Tia awoke early the next morning and rang for assistance. Her encounter with the viscount last night had emboldened her. Mrs. Abbott arrived a few minutes later with a sour look upon her face.
“Back in your bed, I see.” The woman folded her arms over her measly bosom.
“Mrs. Abbott, I would like a suitable dress to wear immediately.” She tilted her head and gave the housekeeper smug grin. That old biddy could believe whatever she wanted. Tia Featherstone could take care of herself.
“Lord Middleton has not ordered me to give you any clothing.”
“Why?”
Mrs. Abbott stared at her. “He didn’t want you to run off.”
Tia laughed. “Where would I go? I have no money and have no friends in town.”
Mrs. Abbott shrugged.
“Besides, Lord Middleton is in no condition to give orders.”
Mrs. Abbott’s face drew pallid. “I heard he was hurt but nothing more. I assumed he was perfectly well since the surgeon was not called for.”
“I cared for his lordship, as is my duty as wise woman. Now, I would like to dress so I might get some air.”
The housekeeper nodded sharply. “Very well. I suppose you deserve a little air since you saved his lordship’s life. I shall have something brought up to you immediately, Miss Featherstone.” She turned to leave and then stopped. “He is all right, then?”
“Yes, Mrs. Abbott. Lord Middleton should be fine, but he needs rest right now.”
“Thank you, miss. He is a fine master.”
Tia wondered about that as the housekeeper left the room. The former lordship had been a hard man. She’d only met him a few times and then he’d been curt with her. Perhaps Middleton, even with his rakish demeanor, treated the staff better than the previous viscount. She was glad that the tenants had a more compassionate landholder.
Her only priority was finding Jonathon before it was too late. Every day he was gone increased her concern for his well-being. The things he’d told her frightened and worried her. She needed to get him back under the physician’s care until he had completely recovered from his issue.
Mrs. Abbott entered the room without even a knock and then handed her a dress. “This will have to do. Mr. Nelson informed me that the dressmaker was set to arrive at noon. Make certain you are back to the house before then.”
“I will do just that,” Tia said softly. Unless she found Jonathon.
She dressed quickly and then ate breakfast. She needed to leave the house before Middleton awoke and wondered where she was this morning. Hopefully, the laudanum would make him sleep longer and deeper so she could escape. She pushed away the tray and stood, only to discover yet another issue. While Mrs. Abbott had brought her clothing to wear, Tia’s boots were still at the inn.
“Drat it.” Now she would have to beg for Mrs. Abbott’s help again. She doubted the cantankerous housekeeper would allow her too many favors. She rang the bell and waited fretfully. Footsteps sounded closer to her door. Please let it be Mrs. Abbott and not Middleton.
“Come in,” Tia responded after a light knock. After last night, it was unlikely that Middleton would rap on the door.
“What do you need now?” Mrs. Abbott said as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I have a house to run.”
“I need shoes,” Tia replied, staring at her feet.
“Your boots are in the linen press.”
“They are?” She walked to the linen press and found her short boots on the bottom. “How did they get here?” She hadn’t thought to question how her bag of herbs ended up in Middleton’s room last night.
“A footman returned last night to the inn and gathered the rest of your things.”
Tia frowned. “Then where are the rest of my dresses?” she asked, but knew the answer—burned.
Mrs. Abbott nodded as if she understood what Tia was thinking. “I saw no reason to waste a perfectly acceptable pair of boots. No matter what his lordship said.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.”
Mrs. Abbott frowned and then nodded sharply. “Is that all?”
“Is his lordship awake yet?”
“No, why?”
“I wished to walk to the park for some air. If the viscount were awake, I would need to check on his condition before I departed. That is all,” Tia said in an innocent tone. The housekeeper didn’t need to know Tia would prefer to check his wound while he slept, so as to avoid another confrontation with him.
“You are free to walk. Do you need a maid with you?”
