Chapter 12

As much as Olivia wished to solve the mystery of Lady Clermont, she was more concerned with the illness within Westbrook House.

When she had arrived this morning, more children were ill, which she had expected. However, those who had first become ill should already be improving, but they were not. It had been five days since they had taken to their beds, and the coughing and sniffles had been present at least a day or two before they were told to rest. Therefore, if all matters progressed as they had in the past, the first stricken should be showing signs of improvement.

“Perhaps it is another illness, and not epidemic cold,” Fern suggested that afternoon.

“I fear that you may be correct, but what could it be?” Olivia was pondering when Dr. Sinclair was announced.

This brought a good deal of relief as she needed his medical opinion. Except, he wasn’t a surgeon and what was wrong with the children had nothing to do with their minds.

“I am afraid to report that we have learned nothing new following further questioning,” he announced.

“That is too bad,” she offered as she pulled a book from her shelves. There must be something within the pages to explain what illness the children had contracted.

“Olivia, what is it?”

She stilled for a moment. Dr. Sinclair had just addressed her informally, yet it did not bother her. It was the concern that she noted in his voice that caught her attention.

They were growing to be friends, therefore, she would not read any more into his words or tone. “I fear the children may have been misdiagnosed,” she answered.

Dr. Sinclair frowned and stepped forward. “Are you certain?”

She explained her reasoning and he frowned even further.

“Let me review the medical journals with you. I am certain we will find an answer.”

“I am grateful for your assistance, Dr. Sinclair.” More grateful than she could ever express because it was likely they’d find the answer much quicker than if she had to face this task alone.

“Have any of them suffered a high fever or severe headache or vomiting?”

“No,” she answered.

He continued to read through the medical books as did she.

“Have you checked to see if there are any spots in their mouths.”

“There are none,” she answered and continued reading.

“It does not appear to be Scarlet Fever,” he said as he turned to another page. “Or measles, unless they have developed spots on their bodies.”

“What of a membrane covering their throat?”

“Other than it being a little more red than usual, there is nothing to be concerned with in the throat.”

“Then not diphtheria.”

“Is there any swelling or puffiness in their cheeks or neck.”

Olivia slammed her book shut. “They may show a few symptoms of small pox, scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles or mumps, but they have been ill long enough that the remainder of the symptoms for any of those diseases would have revealed themselves.”

He sat back and put his hands up as if to defend himself.

“I apologize, Dr. Sinclair. I am very worried that we may have a disease that we know nothing about and if so, how should the children be treated and are they in danger?”

Any of the diseases listed were dangerous, and unfortunately some children would likely die. Olivia knew what to do to make the patient as comfortable as possible and truly believed that the care they could get at Westbrook House made it more likely that the child would survive. However, if they did not know what illness they were facing, Olivia did not know what to do for them other than keep them comfortable, warm, fed and reduce any fever they may suffer.

Xavier well understood her concern. If it was epidemic cold, the first to come down with the illness should be soon recovered, or at least out of their bed. Though, he could think of nothing else that would last so long without improvement or causing further symptoms.

“For now, all you can do is keep treating them as you have,” he said. “They have not gotten worse, which means this is likely not a serious illness.”

“I suppose you are correct, but it’s maddening not to know.”

“More so than not knowing who had harmed the viscountess.”

“Two mysteries,” Olivia said. “I do not mind trying to solve the viscountess mystery. I do not like that there is a mystery surrounding the health of the children that I cannot solve.”

Xavier reached over and took her hand, as he had done the day before. However, today, there were no gloves between them and he noted the warm softness of her palm against his. “They will recover, Olivia,” Xavier insisted even though he had no proof to support his proclamation.

“I hope you are correct and as there is nothing further that we can do for the children, we should return to Lord and Lady Clermont’s home.”

Xavier pulled back in surprise. “You?”

Olivia stood and planted her hands on her hips and pursed her lips.

Bloody hell! He knew that look. He’d seen it often enough when he was the one being obstinate about his sister.

“Yes, me,” she bit out between clenched teeth. “Or do you not believe me capable of solving a mystery?”

Xavier held up his hands in defeat. “That is not what I meant, nor was it my intention to suggest such.”

“Then why can I not return to the Clermont home?”

“I had assumed you would wish to remain here.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow. He recognized the doubt and suspicion in her blue eyes.

“It is the truth.”

“Very well. I will have my carriage brought around.”

“What of the investigator?” Xavier asked. He’d not gone to the home without Strotham’s request.

“He is a man, as are you.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Women can be somewhat more perceptive of other women. What is said and not said.”

Had she just insulted him? “I can assure you that I have spent my life studying people and the mind. There is little, if anything, that I miss.”

Again, Olivia arched a brow.

“Yet, you could not determine who may have added laudanum to a cup of tea when it had been handled by three women.”

“Footmen were present,” Xavier argued.

“They did not handle the cup.”

She strode into the kitchen and asked for her carriage then retrieved her pelisse and bonnet before marching to the front door.

“Corliss, I will return shortly. If I am needed, I will be at the Clermont home.”

“Yes, Lady Olivia.”

“Why are you going there?” Lady Victoria asked as she stepped from her office.

“I have a mystery to solve and to prove once again that a woman’s mind and intellect are the same as a man’s.”

It had not been his intention to insult her and he had assumed that she’d wish to remain with the sick children.

Xavier blew out a sigh and followed Olivia out the door.

He should have shown better care with his words. But he had truly been shocked that she wished to leave.

Besides, it was not possible that she would uncover more than he had.

That had also been his assumption last autumn. Xavier had underestimated Olivia once and he had a sinking suspicion he was doing so again. Further, he had insulted her and that was something she would not likely let him ever forget.