Page 115 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“I would advise you not to accept anything Duke Nicholas offers you. You cannot win on his terms,” Emma said.

William was taken aback. She was so blunt when she spoke. This was what Joane was trying to say but couldn’t say in direct terms. William shook his head.

“You agree with her?” Lord James asked.

“No, James and sincerely that is the smallest matter I can lend my thoughts to right now. I only brought it up because I mentioned Joane,” William answered.

“What is wrong?” Lord James asked.

“Father is sick again. And it seems serious this time,” William said.

Lord James moved closer. He put his palm on William’s shoulder.

“But he has been better these past few weeks,” he said.

“Yes.” William agreed, “But today while I was away, he slumped. Mother had to carry him before others could come.”

Lord James said nothing. He rubbed William’s shoulders more vigorously. Emma drew closer too. William saw as her fingers slowly interlocked with Lord James’ as they stood together.

“I am sorry about your father,” she said.

William nodded his head. The door opened and in came a man of slight stature. He was carrying a bag by his side. It was the same old man with a bald head and huge spectacles; it was the doctor. William walked over to his side.

“Good evening doctor,” he said.

“William, good evening, is your father in his room?” he asked.

“Yes, he is. You can go up, I’ll be right behind you,” William said.

The doctor nodded and walked down the corridor. William blinked as the back of his head caught the small light in the corridor, twinkling as he went further.

“I think I should take my leave,” Emma said.

William nodded and walked behind her and Lord James as they walked out of the house. When they got to his carriage, Emma got in but Lord James didn’t follow. Lord James walked to the driver and said some things William didn’t hear.

“Aren’t you leaving, James?” William asked him.

“No,” Lord James replied. “He will take her home and bring the carriage back here for me.”

William nodded. He walked to Emma and spoke to her through the open carriage door.

“Thank you for visiting,” he said.

“No, thank you for having me, Mr. William, I am sorry I am not able to wait much longer,” she said.

“I understand.”

William walked back to the stairway and watched as Lord James and Emma spoke. Emma said something that made Lord James laugh. He placed on palm around her neck and nodded her head.

These two have no problems. Their love is so uncomplicated, why couldn’t we all have that kind of love?

The carriage rode away and Lord James returned back to meet William.

“Let’s go see your father,” Lord James said.

William turned and walked up the stairs. This was not like the last time his father was sick, then he felt a bit non-committal, like he knew nothing was going to happen. Now he wasn’t so sure, there was a cold aura around the thought of his father on that bed.

He might die. He could actually die.