. I am getting stronger, both physically and mentally, but I still need more time. At this point, the thought of entering a ballroom crowded with people frightens me more than charging into battle. I’m afraid I would head for the nearest decanter and down liquid courage merely to keep standing.”

He looked at his friends. “You have stood by me during this awful time. I’m asking for you to continue to do so for a little while longer. I think if I had two more weeks, I would be better able to manage myself.”

Alex nodded. “It’s only two weeks. You know Rachel. She would not commit to anyone so suddenly. Why, she spent all of last Season refusing to entertain offers. I can’t see things changing.” He placed a hand on Evan’s knee. “A stronger you will have a better chance to win her back.”

Evan sighed. “You know my fondest wish is to win her back. If I don’t, I promise I won’t sink to the depths that I did. Drinking oneself to death is a miserable experience. After working so hard with Dr. Gray to climb out of that dark hole, I would never voluntarily leap into it again. I still have the urge to drink, though. Dr. Gray says it will always be there. It will take everything I have for the rest of my life not to give in to it. Even if I lose Rachel in the long run, I haven’t lost myself. Thanks to your intervention and finding Dr. Gray to work with me, I have a chance at a good life again.”

Tears spilled down Leah’s cheeks. She rose and came to sit next to him. She took his hand and placed it against her face and then lovingly kissed it.

“We will always be here for you, Evan. No matter what happens.”

“Thank you,” he said softly. “I am blessed to have the both of you in my life.”

“Do you have any recommendations, Doctor?” Alex asked. “For the next two weeks?”

“I think Lord Merrick should leave London and return to his country estate. The fresh air will do him good. Riding his property. Seeing his tenants. Creating a bit of normalcy in his life.”

Evan chuckled. “Rachel did see that I had a first-class cook. Mrs. Bridges’ food tempts me as much as Mrs. Dunnavant’s ever did.”

“Should we come with you?” Leah asked anxiously.

“No. This is something I should do on my own.” He looked to the physician. “I assume you and Randolph will accompany me?”

“We will, Lord Merrick.”

“I think we should leave very early tomorrow morning,” Evan said. “Can I borrow your valet to pack for me, Alex?”

“Randolph will take care of that,” Gray said. “We could use your coach, Lord Alford, if that is available.”

“Of course, Doctor.” Alex rose and shook the man’s hand. “You have already worked a miracle by bringing Evan back to us. I hope these additional two weeks will benefit him.”

“They will. The more time he has to prepare for being out in society again, the better. Lord Merrick has proven to be my most determined patient. I have high hopes that he will have a complete recovery and not experience any relapses.”

Evan stood. He kissed Leah and shook Alex’s hand. “I’ll say my goodbyes now. The next time I see you, I will be ready to accompany you to whatevertonevent takes place.”

With that, he left the room. He only prayed he had the strength and courage to keep to his current path.

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