17. Chapter Seventeen

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"I t isn't much of a plan," Charles grumbled as they set forth from Nash Hall. Miss Evans was seated beside Ruby, and she looked as if she might cry.

"If you have another suggestion, I'm more than willing to hear it," Ruby said somewhat tartly. "At the moment, we know little about this place except that it is a big old house in the middle of a park. Michael only carried your mother in through the front door and went no further."

"How about I just walk in there, demand to see her, and carry her out myself?" Charles said.

"That is certainly an option, but one might assume that your father has told them to keep her there until he says otherwise."

"He'll leave her there to rot," Charles growled. "He might not have succeeded in alienating me from you, but he has gotten rid of my mother."

"And we will endeavor to correct that as soon as we have gathered the necessary information."

Charles didn't appreciate her calmness and let it show. "What if she's chained up in a prison cell?"

"Then you have my permission to get her out immediately."

"Thank you." He glared at her. "Not that I need your permission."

She had the audacity to smile at him with far too much understanding and sympathy. "We're far more likely to be successful if we work together, Charles. You know that."

"I agree with Mrs. Nash, Doctor," Miss Evans spoke for the first time. "If you can convince them to allow you to see her, we will know how she fairs and can make our plans to free her."

"I'll do my best," Charles said. "But my behavior depends very much on the circumstances I find her in."

Ruby patted his hand. "Absolutely."

They completed the rest of the journey in silence. Eventually, they arrived at the house Michael had given them direction to. There was a large gate, beyond which was a sweeping drive lined with elm trees. The gatekeeper greeted them and allowed them entry after Charles gave his name and profession. When the carriage stopped outside the house's main door, Charles got out and left the ladies behind.

He knocked on the door and was admitted by a very large man who looked like he belonged in a boxing ring.

"I am Dr. Charles Nash." He gave the giant his card. "I've been sent to assess the condition of Viscountess Nash."

"I'll see if anyone can attend to you. It's late. Stay here, sir." The man turned to leave.

Charles wandered around the entrance hall which looked remarkably like every other country house he'd ever visited. The scent of roast beef came from behind one of the closed doors and the occasional maid rushed past with a tray, acknowledging him with a swift nod of the head. There were no blood-curdling screams or "patients" visible. By the time the man returned, Charles had completed his tour and had a decent understanding of the layout of the ground floor.

"Follow me."

Charles went up the shallow stairs and was directed into the first room at the top of the landing.

There was a man sitting behind an ornate desk who rose to greet him. "Dr. Nash?"

"I do apologize for disturbing you at such a late hour. When my father contacted me about what had happened to my poor mother and begged me to offer my professional opinion on her state, I could not refuse him."

"Quite understandable. I am Dr. French, and I am in charge of this establishment." He gestured for Charles to take a seat.

"I was unable to reach my mother before she was brought here." Charles paused. "If I had been present, I probably wouldn't have advised taking her away from the comfort of her home, but I suspect my father panicked."

"The earl was certainly concerned about his wife's state of health. We corresponded a few months ago about finding a suitable placement for her, but her arrival was something of a surprise."

"From what I understand, this… behavior came as a shock to everyone around her," Charles said. "I can only hope that it was an aberration and not a sign of things to come."

God, he hated sounding like he agreed with his father, but it was the only way to get Dr. French to believe they were all on the same side.

"Time will tell." Dr. French smiled. "I believe she is sleeping at the moment." He paused. "We haven't done a full assessment of her mental state yet. We gave her some laudanum to calm her down."

"Very wise." Charles nodded. "After coming all this way, I would appreciate seeing her. I promise I won't wake her up. I just want to be able to reassure my father that she has settled in well and is no longer a danger to herself or anyone else."

"I think we can arrange that." Dr. French stood up. "If you care to follow me."

Charles noticed the bunch of keys that hung from Dr. French's waistcoat chain when he came around the desk.

"I suspect that after a few weeks of peace and quiet, her ladyship will be ready to return home," Dr. French remarked as he led the way along the corridor. Each room had a number on it and a peephole. It reminded Charles of a luxurious prison. "From what I understand, she has never been violent or needed severe treatment. I don't allow such practices here anyway. I truly believe that nature is the best healer."

There was a note of sincerity in Dr. French's voice that surprised Charles. He would expect him to use such language talking to a prospective patient's family, not a fellow professional, but maybe because Charles was both he was being cautious.

"Here we are. It is one of our best rooms and overlooks the gardens." Dr. French unlocked the door of number twenty-four and ushered Charles inside. It was a pleasant room that reminded Charles of his mother's own suite at Nash Hall.

There was a nurse sitting by the bed who rose as they came in and put her finger to her lips before walking over toward them.

