A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 35

"Please..." she begged him in a whisper, needing an end to this torture, desiring something more than just this. He grunted in reply and reached between them to unfasten his trousers, taking her mouth again in an all-consuming kiss that robbed her of breath and sense.

His mouth left hers, trailing soft kisses down her neck and shoulders, then suddenly, she felt him go limp, and his breathing evened out. Penny opened her eyes in confusion, her eyes going to his face, widening the moment she realized he had fallen unconscious, no doubt overcome by the fever. Reality came crashing back down on her, and she felt the waves of guilt, shame and horror wash over her. She choked back a sob, though tears of shame spilled down her cheeks, even as his weight pinned her to the floor. She placed her palms on his chest and shoved, but he didn't budge, his head lolling to the side as his breath quickened.

"Oh God...what have I done?" she whispered, amidst her tears, pushing against him with all her might, and finally, he rolled off her. She sprang up and straightened her clothing, staring down at his sleeping form. He appeared to be in distress, so she picked up the discarded cloth and resumed her ministrations, letting the tears stream unchecked down her face as she soothed him with soft whispers, then rose again, picking up her gown and dressed hurriedly. She needed to inquire from the innkeeper if it was possible to summon a physician immediately.

She made her way downstairs, following the sounds of boisterous voices to the taproom, pushing the door open, revealing a crowded room, hazy with the smoke from several tobacco pipes. She hesitated in the doorway, her eyes searching for Mr. Potter. Several pairs of eyes turned her in surprise, but she ignored the inquiry and stepped further into the room.

Fortunately, the innkeeper spotted her and bustled forward. "Your Grace!" he exclaimed pleasantly, even though there was a worried frown on his brow. "I hope there is no problem with your rooms?"

She shook her head and leaned forward so he could hear her properly over the din. "My husband has taken ill. Is there any way we can get hold of a physician immediately?"

He thought for a moment then his face brightened. "You are more than fortunate tonight, Your Grace. There is a most distinguished physician lodging here at the moment. Doctor Lakesham caters to the health of quite a number of prominent personages in Scotland on his way to London. If you will take a seat, Your Grace, I will inform him that his services are needed at once."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I prefer to stand."

He nodded and hurried away towards a table, bending to speak to a gentleman seating by himself nursing a tankard of beer. Penny felt the slightest bit of alarm. The last thing she wanted was a drunk man examining Phillip, but as she watched, the man nodded and looked towards her, then rose and approached, his steps steady and quick.

He bowed smartly, his eyes sparkling with a reassuring intelligence. "Your Grace, Mr. Potter informs me His Grace is ill?"

"Yes, he is...and...and he is quite delirious too." She felt hot colour suffuse her cheeks as she remembered just how he had been delirious, grateful for the dim lighting in the room. "Please help me."

Penny reached for the towels, then gestured the maid inside. "You must help me move my husband to the bed before the doctor arrives," she pleaded. Molly nodded without a word, and the two women struggled to lift Phillip, not an easy task considering he could have easily carried each woman. With great effort, the exhausted women finally managed the task just as another knock sounded and the doctor announced his presence.

"Thank you," Penny said to the girl, who smiled shyly in return and went to open the door.

Penny hovered anxiously while the doctor examined Phillip. He finally straightened and turned to her. "It is just as I feared, Your Grace. He has got the fever. Did he go out in the rainstorm last night?"

"Yes...we walked from the bridge, and the rain caught up with us, then he went back out again. Is it serious?"

He shook his head and handed her a bottle filled with a murky brown liquid. "Fortunately, he should be all right in a day or two. You must give him this medicine every four hours till the fever breaks. Make sure he has enough liquids in him too."