Page 44 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“It’s not a problem, Your Grace.”

“It’s my husband. Lately, he has been suffering from bouts of fever and tiredness. He grows cold some nights too. Our family physician has worked on him often, but he hasn’t improved. He has been unable to determine what exactly is wrong with the Duke. Someone suggested you have a look at him. You would be doing me a personal favour if you can determine what is wrong with him and stop it. About your remuneration, there are no worries. You will be duly paid,” she said.

Dr Frederick placed his thumb and index fingers around his nose.

“Does he have aches anywhere?” he asked.

“No, not that he’s told me of,” the Duchess replied.

“Is it possible to know his age, Your Grace?”

“Yes. Why not? My husband is five years removed from three scores.”

Dr Frederick nodded his head.

“He became the Duke at a very young age,” he said.

The Duchess smiled.

“Yes, the youngest ever. He became Duke at 26.”

“His father died early?” Dr Frederick asked.

“Early and suddenly,” Duchess Mona stated grimly.

Dr Frederick nodded his head.

“Could you lead me to him, Your Grace?”

“Definitely, please follow me,” she replied.

Now they were at the top of the stairs. She pushed the door open and revealed a steward sitting on a chair beside a big door. He jumped to his feet on seeing the Duchess.

“Relax, Roman, how is he?”

“Not much has changed, Your Grace. His breath is still as faint as it was when you left,” the steward answered.

Dr Frederick heard the Duchess sigh. She shook her head and opened the bigger door, leading Dr Frederick in. The room was masterfully decorated. Everything was posh. The red rug was so thick; Dr Frederick wasn’t sure his foot would stop sinking if he didn’t move weight to the other one. The bed lay directly opposite the door, at the far end of the room. It was circular, with bed posts that rose to the ceiling. The windows were left wide open.

“Your physician advised for the room to be aired always,” Dr Frederick said.

“Yes, he did,” the Duchess replied.

Dr Frederick went closer

“I wasn’t aware I would be called to duty when coming for the ball. I didn’t bring my tool box,” he explained to the Duchess.

“No problems, Dr Frederick. I just want you to see him with your eyes. You may detect one or two things our physician has missed,” she answered.

Dr Frederick looked into the Duke’s face.

This isn’t the face of a 55-year-old man.

The Duke looked older than his chronological age.

“His body is breaking down,” Dr Frederick muttered under his breath.

He opened two buttons of the Duke’s silk shirt and laid his ear on the Duke’s chest. His heartbeat was faint and weak.