Page 17 of A Foolish Endeavor

Chapter Fourteen

Following yet another breakfast where Lavinia made no appearance, Miles walked over to the parsonage. He found his sister, Charlotte, in the front yard, cutting some hollyhocks. Hearing his approach, she looked up and smiled at her brother.

“Miles, what a nice surprise,” she said. “I am afraid Frederick is out just now. He is condoling with Mr. Grant after the loss of a prize pig.”

“I see. You did not feel the need to accompany him on this errand of mercy?” Miles replied, with a grin. “I sincerely hope word does not get out of such a lack of compassion on your part.”

Charlotte laughed easily. “In truth, I did consider it, but decided my time was better spent in the garden. In addition, Frederick walked over to the farm and, with my current girth, such a long walk is not appealing just now.” She cut another hollyhock, then said, “Let us go inside. You have eaten, I suppose, but I can offer you tea, if you like.”

“It is not tea I am seeking but consolation from my sister. For I am nearly as low as Mr. Grant is over his lost pig.”

Charlotte’s smile disappeared. She set her shears down in her basket and took his arm. “Come inside at once.”

They entered the back parlor and took seats. Sally, the maid, poked her head in to ask if her mistress wished for anything. Charlotte pointed to the basket of hollyhocks and asked Sally to please put them in water.

“Now,” Charlotte said to Miles when they were alone. “What has you so dispirited? Is it little Dickie? I thought he was better.”

“He is. Well, to a certain degree, at least. His fever is long gone, but he continues to have these seizures.”

“Oh, dear. What does Dr. Baker say?”

“That he may grow out of them. Or, he may not. Worst of all, there appears to be no remedy, or medicine, to help. Dr. Baker could ask the apothecary to produce a draught to cause a sort of stupor, but that is no condition in which to have our son grow up.”

Charlotte leaned forward. “Certainly not. I am so very sorry, Miles. May I inquire as to how… severe these fits are?”

“I cannot say for I have nothing with which to compare them. He stiffens, then shakes in a most frightful way, then goes all limp. I believe they seem less severe than at first, but perhaps that is due to the fact that we have become more accustomed to them. He has perhaps six a day.”

“Lavinia must be beside herself.”

“Indeed, she is. So much so, that—well, now I come to the key point of my distress.” He raised his face and exhaled slowly. “Lavinia has refused to leave Dickie’s side since his illness came on the night of the assembly. She spends hours in the nursery, ever watchful in case of another fit. She will not be apart from him.”

Charlotte frowned, considering. “She was at church this past Sunday, was she not?”

“A fact which I brought up to her, but she informed me that she only attended in order to pray for Dickie.” Miles abruptly stood and paced the room, running a hand through his dark hair. “She will not come downstairs to dine but takes all her meals in the nursery. And, forgive my being so specific, but she has not shared my bed once since Dickie became unwell. I miss my wife, Charlotte, and I do not know what to do.”

“I assume you have spoken to her of your feelings?”

Miles gave a short bark of a laugh. “Much good it did me. I might as well have been the gardener speaking to her as her own husband. She paid me no heed, whatsoever. Indeed, she has accused me of being an uncaring father for not spending every minute of every day alongside her in the nursery.”

Charlotte sighed, and shook her head. “This is all very distressing. To accuse you of being neglectful is an indication that she is not in her right mind. She knows what a loving and doting father you are. Indeed, she has oft mentioned it to me in the past. Has her lady’s maid—Ellen, isn’t it—spoken to her? Often a suggestion comes more easily from someone who is not a relation.”

“I do not know.”

“And what of our father? Has he any advice for you?”

“He only says to give her time. But, Charlotte, the crisis is past us now. How long am I to wait?”

“I have no idea.” Charlotte shook her head sadly. “Do you wish for me to ask Frederick to go to her when he returns? Perhaps pastoral guidance may be of some use.”

“Thank you, Charlotte, but, in truth, I was hoping you might speak to her. My belief is she may take a suggestion more willingly from you than anyone, as you are so close. Do I ask too much?”

Charlotte rose, went to her brother, and laid a hand on his arm. “Not at all. I am happy to do whatever I may to assist. I will go to her at once.”

“I need not tell you where to find her,” Miles said, with a trace of bitterness in his voice.

“Shall we walk over together?”

“I cannot face her just now, and it would arouse her suspicion if you walked in with me,” Miles said. “Alone, you can pass your visit off as just an act of sisterly affection. I will go into Doddington. I am in need of some exercise and diversion just now. Perhaps it will help my mood.” He nodded and moved towards the door. “Thank you, Charlotte.”