“I am fine. You need the maids helping you out around the house, not following behind me.”
“You are quite right, miss,” Mrs. Abbott replied.
“Once I check in on him, I am off to Hyde Park then.” Tia found an old bonnet in the linen press and then tied it under her chin.
Tia walked the short distance between the rooms and knocked softly. Hearing no reply, she opened the door and peeked into the room. It appeared he still slept. Quietly, she crept inside toward the bedroom. She peered into the bedroom and smiled as she noticed his eyes were still shut and his breathing even. Not wanting to wake him, she tiptoed to the bed and looked at the bandage. No blood was seeping through and there was no sign of redness around it. He would be fine until she returned.
She left the room and rushed down the stairs, bid Mrs. Abbott a good morning, and walked out of the house determined to find Jonathon at the park. She wandered the streets of Mayfair until the park opened before her. As Tia walked the path toward the Serpentine, the noisy world of London melted away. She strolled by the water and sat down to watch the passersby.
After an hour of watching people and seeing no sign of Jonathon, she decided to walk around the park. That proved even more mundane than gawking at the finely dressed people. While she’d nodded to a few women, not a single one had taken the time to acknowledge her. With a sigh, she sat down on a bench, feeling completely defeated.
“I shall be all right. Just let me rest a moment.”
Tia glanced over at a petite woman as she sat to fan herself. After receiving cuts from the other ladies she’d passed, Tia saw no reason to greet the finely dressed woman. Although, the more she spied her, the more she realized the woman did not look well. Her face was pale and drawn as if fighting something. “Are you all right?” she finally asked.
“It’s dreadfully warm, that is all,” the woman murmured.
“Is this woman bothering you?” a footman asked, drawing nearer.
“No, Arthur. She is only being kind.” The woman pressed her hands to her stomach.
“Miss—”
“That would be Lady Eldridge to you, miss,” the footman said.
“Arthur, be a dear and go sit over there,” Lady Eldridge said, pointing to a bench out of earshot. Once the footman had stomped over to the other bench like a petulant child, she said, “He is a very nice man, but takes his responsibility to watch over me far too seriously. We are only in Hyde Park. I scarcely think anything will happen to me while I talk with you.”
Tia laughed softly. “I rather doubt it too. Now, what is really the matter? I have some expertise in this area. I already have an idea of what is troubling you.”
“You could not possibly know. And we have not been properly introduced. I am Lady Emily Eldridge.”
“I am Miss Hestia Featherstone, but most people call me Tia.”
Lady Eldridge frowned. “Are you a servant with a family nearby?”
“No,” Tia said with a laugh and then went quiet. Mrs. Abbott had said she was nothing more than a servant and deserved to sleep downstairs with the others. But out at the estate, no one had treated her as such. They all respected and admired her for helping them with their ails.
“Indeed?” Lady Eldridge pursed her bow lips and scanned Tia’s attire. “You certainly dress like a servant.”
“I am a wise woman, my lady.” She glanced at her dress. “And my gown is a very long story.”
Lady Eldridge gave a little shrug. “A gown doesn’t make a woman,” she muttered. “Now, what is a wise woman?”
“I am a healer and midwife for Lord Middleton at his estate in the Midlands.”
“Lord Middleton?” Her eyes shuttered for a long moment. “How is he? Is he in town? I hadn’t heard he had returned.”
“Yes, my lady, he is in town, but not for long.” Tia wondered how this woman was acquainted with Middleton.
“And his brother?” she whispered in an uneven tone.
Tia realized Middleton might be an acquaintance, but it was Jonathon this woman was most interested in. “I have not seen him for a few weeks, since he left the estate.”
Lady Eldridge’s shoulders sagged as a crestfallen look swept across her face. “I see.”
“My lady, you look dreadfully pale. Perhaps you should return to your home now.”
“I would prefer speaking with you.” Lady Eldridge picked up her silk fan and resumed fanning herself. She stopped for a moment and held her stomach.
