Edmund and Grace

7/28/2019 Edmund and Grace

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Oh dear! the young lady ran into the study of the Duke of Weyburnes

townhouse, where the Duke, Edmund Peyton, was in conference with his friend

Richard Ward, the Earl of Bourne. Two more different persons in appearance one

could not find. While both were of average height, the earl, with a muscular build

had dark hair and blue eyes, while the duke was slender with russet coloured hairand green eyes.

What has happened now, Amelia? Richard asked his wife.

Toby has thrown his ball over the fence. I heard something break as it landed.

Which fence did he use? asked Edmund.

The one that joins to the Countess of Fyfes dwelling. She replied.

Oh dear, indeed, he laughed As the countess is in I will take the youngrapscallion with me to apologise.

I will do it. Said Richard.

Dont worry, Richard I need to speak with the countess as it is. This gives me a

great excuse to see her informally. He went to the door where Toby was waiting

quietly with his head bowed. Come along then; we need to visit a very nice old

lady, young man.

Edmund knocked on the door. Instead of Greaves, the butler, opening the door ashe expected , a young vision with blonde hair and eyes as green as his own

answered the door. She was nearly as tall as he was.

Can I help you?

He was stunned to silence.

I said can I help you? she repeated. There was a call in the background who is it

Grace?

She looked at him with a quizzical lift of her left eyebrow.

Hmm, hmm Im from next door I am Edmund. This young man has thrown a

missile into the yard and broken something. We, he pointed to Toby, came over

to apologise to her ladyship.

Come in then. We are all in Aunt Graces salon.


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I thought Grace had no relatives.

Aunt Grace is my Godmother, she went to school with my grandmother. My

name is Grace as I was named after her.

Why did you answer the door and not Greaves?

Greaves has his half day today, as I was standing, I decided to answer the door.

Welcome Edmund come in and I will introduce you to my guests.Lady Grace

called to Edmund at the door.

I did not mean to intrude on your party, but Toby here has an apology to make.

It seems that, Toby, such a nice name, Grace introduced, she smiled at him,

has thrown an object into the garden and broken something.

Yes, but it was an accident I did not know that I could throw the ball so far. I am

sorry for the damage I have caused. Toby spoke rapidly so that it was hard for

the countess to hear everything he said.

Perhaps you should go and see what has been broken and is in need of fixing.

The countess told Toby. Take Grace with you.

Grace left the room with Toby. Edmund had time to observe the Countess guests.

The man had Graces colouring, there the similarity ended, he was short and

stocky. While the woman had red hair with laughing grey eyes, she was aboveaverage height and quite slender .

Edmund allow me to introduce Mister and Missus William Middleton. This is my

neighbour and friend Edmund Peyton, Duke of Weyburne.

I am pleased to meet both of you. Edmund greeted them all. Who is the young

girl that answered the door?

Our youngest, answered Mr. Middleton. Today we are celebrating her

seventeenth birthday. Would you like to stay for our toast to her health?

The subject of their discussion walked through the door with Toby in tow. Not

too much damage aunt Grace just one of the old pots that we were going to pot

one of your plants in. No real harm done.


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Thank you, I would like to stay a few minutes. He took the glass offered and

drank along with Graces family to her health. I really must go now, and return

Toby to his parents. They will be relieved that there was no too much damage

done.

I will see you to the door. Grace hurriedly walked in front of him so that there

could be no dissention.

At the door Edmund turned to Grace. He kissed her gently on the lips Happy

Birthday Grace. How long are you visiting with the countess?

My parents are leaving tonight, but I am staying for the next few months to be a

companion to Aunt Grace. She is going to sponsor me for the season until my

parents return from their stay in Europe.

May I call on you in the morning? he asked hesitantly.

Of course, any time. I believe that Aunt Grace does not rise until after ten

oclock, so I shall be free until then.

Until tomorrow, at nine oclock?

Tomorrow at nine, yes.

Grace closed the door with a smile on her face she was going to see him again. He

was really quite handsome, even more so than her brother-in law and all the girlsat home used to vie for his attention.

Edmund had a spring in his step as he entered his townhouse. Richard greeted

him, What took so long, it isnt that bad is it?

What are you talking about? Oh the damage was an old pot for plants. The most

amazing thing has happened I have finally met her.

Who?

