The valet sat by the Earl while she was away and, when she returned after her dinner, he informed her that there was no change in the patient’s condition.
Calista ordered some lemonade in case the Earl should wake and feel thirsty in the night. Then because it had been a long day and she was in fact very tired, she undressed in the small adjoining room and made herself ready for bed.
She had fortunately brought with her from home a light cotton wrapper that she could wear over her thin muslin nightgown.
She had it on and was brushing her hair in front of the mirror when she heard a slight sound.
She ran into the next room to find the Earl groaning and trying to turn from side to side.
She bent over him to feel his forehead and realised that there was no fever.
She was, however, certa