“My lady, please let me help you home. I can make up some peppermint tea that will help with the nausea.”
The woman’s hazel eyes widened. “To what are you referring? I am having no such ills.”
Tia’s lips twitched. So, the lady didn’t want anyone to know she was with child yet. She rose from her seat, knowing that Lady Eldridge was about to stop her. “If you say so, then I should return to Lord Middleton’s home now. Good day.”
Lady Eldridge moaned softly. “Can you really help me?”
“Yes, I can but only if you are truthful with me about all your symptoms.” Tia held out her hand to assist the young woman. “Shall we return to your home?”
“Oh, please.” Lady Eldridge tightly clasped her hand around Tia’s.
The footman immediately rose and strode toward them. “My lady, might I be of assistance?”
“Bring the carriage around to us.”
“B—but I mustn’t leave you alone,” he stammered. “Lord Eldridge will have my head if something befalls you.”
“Miss Featherstone will be my companion while you summon the carriage. She will also accompany me back to the house.”
The footman scowled at Tia and then nodded. “Of course, ma’am.”
“Ma’am?” Tia swore softly. “I am most likely older than you and he would never deem it necessary to call me ma’am.”
Lady Eldridge laughed. “In Society, it’s all about who you are and with whom you associate. Now that I have decided you and I shall be fast friends, he will have no choice but to treat you with the respect you deserve.”
Tia almost laughed. Respect? Did she deserve respect from anyone after leaving her position as the wise woman for Middleton’s estate and then running off to London to save his brother? Most people would assume she was a strumpet for chasing after Jonathon. No one knew the truth of the matter of why she felt the need to follow him. It was purely for his safety. Not that she’d managed to find one sign of him yet.
“Tia?”
“I’m sorry, my lady—”
“Emily.”
Tia blinked. “Pardon me?”
“You will call me Emily,” she said as they ambled across the park.
Tia had no idea what to say. From what she’d heard, Lady Eldridge’s request was most uncommon. Ladies in Society wanted to look down on the lower classes and the use of their titles was the easiest way to do so. “I couldn’t possibly call you by your Christian name.”
“Of course you can. I decide who calls me Lady Eldridge and who calls me Emily.” Emily glanced to the ground. “I could use a friend in London. Like you, I’m from the country. I don’t have that many true friends and none in town. But I believe you and I shall be wonderful companions.”
“I shan’t be here long enough for that to happen, my lady.” Tia bit down on her lower lip. She actually liked Emily and had felt an instant connection that warmed her heart. Back in the Midlands, her only real friends were her twin sister Mia and their mutual friend Selina.
“And why not? I know it’s not the Season, but there are still many people in London who prefer to stay in town.”
“Lord Middleton has decided that we should return to the estate posthaste.”
Emily laughed as they reached the street. “Middleton? He is one of the worst of the group.”
“Perhaps, but now that he is the viscount I believe he feels a need to be more responsible and that includes taking care of his estate.” Tia had no idea if that were true or not. She also had no idea why she was defending him to someone who most likely knew him better than she did.
“He’s a rake, through and through,” Emily added with a hint of scorn.
Tia only shrugged as she clamored into the carriage. She sat back against the velvet squabs with a long sigh. Beautiful red satin lined the enclosed carriage. She had never been privileged to sit in such luxury. The post carriage was far from plush.
“What is wrong?” Emily asked as the carriage rolled down Brooke Street.
“Nothing,” she replied softly.
Emily cocked a blond brow at her. “Indeed? As much as you can tell I am feeling unwell, I can tell you are bothered by something. Now, what is wrong?”
Tia stared down at her ugly brown dress. “I do not belong in such a beautiful carriage. Perhaps I should return to Middleton’s home now.” The last thing she wanted to do was face the irate man who only wanted her to return to the Midlands, but starting a friendship with a lady like Emily seemed improper. They were from very different stations in life. And once Tia left London, she doubted she would get the opportunity to visit for a very long time.