My Duchess. She is a bit young but that does not matter I think she likes me

too.

Who is she? Where did you meet her, what do mean a bit young?


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Her name is Miss Grace Middleton she is the Countess Godchild and she is

celebrating her birthday today.

How old is she?

Seventeen. Was his sheepish answer. I am seeing her tomorrow.

My god Edmund, she is twenty years younger than you. Richard managed to

spit out.

I know I would take my time courting her but as you know I have very little time

to do so.

You have to tell her...

There you are Richard, Edmund: what damage did our little boy cause? a tiny

human dynamo swept into the room.

Amelia, fortunately our son did no real damage at all. It seems it was only a pot

for plants that was broken. Come letscollect Toby and be on our way. Richard

ushered his wife out of the room. I think that you should contemplate some

more before you further your acquaintance with her.

Edmund was left to think over what he should do. Why did he have to find her

now? The doctors all had said the same three to six months left to live. His lungs

were slowly collapsing. He was gradually becoming short of breath whenever heperformed any strenuous exercise. As Richard had rightly pointed out it would be

a burden when his time came. Could he expect Grace to see him through that

time? Was he that selfish? He would see her tomorrow and explain all to her.

Edmund knocked on the door promptly at nine oclock. Greaves answered the

door.

Im calling for Miss Middleton.

Here I am, called Grace behind the butler, I wont be a minute. She bustled

past the butler and took Edmunds arm. Now where are we going today? she

asked.

I thought perhaps a short walk to the park at the end of the street. And sit under

the trees so we can talk.


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That sounds wonderful. She kept her pace even with his. I have always

admired this park; its flowers are quite pretty in the spring. She chatted on

keeping him amused.

When they reached the park his breathing was laboured. They sat on a bench at

the entrance so he could regain his breath.

I am sorry that I cannot walk any further at the moment. He gasped.

What is the matter do you have a cold? I am sorry I should have noticed and

stopped with you sooner; or better yet not walked so far.

It is not your fault, he managed to gasp. Let us just sit here and take in the

sunshine.

He started to breathe more easily, I must explain, he said , When I saw youyesterday I felt that you were meant for me, I think you felt the same way too.

She nodded her agreement. Then I found out that you were just seventeen, I, am

thirty seven old enough to be your father.

Age is only a number; I felt a strange pull to you and want to know you better.

My age is only one problem the main one is that my lungs are slowly collapsing

the doctors expect that I will live for three to six months more. So I would

understand if you do not want to see me again.

Oh Edmund, that is why you were so out of breath. I feel so selfish now; we

should have taken a carriage. Of course I wish to be with you and help you

through all that you need.

Thank you dear girl, let us walk back home.

This time we will take things slowly and stop frequently, no arguments, you will

do this.

Of course. He chuckled.

They walked slowly back to Edmunds dwelling. Grace knocked on his door and

saw that he was settled in the parlour. Turned around as she left the room and

said , If you will permit me I will come and see you when Aunt Grace has her nap

after the noon day meal.

That would be nice, Grace I will see you then.


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Grace walked the rest of the way home.

I thought you went out with Edmund. Aunt Grace queried Grace.

Yes, I did but he is not well, so I said that I would look in on him while you were

having your afternoon nap.

You are such a kind girl. How thoughtful of you. You know that he has no

relatives living in England and the only person who visits his home is Richard with

his family of course.

The Afternoon could not come quickly enough for Grace. When she entered

Edmunds she was told that he was still in the parlour.

He was still sitting where she had left him. Richard was now in the room.

Hello, my girl, Edmund said happily, I told you she would come.

Why wouldnt I?

Because he is dying and young people do not like being around death.

Answered Richard.

I think that is a negative way of looking at Edmunds life. He is very ill and will

have a shorter life than most of us. But he is living every day of his to the best of

his ability. She defended. Now what shall we do this afternoon to help the day

go by?

Do you know any card games? Edmund asked.

Yes, I know how to play most games even piquet. My brother taught me that

game when he was abed with a chill he caught one winter and no one else would

play with him.

A man after my own heart. Laughed Edmund and he started to cough, causing

Grace to fetch a glass of water for him. As she handed it over he thanked her and

gestured for Richard to leave.

I will take my leave now. Said Richard. I will see you at the end of the week.

