Page 11 of The Countess's Awakening (The Lovers’ Arch #3)
CHAPTER 11
B y the time they made it back to the house, the family was still abed. The sun rose so early this time of year that in order to catch the sunrise, they had left the house by four in the morning, less than an hour after the time Esther heard Elizabeth trudge to her bedchamber, after returning from a ball with Colin and Abigail.
The irony of the role reversal was not lost on Esther. She was the mother, the one who was supposed to set the example, be the role model. And yet, she was the one sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night, going on secret expeditions, and even taking a lover. The memory of that last part still had her blushing like a girl.
Kai looked at her and smirked, as if he could read her thoughts. She narrowed her eyes at him, attempting a quelling glance, but the effect was ruined when a corner of her lip lifted. It seemed like she couldn’t stop smiling. They were having breakfast in the family parlor, both of them putting away a good amount of food after the morning’s rigors.
Rigors… She giggled at her own choice of word and the wicked direction her mind was going.
Kai looked at her. “May I ask what is funny?”
She shook her head. “I am just happy.”
“I’m glad.” He leaned closer, reached out and grasped her hand, the contact sending warmth and another tingly sensation along her arm and all the way to her womanly core. “I was thinking that we’ll need to find another place for your hydrotherapy.”
She had forgotten about that. Was it only yesterday they had been assaulted on the streets of Limehouse? They’d had packed a month’s worth of experiences in the past twenty-four hours.
“We could go to Bath,” she said, trying to think fast. “They have several facilities. In fact, other doctors recommended I go there.”
Wang nodded, pensive. “We could try that. Although I suspect we will encounter the same problem we faced at the baths on The Strand. They will see us with suspicion. It might be difficult to keep our activities private in such baths.”
Esther leaned closer. “Do you mean the therapeutic activities or…a different kind?”
Wang smiled with such provocation that heat flooded her face once again. “Both.”
Esther smiled back, but a frown marred her brow. “What do you suggest we do, then?”
“I know a place. It has a hydrotherapy pool and other equipment designed to help patients achieve physical rehabilitation. Equipment that I would like you to start using soon. And best of all, I’m known and respected there, so we won’t face any opposition. The facilities would be at our disposal.”
“That sounds great! Why didn’t you say so before? We should have gone there from the beginning.”
“There’s only one problem. That place is in New York. It’s the hospital Colin and I founded. Where I’ve worked with him for the past five years.”
“New York! No, that’s impossible. I can’t leave Elizabeth alone for so long during her season. And it’s so far away!”
“The voyage only takes about ten days. And once there, we could stay for as long or as little as you need for your recovery.”
“Is this really necessary?”
“I will abide by your wishes, my dear heart. We could keep trying here, but in the end, I think we’ll face fewer obstacles in New York, and the recovery will be faster.”
“I would like to try Bath first. It’s not that I don’t trust your judgment, but I’m afraid of going so far away.”
“I understand.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her palm.
A rush of warmth spread up her arm, but before she could respond, the sound of the door opening made her snatch her hand away. She turned quickly, only to see Elizabeth standing in the doorway, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
“Good morning, Mama,” Elizabeth said, arching a delicate brow as she walked toward the table. “Am I interrupting?”
“Of course not, dearest,” Esther replied, willing the heat in her cheeks to fade. “Come, join us. Did you sleep well?”
Elizabeth poured herself a cup of tea before settling into a chair beside her mother. “I did, though I woke to find you already gone. Where have you been so early?”
Esther hesitated for half a moment before answering. “Mr. Wang and I took a balloon ride at sunrise. It was…exhilarating.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened with delight. “A balloon ride? Mama, how daring of you! And without me?” She feigned a pout.
Esther chuckled, relieved at her daughter’s lighthearted response. “You wouldn’t have enjoyed waking up before sunrise. We left not long after you arrived from the ball.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “True. I was exhausted last night.” Then the girl reached out and squeezed her mother’s hand, her expression turning gentle. “But I’m glad you are going out. If these adventures bring those roses to your cheeks, that is all I want. As long as you are happy, I’m happy, Mama.”
Esther felt her throat tighten. “I am, my love,” she whispered, giving Elizabeth’s hand a squeeze in return.
Elizabeth smiled, then turned her gaze playfully to Wang. “And you, sir, are you leading my mother into mischief?”
Wang inclined his head, his expression entirely solemn. “On the contrary, Lady Elizabeth. She is leading me.”
“That I can believe. Don’t let her ladylike demeanor fool you. My mother is a hoyden at heart.”
Laughter bubbled between them, Esther looked at her daughter and Wang, their easy camaraderie warming her as the morning sun. The three of them, here at the breakfast table, talking and teasing as a family. The portrait of a life she had once dreamed of.