“No, you said you would help me feel better.” Her face scrunched. “And you will do that.”
“I shall help you and then return.”
“Perhaps,” Emily mumbled.
The carriage ride was over so quickly, Tia realized she could have walked to the Eldridge home quicker. Arthur assisted Emily down and then looked at Tia.
“Shall I escort Miss Featherstone home?” he asked in a hopeful tone.
“No, Arthur. She is paying a call on me. Help her down.”
Tia smothered a laugh as Arthur held out his hand to assist her down from the carriage. “Thank you, Arthur.”
He only shook his head in reply.
Tia still found it odd that Arthur immediately recognized her for what she was—no one—while Emily insisted Tia return to her home and befriend her. Could Lady Eldridge be that lacking in female companionship?
Once they reached the entrance, Emily turned to her. “Would you mind if we talked in my bedchamber? I find myself very tired and unwell.”
“Of course, Lady Eldridge.”
Emily stared at her without moving. “Emily.”
“Of course, Emily,” Tia said, feeling as if she’d been reprimanded. She followed behind her new friend as they ascended the steps. Almost as soon as she entered the room, Emily’s lady maid blustered into the room.
“Did you have a fine day out at the park, my lady?” the woman asked as she removed Emily’s beautiful ivory spencer.
“Lovely, but I am a bit tired. Could you bring some tea up for Miss Featherstone and me.”
It was as if Tia hadn’t existed until the countess proclaimed her presence in the room. The maid bobbed a quick curtsy. “Good afternoon, Miss Featherstone.”
Tia had no idea the maid’s name, so only nodded at her. “Could you find some peppermint to brew some tea?”
“Peppermint tea?” The maid slid a glance to the countess.
“Yes, Mallory. Some peppermint tea for Miss Featherstone. Thank you.”
Tia watched as Miss Mallory backed out of the room looking dreadful confused by what she’d just encountered in her mistress’s bedchamber. Once the door shut behind her, Tia’s skill took over. “To bed with you, my lady.”
“I cannot retire at this hour. Everyone will be suspicious.”
“Not another word,” Tia said before setting to work at removing the woman’s dress and stays. “Bed, now.”
Emily scampered under the covers and then lay back against the pillows with a sigh. “You mustn’t tell a soul.”
Tia nodded. “Is there some specific reason you are not ready to tell your husband about his impending fatherhood?”
“No,” she answered quickly.
“Surely, he will be pleased with the idea of you carrying his heir?” Tia said.
The countess stared at her long fingers splayed against the coverlet. Tears fell like rain from her eyes. “I cannot be certain it is his child,” she whispered so quietly Tia barely heard her.
“Why not?”
“I was with another man not long before my marriage. My family did not consider him husband material. Once Eldridge expressed an interest in me, my mother paraded me before him at every opportunity until he proposed only a fortnight later. We were married a week later by special license. I didn’t wish to marry him and when the other man returned a few days before the wedding. . . .”
“When did you discover your condition?” Tia asked as she felt Emily’s belly.
“In all the upheaval of the marriage, it wasn’t until a week ago that I realized I had missed two monthlies.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t been nauseated until now.”
“Every now and then but today was the worst.” Emily smiled up at her. “Which is why I am so glad I discovered you at the park.”
“Good fortune indeed.” Tia took a seat near the bed as Mallory returned with the tea tray.
“My lady, are you unwell?”
“Just tired. That is why we are having tea upstairs.” As Mallory placed the tea on the bedside table, Emily asked, “Did you find the peppermint for tea?”
“Yes, my lady. I brought both the peppermint and the black.”
“Thank you, Mallory. I shall ring if I need anything more.”
Mallory nodded and then departed.
Emily looked over at Tia. “Would you mind pouring today?”
