Free My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Hazel Statham Page A

aware he held. “Stefan’s—daughter!”
    “Aye, sir.”
    “Then she shall come home to Stovely, shall she not Jane?” he said quietly, turning to look at her and placing his hand over hers as it still rested on his shoulder.
    “Most certainly, sir,” she responded. “She could become your ward. She could not wish for a better guardian, I’m sure.”
    “ As soon as I am able, I shall go to the Convent of Adoratricesa. She will not be left parentless in a foreign land. I am sure it is what Stefan would have wished.”
    Feeling his mission to be complete the sergeant rose. “When you are fit to leave, sir, I will send Proctor to you to guide you to the convent; he is a good man and can be relied on. It would be safer if Miss Chandler did not accompany you into Spain, you would not meet with any sympathy should you cross paths with the French. Indeed, sir, I would go with you myself but I am needed here.”
    Still appearing distracted, Robert gave a brief nod. “Your man’s guidance will be sufficient, though I would not wish to put him at risk on my account. He must not travel in uniform.”
    “ He will not, sir, but he has a good command of the French and Spanish tongue and therefore will prove of value to you. Send word when you are ready to recommence your journey.”
    “It will be soon, I promise you. I will send Hills to you when we are able to leave.”
    Taking this as a dismissal, Sgt. Patterson snapped to attention and saluted once more before departing to return to his men. He left a very weary and perplexed invalid to stare after him, all manner of thoughts tumbling through Robert’s mind.
    “Now, sir, it is time you took some rest,” Jane said, taking charge of the situation once more. “Your visitor has completely worn you out; indeed you look even paler than before.”
    “But a daughter, Jane… imagine… Stefan has a daughter. I could never have envisaged such an outcome. If we had not taken this journey, I would never have known of her existence. Indeed, to have lost one parent is a tragedy, but the poor child has been left motherless into the bargain. What sort of brother would I be if I let the situation rest when it is within my power to put it to rights?”
    “ We will not let the situation rest, Robert,” she soothed. “Now that we are aware of the child’s existence all will be done that can be. Now for my sake rest or when the doctor returns he will certainly insist on you remaining abed even longer.”
    The good doctor did indeed show great concern over his patient when he arrived some few hours later, stating to Hills that he thought the duke might even be succumbing to a fever, his brow was so hot and his eyes so bright. Even though he knew he risked his patent ’s fiery temper, nothing would do but that he would insist upon cupping him.
    For once receiving no opposition, he commanded Jane to hold the dish as he opened the vein in Robert ’s arm, allowing the blood to flow freely.
    On his departure he issued orders that only broth should be served when required and definitely no ale or spirits.
    The duke slept a deep healing sleep, oblivious of the concern he was causing, Jane forever at his bedside as the day progressed into evening. Hills brought her sustenance at suppertime only to be refused, she had no thoughts for food in her anxiety for her companion.
    Eventually Hills was able to persuade her to lie on her truckle bed as she saw the duke was sleeping a deal easier and taking her place at his master’s bedside he promised to wake her at the slightest change.
     
    ***
     
    Morning brought a considerable improvement in Robert’s health. He awoke as dawn crept through the garret’s small window and pulled himself upright against his pillows.
        Seeing that his employer was awake, Hills was on the point of waking Jane but in a hushed voice, the duke ordered that she be left undisturbed.
    For a long moment, he allowed his eyes to rest on her sleeping countenance,