Gilbert took up his station at the desk in Claire’s room; Erik had ordered around-the-clock supervision for his wife, because he was so afraid that she would “do something desperate given her state.” Honor, Gilbert’s intended, had just left the room with her stack of mending. The lively red-haired maid had spent the past several hours at her lady’s bedside, alternately repairing hems and grumbling about the entire situation. Her attitude frustrated Gilbert no end.
On the other hand, she had no idea how Gilbert felt about his mistress. Indeed, how could she? He had asked Honor to marry him and she had consented. She had no reason to believe that he had feelings for any other woman – let alone his employer’s wife. That was a secret that he would take to his grave.
Erik came into the room to check on Claire himself; she was sleeping soundly, her arms around a stuffed velvet horse that Gilbert had given her. Erik leaned down to kiss Claire’s forehead and stroke her hair; she smiled in her sleep and settled into the pillow. Gilbert was amazed at how Claire calmed under her husband’s gentlest touch.
“She is too pale,” Erik stated. “Soon, we must insist that she go out. You will accompany her when I am unable, of course.”
“It’s the melancholy,” Gilbert responded. “She hates London. You are not here to see how the women treat her, Erik. They come for their calls, have a treat and tea, sniff down their noses at her and leave … without leaving a card. Until she fell ill, she would not turn them away. She would play the hostess with grace and aplomb … and then retire here to cry.”
Erik nodded. He understood far too well the life of an immigrant in a land where foreigners were unwelcome.
“She did not reach this state overnight, I know. I sometimes wonder where the cool customer I married has gone; so little seemed to upset her.”
“Erik, I know something about choking down one’s misery in order to survive. So does Claire. I do not regret the way I freed myself of my tormentor, nor shall I ever do so.”
“I do not think we can shoot the ladies who come to call, my friend. However, I can certainly understand the inclination.”