It was some time later that she found a glass of cognac being held to her lips and the sound of water told her that a warm bath was being prepared.
She opened her eyes to find herself attended by an elderly maid and two younger ones.
“Drink this, ma’am,” the elderly woman said in English.
Camilla swallowed obediently and felt the fiery liquid rush down her throat to revive her and to bring her back to an awareness of her surroundings.
“I – am – sorry,” she managed to stammer.
“Now, ma’am, there be nothin’ to be sorry about,” the maid replied. “His Lordship has asked me to look after you. I understand you’ve had a long ride. You’ll be stiff, ma’am, and a hot bath is what you need.”
“I – am sure – it is,” Camilla agreed. “It was stupid of me – to collapse at the – last moment, but I ju
