Page 66 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Chapter Sixteen

The following morning, the butler appeared while James eyed the growing pile of correspondence on his desk. “Excuse me, my lord. Someone is here to see you.”

“Not now, Smith. Tell whomever it is to come back later.”

“I am afraid they will not wait.”

Margaret, with a child in her arms, pushed past the butler. Flushed and breathing heavily, she deposited the boy in a chair. The limp boy rested his ruddy chapped cheek against a silk pillow, his glazed brown eyes on Margaret. His chest rattled with each breath.

“Smith, fetch the doctor,” James said.

When the butler disappeared, he knelt by the child. “Good morning, Samuel,” he said, guessing this skinny dark-haired boy was his half-brother. “We’ll have you feeling better soon.”

Margaret placed her hand on the boy’s forehead. “I should not be here.” Her voice cracked. “I don’t know what to do. He’s burning, and nothing is helping.”

“You were right to come.”

“Will you keep him here? Just until he is better.” She crossed her arms and looked around the room, hugging herself.

“Of course.” Though he had no idea how to explain the sudden appearance of this child to his household, he could not imagine refusing his brother aid.

“It won’t be for long, but our rooms are damp and drafty with winter approaching. I can think of no other way to get him well, and I can’t work while tending the illness.” She pressed a fist over her mouth and closed her eyes. James’s heart twisted. While he did not know her well, from what he’d gathered, she was a stoic woman.

“You must stay as well. I don’t imagine he will be content without you.”

“I need to work. Mayfair is too far from the tailor.”

“Work, then. I lost a housemaid to marriage not long ago. You may take her place.”

Margaret looked at her brother—their brother—one hand balling her skirt, the other cradling his chin. Her affection pricked James’s heart. What must it be like for her, all alone save this boy whom she supported and cared for? The abundance of the Halverton estate could easily support them. There were empty cottages that could house them. He must create an annuity to provide for their needs, if they would allow it. For didn’t they deserve an inheritance?

“I’ll stay until he’s better.”

At last, James could do his duty. He rang the bell, and Smith entered.

“A footman has run for the doctor, my lord,” the butler said.

“Very good. Ask Mrs. Corfield to my study.”

The butler fetched the housekeeper, and James informed her that for the time being, Margaret would fulfill the duties of the empty maid position, and they would care for her ill brother as well. Margaret and Samuel were given a large room in the servant’s quarters. James did not like their living with the servants, but agreed it was best for the time being. He watched Margaret settle Samuel into bed, his tiny figure barely a lump under the blanket.

The boy could die. Restless, James began pacing the room.

“Sir?”

He stopped and gave Margaret his attention.

“You must leave,” she said.

“But—”

“It is unseemly for you to be here.”

She was right. “How will I know how Samuel is getting on?”

“I will find a way, but go. Your attention will make gossip, and Samuel and I will suffer for it.”

“Say you are a relative to Mr. Kent, the vicar at my country estate.” His mother would approve of his charity.