Thank goodness he has gone, what a sad man he is. Chortled Grace. Now lets

play piquet. Where are the cards?

They are on the desk in my study, the next room along the hall.


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When it was time for Grace to leave she bent over and kissed him just as he had

kissed her the day before.

Can I see you tomorrow? At the same time? Edmund asked Grace.

Yes and we can take a carriage ride to the Park this time. She hugged him andleft the room leaving Edmund with a smile on his face.

He was at the door at precisely nine oclock once more. He escorted Grace into

the carriage; they drove slowly on through so that they could admire the scenery.

This is so muchbetter than yesterday, do you not think so? enquired Grace.

Oh definitely.Replied the duke; with a smile. Let us pull over near the pavilion

and have a look.

Grace leaned over Edmund to gain a better perspective of the building and

brushed against his thighs. He groaned as she regained her seat. I have not hurt

you have I? she worried.

No my dear you could not hurt me if you tried. We should return home as your

aunt should be up by now.

Only if I am permitted to visit you again this afternoon.

I look forward to your visit.

Before I go, just how much does my aunt know of your illness?

Only what you must have told her.

I told her that you were not well. I did not know if you would want your health to

be discussed.

Thank you for that, you are quite correct the fewer that know about my

condition the more contented I will feel. She leant into him and kissed him.

She quickly alighted the carriage and ran up the stairs and into her auntstownhouse.

Grace found her aunt in the parlour reading. So she picked up a book from the

table and started to read as well.


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Why dont you invite Edmund over for supper one night? the countess

suggested.

Do you think tomorrow will be too soon?

I do not know what Edmund has planned but if he is free that will be fine.

I am visiting him again today while you nap. That is alright is it?

That will be fine my dear. Said the countess.

After the countess retired to her rooms Grace went next door. Edmund once

more was seated in the parlour.

Am I interfering with your rest period? I dont want to tire you.

No my dear come and sit next to me. You make me feel alive.

What shall we do this afternoon? Would you like me to read to you? I am told I

have a very relaxing way of reading.

That would be nice I have been trying to read the paper. It is on the desk in the

corner would you mind reading it to me?

She retrieved the paper and snuggled into him while she read the latest news

items. When she had finished the first page she looked up into his eyes and he

kissed her. Oh was all she could say and when her mouth opened he kissed herthoroughly. She responded by kissing him back. They pulled apart and she

moaned then leaned into him once more. This must be heaven he thought to be

kissed by one so innocent with such passion. They pulled apart again.

You need to go now, he said as looked at the clock on the mantle, your Aunt

will be worrying about you.

I nearly forgot Aunt Grace asked if you would like to have supper with us

tomorrow.

So she knows you are here?

Of course, will you come; you have no other plans do you?

I would love to come. I have no other plans. Will I see you in the morning?

Yes please. I will see you then good bye.


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The next morning they went for a carriage ride to a different park. They stopped

the carriage by a small stream. Edmund pulled Grace to him, she melted into his

arms and kissed him in return with passion that Edmund knew he had never felt

before. We better go home or I will not be responsible for my actions he said

breathing heavily.

I have not made you worse, have I? asked Grace worriedly.

This has nothing to do with my health, my darling Grace. He sighed into her ear.

The carriage returned and as she alighted she said I will see you this afternoon.

Aunt Grace wants you to come with me after I visit you while she is napping.

He felt decidedly euphoric as he went into his townhouse. Grace responded to

him, even knowing how ill he was.

He went upstairs to his rooms and lay down for a rest so he would be able to stay

up for supper with the Countess and Grace.

When Grace asked to see Edmund that afternoon, she was asked to wait for him

in the parlour.

Sorry to have kept you waiting. I was just resting. Would you like to play cards

again ? he asked as he sat on the sofa.

No I would like just to sit with you and talk. She sat on the sofa next to him thensnuggled up to him.

Are you sure you just want to talk?

Grace looked at him mischievously, and then kissed him. He groaned and kissed

her then started to kiss her ears and down her neck. She arched into him as she

felt the need for more.

No we cant do this, Grace. Go and get the cards we will play piquet ; with my

rules this time.

Are they on your desk?

Yes.

While they played cards Edmund told Grace how he came to be so ill. It was an

old war wound that had damaged his lungs. He had been quite healthy until last


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month when he caught a chill that developed into pneumonia. It was then that

the doctors discovered the damage.

