“But like I said before, you have been a stabilizing presence in this family for several decades. So even though we only have conjecture to go on for now, it is enough to convince me that we need to do something. Keep a close eye on the stables for now and let me know if you spot anything unusual. And tomorrow I shall visit the stables myself under the pretense of checking on my horse.”
“Thank you, Your Grace, for putting so much faith in me.”
“Of course, Fletcher. But please make sure that you yourself don’t fall ill. I have more than enough on my plate already.”
Chapter 25
“Tony, you will only need to spare a few minutes,” Meredith softly pleaded.
Anthony politely shook his head.
“No, that’s quite all right, Meredith. I don’t believe that would be necessary.”
“But she has been asking for you repeatedly.” Meredith delicately clasped his hand. “Please. Her condition may improve significantly once she sees you.”
Anthony wanted to consider this suggestion, but he did not allow himself to.
“Meredith, dearest, you are allowing emotions to cloud your judgment. There is nothing at all that I can do for Cecilia at this time. The medicine has been prescribed and her governess is by her side. I, too, must carry out my duty as head of this household.”
He gently squeezed Meredith’s hand and then detached himself. As he turned around to start making his way downstairs, the door of Cecilia’s bedroom creaked open and out came Mr. Tulk carrying her breakfast tray, which looked completely untouched.
“Oh! Good morning, Your Grace. I was just about to take Lady Cecilia’s dishes back to the kitchen. Is there anything at all I may do for you?” Mr. Tulk offered generously.
“No, thank you, Mr. Tulk. Please do carry on, your faithful services have been most invaluable during this aggravating crisis.”
Mr. Tulk bowed his head slightly. “You are far too kind to me, Your Grace. I am only doing what anyone in my shoes would have also done.”
As they watched Mr. Tulk descend the stairs, Anthony turned to Meredith once more.
“Go on, Meredith. Stay by Cecilia, please. I shall be in the study. Some letters arrived today that I need to go through and respond to.”
Anthony, too, descended the staircase and silently contemplated the current circumstances. It had started off rather bizarre but now it was a most distressing, indeed. Dr. Wentworth had been paying regular visits to Ambrose Estate as the wave of illness swept through the whole house.
In just over two weeks since Timothy’s death, the influenza had affected everyone except Anthony. Those who fell ill early seemed on the road to recovery. This was true with all of the kitchen staff—who were the very first to show signs of illness—but most especially with Mr. Tulk, who was essentially the only non-ill person in the house, aside from Meredith and Anthony.
Dr. Wentworth had attributed Mr. Tulk’s relatively swift recovery to the medicine, plus his strong constitution. Meredith evidently also had an exceptional constitution, but Anthony had suspected just as much already.
The soft rustling of his clothes and the echoes of his footsteps on the staircase only served to emphasize how truly alone Anthony felt. As he made his way to the study, he observed that most of the furniture was already covered in a thin film of dust.
Of course it is, the maids have been ill for days. Although, it does give the house a strange sort of haunted appearance.
Yesterday morning, Fletcher had tried to convince Anthony that he was well enough to start working again, but Anthony had firmly said no, he wanted him to recover properly. The same went for Mrs. Oakley, who was just as keen to return to her work. While touched by their concern, Anthony declared that until Dr. Wentworth himself pronounced them fit to resume their duties, no one was allowed to do any work whatsoever.
Anthony took a moment to lean against the front door whilst surveying the front gardens. Today was the final day of his Ninety-day agreement with Fletcher. Anthony knew what his decision was, his final decision would be yes. He had known it for a while now.
Were it not for this blasted disease, today would have been a momentous occasion; a turning point in our lives.
He checked the time.
Twenty past nine o’clock, I wonder if he is already on his way.
* * *
Meredith checked Cecilia’s forehead for fever for what felt like the twelfth time in the past hour.
I can’t really tell if she is getting better or worse, but I’m glad that she is finally getting some rest.
The young girl’s expression was the most peaceful it had been for the last two days. Her case of the illness was by far the most severe. There was a point at which Dr. Wentworth was extremely worried for her life, but that moment had thankfully passed and Cecilia’s life was, for now, no longer in any immediate danger.