"Lady Lavinia is fast asleep," she whispered.

"Thank you, Nurse Sugden," Dr. French said. "This is Dr. Nash. He is not only a physician but the countess's son."

"She's been no trouble, Doctor," the nurse addressed Charles. "Just a little weepy and very tired."

"You may approach the bed, Dr. Nash. I don't think she will wake up."

"Thank you."

Charles went over to the bed, sat in the chair, and stared carefully at his mother's beautiful face. She had a slight bruise on her forehead—likely from her fall by the river—but otherwise seemed in perfect health. Some part of him wished she had been in dire straits, because then at least he could've vented some of the anger burning inside him on her captors…

He took out his pocket watch, held her wrist, and checked her pulse, which was slow but regular. The action helped calm him and consider what to do next. He didn't want to leave her, but from what he could tell she was in no danger at present. Eventually, he stood up, kissed her gently on the forehead and went back to Dr. French who had remained discreetly with the nurse by the door.

"Thank you. I must confess I am greatly relieved to see her being so well taken care of."

Dr. French smiled. "In our profession one hears such horror stories of patients being imprisoned in appalling conditions. I quite understand your desire to see her and confirm that all is as well as he could be."

"My father made an excellent choice." After one last look at his mother, Charles stepped away from the bed. The nurse resumed her seat, and Dr. French followed him out into the corridor.

"We will monitor her closely over the next few days." Dr. French paused. "I understand that she has a tendency to wander."

"So, it seems." Charles kept his tone as neutral as Dr. French's.

"When she does feel ready to venture outside, we will take care of her, I promise."

They continued on past the office and back down the stairs to the well-guarded front door. Charles turned to shake Dr. French's hand.

"Thank you for letting me see her."

"You are most welcome. The earl seemed disinclined to visit, but if you wish to do so I'd leave it a few days until she settles in and come next weekend? I believe we'll have her in a good state by then."

"I'll write to you if I am able to visit," Charles said. He picked up his hat and cloak from the hall table. "Goodnight, Dr. French, and thank you for your time."

The doctor unlocked the front door and let him through. Charles heard the door lock behind him. He was relieved that the carriage still stood where he'd left it. After giving the coachman some instructions, he got back in to find Ruby and Miss Evans regarding him anxiously.

As they pulled away, he took Ruby's hand. "It isn't as bad there as I feared. I've asked the coachman to stop at the first decent inn. We'll have something to eat and I can tell you everything I found out."

* * *

Ruby finished the last of her roast pork and sat back. "That was excellent. I'm so glad you suggested that we stop for a while, Charles. I've hardly eaten anything today."

Miss Evans, who had asked Ruby to call her Martha, continued to eat her dinner. Her composure under such stressful circumstances was admirable. From Martha's account, the earl hadn't even bothered to inform her of her dismissal in person and had sent his land agent to tell her to pack her bags and leave immediately without her quarterly payment or a reference.

Charles finished his wine and glanced at the door. "I'll go and get the maid to clear the plates. We don't want to linger here for too long."

Like Martha, Charles appeared far more in control than Ruby had expected, but she knew him well enough to see the signs of agitation he fought to conceal.

"Do ask if there is any pudding," Ruby said as he rose to his feet. "I'd quite enjoy something sweet."

"I'll inquire."

He left the room and returned shortly with the maid who took away the dirty plates and replaced them with a steamed jam pudding, custard, and a selection of cheese and port.

Once she'd left, Charles poured himself a glass of port and resumed his seat. "My mother didn't appear to be in any imminent danger."

Ruby helped herself to the steaming pudding. "That is good to hear."

"Dr. French, who runs the establishment, appears to be a good man."

"Even better."

"He thinks it would do her good to stay there for a few weeks to regain her strength and equilibrium."

"And what do you think about that?" Ruby asked.

Charles grimaced. "As things stand, I can't think of any reason why she shouldn't receive such care. The issue is whether my father intends to keep her there permanently."

"Did Dr. French suggest that he would?"

"He didn't. He seemed to think my father would be happy to have her back." Charles drank more port. "I'm not convinced that is the case."

"Would it be possible for you to ask the earl what his intentions are?" Martha asked. "One might think that as he has dispensed with my services, he has no intention of allowing her to return."

Charles nodded. "I assume he might try to use her as a bargaining chip against me. It wouldn't be the first time he has compelled me to follow his orders in return for him not ruining my mother's life."

"That's… awful," Ruby said. "I had no idea."

He flashed a quick smile at her. "No need for both of us to worry about such things, my dear."

Momentarily forgetting Martha's presence, Ruby reached across the table and took his hand. "But I want to worry. You're my husband."