I always thought that I would settle down when I met my perfect woman. You,

my dear girl seem to be her. However with my future prospects I cant be selfish

and ask you to stand by me.

Selfish, it would be selfish of you not to ask me to love you, and be by your side.

That would be selfish. We only have one life to live. You could be thrown by a

horse and break your neck tomorrow. Then where would I be? You could have

been killed when you received that initial wound. So please do not ask me not to

love you as I already do. I knew it was so when I first saw you. When was it? Only

three days ago; it feels as though I have known you a lot longer than that. I am

afraid that you are stuck with me regardless of what you say.

You are a dear girl! It is time to go next door for my visit with your godmother.

They walked hand in hand to the townhouse next door.

Greaves let them in and informed them that the Countess was waiting for them in

the parlour. They went into the parlour where the Countess was waiting for them.

Aunt Grace youre up early from your nap!

Yes I am . Now would you both like to have afternoon tea?

Thank you.

After the tea tray had been set down, Grace was asked to pour the tea for their

guest. While they were having their tea the Countess asked Edmund.

What are your intentions to Grace? You seem to be monopolising her spare

time. I know she says that you are ill and need comfort. What type of comfort is

she giving you?

Grace turned red. Aunt Grace, how could you ask such a thing?

Its all right Grace, he said to Grace and turned to the Countess, Grace has been

the soul ofdiscretion.

Not by what Lady Jane Hammersmith says. Yesterday morning you took the

carriage to the park at the end of the street. You could quite easily have walked. It

seems that the carriage afforded you less privacy than you counted on.


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Lady Grace we did nothing wrong. The reason for the carriage was not privacy

but rather for my health. As you know I have been suffering from pneumonia and

walking to the park the first day exhausted me. I found it hard to breathe by the

time we reached the gates. I decided that we should travel in the carriage so I

could enjoy the outings with her.

I am sorry my dear boy I had no idea...

No one has. As to my intentions I have made them quite clear to Grace and she

seems to think age is just a number. She has told me quite categorically that she

will be with me for some time to come. As the tongues are wagging over imagined

indiscretions maybe we should look at gaining permission for us to marry.

Grace looked at Edmund with surprise. Marry you; you want to marry me so

soon?Time is of the essence that is of course if you will have me as I am?

I do want to marry you but will Father let us marry?

Your mother and father have gone to the continent for a rest. I have been left in

charge of you so it is my permission you need. Grace looked pleadingly to her

aunt. If it is what you both want and to keep the gossip away I suppose I will give

my blessing.

Thank you, thank you. Grace threw herself into Edmunds arms lifted her face tohis and kissed him.

When do you think we shall have the engagement party? Aunt Grace asked the

happy couple.

There will be no engagement I will procure a special license so we can be

married by next Friday.

I thought you said that you had acted with discretion.

We did but for reasons I do not wish to discuss as yet, the sooner we are married

the better.

It was Friday morning, Grace accompanied Edmund to see a solicitor, concerning

their marriage, a nice old gentleman who wished them both well. He was


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instructed by Edmund to apply for the special license for their marriage, next

Friday.

He had just returned when Richard arrived.

Richard just the man I want to see. Will you stand up for me at my wedding nextFriday?

Are you mad? Youre going to marry that young girl. She has no title and no

dowry you have no prospects...

I know, but she loves me and was prepared to stand by me until my death

without marriage. Then Lady Grace cornered me with some spiteful rumours Lady

Jane Hammersmith was repeating to her. I seized the opportunity and Grace

agreed to marry me. Me.

I will have to have a word with her.

She will be here for lunch soon. You can speak with her then. If she brings her

aunt with her you cannot discuss my illness in front of her she does not know the

full story.

The ladies arrived promptly for lunch and Edmund introduced Richard formally to

Grace as his best man next week. Richard gave Edmund a withering stare that

Grace missed because she was intent on watching Edmund.

Grace approached Richard and gave him a hug. Thank you so much for doing this

for us, I have Aunt Grace standing up for me and Edmund has some one that he

cares for to be there too. Will you ask your wife as well?

We need to discuss where we are to be married and who will perform the

ceremony. Edmund said.

I think that it should be held in the back garden of my townhouse it is very pretty

there.

Agreed.

