First Draft

The footman held his hand out to Lady Margaret, but she shooed him away in her haste and nimbly descended the carriage steps unaided. The door to her townhouse opened, and she whisked past Grimes, the old butler, shouting orders and calling out for Mabel.

"Grimes, have tea sent to me in my drawing-room for the doctor. Gerald, bring Nora to the drawing-room as well. I want her examined there. Oh, where is that wretched woman, Mabel?"

"Mother, shouldn't I take Miss Sharpe to her room?" Gerald asked.

"I'm here," Mable announced. "What in God's name has happened?"

"One at a time! I'm trying to think," the countess yelled. "Mabel, get some smelling salts and bring them to my drawing-room. Gerald, do as I say and bring the lass." Lady Margaret made her way to her private drawing-room with Gerald and the Duke of Hayward following close behind. "I suspect she will come around soon, and I have every faith she will be able to walk to her room!"

Gerald did his mother's bidding and gently laid Nora on a chaise lounge facing the fireplace. Lady Margaret covered her up and brushed a few wayward tendrils of hair from her eyes. "Now, you two," she said, glancing back at her son and the duke. "Take yourselves off to your study, Gerald, and have a brandy or something." She waved them off and turned her attention back to a still silent and still Nora.

Gerald stalled for a moment as if he might protest until Mabel entered the room in a flurry of skirts clutching the smelling salts. "Here they are, Countess."

"'Tis about time, Mabel. Go on, Gerald. I'll have Mabel or Grimes let you know when the child comes around. Besides, the duke looks like he could use a drink, and you do too. Now off with you both." Both men did her bidding, and she took the smelling salts from Mabel and said, "Now then, go get my brandy and three glasses. We shall all need one or three." She cackled, and Nora stirred.

Mabel laughed. "Your old laugh is better than any smelling salts. Got a voice that could raise the dead, you do."

"Go get the brandy, you impertinent thing before I decide you don't get your share." The countess smiled and placed the bottle of salts under Nora's nose. "That's it, Child. Come on back to Aunt Margaret."

Nora slowly opened her eyes, blinking rapidly. "What... happened?" she croaked.

"You fainted, love. We brought you home, and the doctor is on his way. The old coot should have been here by now. I'll give him a good what for when he does arrive. Now you lie still and try not to talk just yet. Mabel is pouring us all a draft of brandy. Best medicine you could have right now."

"But I don't like-"

"Hush now, Child. I didn't ask if you liked it, did I? I'm older and far wiser than you. So you will drink up like a good lass," Lady Margaret intoned with a smile.

Mabel placed the brandy on a table beside the countess and stood back to wait for instructions. "Well, drink up, Mabel." Lady Margaret took a tumbler and downed it with a long, satisfying sigh before grabbing the last one and handing it to Nora. She held Nora's head up a bit with one hand and helped Nora steady the glass with her other hand. "Now, nice and slow. Just a tiny sip to start. That's it," she crooned.

Nora shook her head from side to side, emitting what sounded like a feral growl. "No!" She coughed and sputtered and pushed the glass away back into Margaret's hand. Nora held her head and started to weep. "That stuff is wretched, and my head hurts like the devil."

"Listen, love... you must drink it. I promise the next little bit won't taste as bad," Lady Margaret said, urging the glass back toward Nora.

"Must I?" Nora asked.

"Doctor Chadwick," Grimes announced from the doorway.

"It's about time," Lady Margaret said and tsked.

Doctor Chadwick bowed to the countess. "Forgive me, my lady. I was delivering a baby for the Countess of Derbyshire. A beautiful boy who looks-"

"I could give a rats arse what the babe looks like, Doc. Is the boy healthy?" Margaret asked.

"Oh, yes, your ladyship. A fine babe indeed."

"Good. Now, get over here and examine my girl before I throw you out on your big ear."

"Lady Margaret!" Nora whispered in horror.

The maid arrived with the tea tray, and Doctor Chadwick concluded his exam. "The bump on her head is minor, her pupils look fine, but she probably has a small concussion. Keep a close eye on her for the next few days, and I'll be by in the morning to check up on her. I've given her some laudanum, so please, Countess, refrain from giving her brandy while she is taking the laudanum. She can have a teaspoon every three to four hours for pain."

"Fine," the countess huffed. "Now Doc, please stay for tea and Cook's buns. Mabel, will you please let Gerald and the duke know that Nora is awake and fine."

Mabel curtsied and left the room while Doctor Chadwick thanked the countess and asked, "Do you think I could have a small brandy with my tea, my lady?"

"Of course, you ole coot." Lady Margaret smiled and joined him while Nora blushed at the antics of Lady Margaret.

After the doctor had his fill of brandy, tea, and buns, Lady Margaret placed some coins in his hand and escorted him from the drawing-room. She glided back to Nora's side and said, "Now that we are alone, Child... I think there is something you need to tell me."

Nora swallowed hard. "I am a bit dizzy from the medicine, my lady. May we speak in the morning?"

Lady Margaret patted Nora's hand and smiled coyly. "You can tell me everything in the morning, but you will tell me who or what you saw that upset you so tonight."

***

I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Please vote and comment.

Lady Lisa