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles while Martha kept her gaze firmly on her bowl of pudding.

"I suggest we wait until my father contacts me," Charles said. "If he wishes to use her against me, he'll let me know."

"I suppose Dr. French will tell him that you visited," Ruby said. "I do hope the earl doesn't try and move her again."

"That is my worst fear," Charles said quietly. "I will write to Dr. French and ensure that he keeps me informed as to her progress and whereabouts." He finished his glass of port and sat back. "My father holds all legal rights over my mother's existence, and there's nothing else I can do."

* * *

Despite their arrival home well after midnight, Ruby still had to get up the next morning to see to Nora, and Charles was due at the navvy camp. Despite her tiredness, she hadn't slept well, her mind worrying about too many things she had little or no control over. At one point, she'd reached for Charles, and finding him awake, had kissed him with a purpose that led to lovemaking that was as tender and fierce as their current emotions. She didn't regret that closeness, even though she knew she'd be tired all day.

Nora was teething, her cheeks red, her temperature elevated, and neither Bridget nor Ruby could soothe her. She wanted to grizzle, drool, and constantly be held by her mother. After a few unsuccessful attempts to hand her over to Bridget so that she could get on with the monthly accounts, Ruby had given up, wrapped Nora in her shawl and tied it closely around herself like the mothers who worked in the mills.

Nora finally nodded off, and Ruby was able to get on—as long as she stood and swayed like a ship at anchor, which meant she did the accounts standing beside the dresser. It wasn't the most comfortable of positions, and Ruby's back soon began to ache.

Martha came down the stairs just before midday and seeing Ruby, immediately started apologizing about oversleeping, of not being of any help, and her desire to set forth and find employment that very day.

Ruby introduced her to Eliza and told her not to worry about her employment prospects for at least a few days until they were all in a fit state to discuss them.

Martha didn't seem convinced. "I cannot be a burden, Mrs. Nash. I do have some savings, but?—"

Ruby patted her shoulder. "If you truly wish to be useful while you are here perhaps you can offer Dr. Nash your assistance. He desperately needs someone to organize his patients and his records."

"I think I could do that," Martha said. "Where is Dr. Nash?"

"He's out at the moment, but he'll be back for dinner. You can talk to him about it then." Ruby turned to Eliza. "Why don't you take Miss Evans out and show her around town?"

Eliza blinked at her. "What about my work?"

"I think you can be excused for an hour or two."

"You'll tell Mrs. Jenkins it weren't my idea?" Eliza asked suspiciously.

"Yes, I will." Ruby turned to Martha. "It's a pleasant day to see Millcastle. Perhaps you might ask Eliza to take you to the park and then our fine new railway station, which is almost on our doorstep."

After years caring for the mercurial countess, Martha was well used to picking up on others' moods "How lovely. I'll go and get my cloak and bonnet."

Half an hour later, when Bridget had gone upstairs to tidy the nursery, Ruby finally sat down to eat. Nora slept on, her small hand pressed to her mother's heart, her cheeks as red as her mother's namesake. Ruby smoothed her daughter's sparse, fair hair and kissed the top of her head. It if hadn't been for the ache in her back, she would almost have forgotten Nora was there. It felt natural to have Nora so close, reminding her of the days after her birth when even Sidney had been entranced with them both.

There was a knock on the front door. Realizing she was the only person around to answer it, Ruby heaved herself out of the chair and went out into the hallway. There was a man silhouetted in the panes of the stained-glass panels. Ruby took her time unlocking the door and opened it just as the man removed his flat cap with a flourish and grinned at her.

"Ruby."

Her heart faltered and she took a step back, cradling Nora's head in one hand. It was a mistake because it enabled Sidney to get his foot in the door.

"Is that my daughter?" His face softened. "Good Lord, she's grown."

"Don't touch her."

He paused, his expression full of concern. "What's wrong? Is she ill?"

"She's teething." Ruby couldn't stop staring at the man who'd once been her everything. "You can't come in here, Sidney."

"Why not?" His smile was a delight. "I'm sure you've told your new husband all about me."

"I have told him, and that's why you're not welcome."

"I heard he was a gentleman. What will he do? Challenge me to a duel? Come on, Ruby. I have a right to see my own child."

"Not here," Ruby said. "Where are you staying?"

"Nowhere I'd want you to visit." Sidney's smiled disappeared.

Ruby gathered her senses. "I'll meet you tomorrow at the railway station at nine in the morning."

"With my child," Sidney said.

"That depends on how she is faring." Ruby met his gaze. "I'm not risking her health again, Sidney."

He had the grace to look away. "All right, then. Nine o'clock it is."