“Of course not.” Tia prepared the peppermint tea and then handed it to Emily. “This should calm your stomach.” Then she made some black tea for herself. Sitting back against the chair, an odd sense of discomfort overcame her. She needed to drink her tea and return to Middleton’s before the dressmaker arrived at noon. It was already eleven, so she must make her excuse rather quickly.
“Where did you learn so much about pregnancy?”
Tia explained how her mother had taught her and her sister from the time they were old enough to follow her around the estate. They would watch her heal people and treat them for sicknesses with herbs.
“It seems so odd to me that your mother would allow you to see people’s bare limbs, especially a man’s,” Emily commented and then sipped her tea.
“Perhaps, but seeing it at a young age takes the fascination out of it. Once you’ve seen one bare leg, the others are all the same.” If only the same could be said of a man’s chest. She had never seen a chest like Middleton’s, finely muscled down to his belly. And that line of black hair that crossed his chest, down his belly, and disappeared beneath his trousers had fascinated her.
“I suppose that would be true.”
Tia placed her teacup down and rose. “I must return to Middleton’s home before he becomes concerned.” Or irate. But still, she hoped his arm was all right. She needed to check his bandage for signs of infection.
“Are you certain?” Emily asked softly. “I would love to have you stay with me. My darling husband is usually too busy with his mistress to escort me to many of the parties. With you along with me, we could both go. I could introduce you to all the handsome young men and then perhaps you wouldn’t need to return to the Midlands ever again.”
Tia bit down on her lip in thought. If she stayed with Emily, Middleton wouldn’t be able to force her to return. But she couldn’t take charity from a woman she’d only just met. “While I would enjoy that, I must decline.”
“Why?”
“I shouldn’t wish Middleton to worry.”
Emily’s brows rose. “Indeed? Is he worried about ruining your reputation by having you stay in his home with no proper chaperone?”
Tia laughed. “Emily, no one cares if I am at his home whether I am his mistress or not.”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“But everyone will assume you are.”
Tia shrugged. “I know no one in town. They will just believe he has installed a mistress to his home. Since I will be leaving possibly tomorrow, very few people will even realize I was there.”
“Why will you not stay with me?” Emily asked quietly with a slight pout. “Have I offended you in some manner?”
“Of course not! But, Emily, we have only just met this very day. Why would you want a complete stranger in your home? Besides, what would your husband say?”
“Yes, Emily, what would your husband say?” A deep voice sounded from the threshold.
Emily’s face brightened. “Eldridge, come meet my new friend,” she said, extending her hand outward.
Emily’s husband was older than Tia had expected. Gray hairs peppered his dark brown locks, and wrinkle lines around his eyes foretold his age to be much closer to forty than Emily’s youthful twenty.
The earl approached the bed and gently kissed his wife’s cheek. “Baines said you were not feeling well, so I came up to check on you.”
“My new friend has helped me feel much better.” Emily quickly introduced them. “I was just trying to convince Miss Featherstone that her reputation might be in jeopardy by staying alone with Viscount Middleton. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she stayed with us? She could accompany me to the parties you are unable to attend. And she could give me someone to talk to while you attend to your duties.”
“You are more than welcome to stay with us, Miss Featherstone. For my wife’s sake, I hope you will.” He gave a quick bow and then left them alone again.
“See,” Emily said with a tight smile. “Eldridge would give me anything I desire as long as I don’t make a fuss about his mistress.”
Tia cringed. This was no marriage.
“Say you will stay with me,” Emily implored.
“Middleton will be furious.” That alone should make her want to stay with her new friend. After what he did to her last night, he deserved a little retribution. But staying with Emily also would give her access to her friends in Society. This might help her find Jonathon.
“He doesn’t have to know you’re here,” Emily said with a smile.
“I suppose he doesn’t.”
And if he could not find her, he couldn’t force her to return to a position she no longer wished to do. Even as a tingle of worry crept over her, Tia said, “I’ll stay.”