They were interrupted by the butler announcing lunch was served in the dining

room. They all proceeded to the dining room.


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I know my minister will perform the ceremony if he is free next Friday morning.

Aunt Grace added. You will meet him on Sunday, Grace. Will you attend Sunday

service with us Edmund and that way he will meet both of you.

I will be honoured to escort you to church on Sunday.

Might I have a private word with Grace before you leave Lady Grace? Richard

enquired.

Richard escorted Grace to the study, closed the door, and then asked Do you

know what you are letting yourself in for? You are going to hurt him with your

thoughtless acceptance of his proposal?

I have no intention of hurting Edmund at all.

When he is so ill that he cannot arise from his bed in the morning are you goingto be there for him? Have you really thought through the repercussions of

marrying Edmund?

Yes I have and as I told Edmund, before I even knew of his illness, I felt a

connection between us. When he told me his age I told him, as I firmly believe

that age is just a number, that his age had no bearing on my feelings. As to the

objection on the grounds of his health; who knows how long we will live? He

could have died when he was wounded in the first instance. He could ride a horse

tomorrow and be thrown and break his neck. I do not believe the fact that there is

a certainty that he will die before he is much older in any way detracts from the

love that I can give him and help him live the rest of his life, rather than have him

sit awaiting death.

All right, all right, you have convinced me.

As to those scurrilous rumours you more than anyone should know why we used

a carriage instead of walking Grace left the study, went to Edmund kissed him

goodbye. I will see you later. She whispered in his ear, to her Aunt, Come on

its time we left.

Watching the ladies leave Richard said She really is a woman to be reckoned

with. She put me in my place. I am pleased to say it will be an honour to stand up

with you next Friday.

You will bring Amelia with you?


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Yes. So I will see you next Friday at the Countess townhouse at ten oclock?

Thank you. Yes I will see you then.

It was finally Friday morning. Grace was so excited the night before she could

hardly sleep. Today she would marry Edmund.

The reason for the rush to be married made her frown, and then she thought of

the time that they would spend together at Weyburne Hall. It had taken her one

whole day to convince him that she did not need the city; the country would be

fine, away from all the gossip.

The ceremony went well until Grace had to say the words, until death us do

part it was then she went pale and could hardly speak.

Well Grace how does it feel to be a Duchess Edmund teased.

I didnt even think about that. I was more enamoured of you than any title. I was

quite surprised when Jamison your butler addressed me as Your Grace. It is a

little confusing isnt it?

Yes it is. He laughed with her. You dont mind that we will take three days to

reach my home, when it should take just a day and a half, do you?

Of course not we agreed that a nice, slow, quiet journey was the best.

What did I do to deserve you?

You waited for me. Then she encouraged him to put his head on her shoulder

and rest for the remainder of the journey that day.

It was Sunday afternoon, the third day, when they approached the entrance to

Weyburne Hall. At the entrance Grace was enthralled by the size of the country

house.

Dont worry youll get used to it. Edmund assured her. He introduced her to

Mrs. Hollis the housekeeper and Bilingsworth the butler. They both smiled as theyeach curtsied or bowed Lady Grace.

We will have supper early; take Lady Graces luggage up to my room.He turned

to Grace, Would you like to tour the house.


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I will have a full tour tomorrow, with Mrs Hollis. However I would like to see

where your bedroom is.

It is upstairs...

Well I will be highhanded and look through all the rooms on the ground floor andhave a suite set up down here.

There is a solar and spare parlour that will be suitable. He lead her into the

drawing room to wait for supper.

They consummated their marriage that night.

They both slept until noon. They went downstairs and had a leisurely lunch.

Edmund showed her the rooms on the ground floor and she agreed that the solar

and spare parlour were ideal.

They moved into the downstairs suite and four weeks later Grace was violently ill

in the morning and the afternoon. This went on for a few days and Edmund finally

called his doctor. Dr. Fraser arrived quickly. When Edmund greeted him he was

relieved to see that Edmund was well. Why did you call me? he asked. You

seem quite well.

It is my wife, she has been ill these past few days.

I heard that you had married. Does she know?Yes, and she loves me any way. She is in our suite.

Dr Fraser went to go up the stairs. Edmund stopped him. No our suite is where

the solar used to be... Graces idea.

I heard through local gossip that she was being a bit pernickety about her

sleeping arrangements.

This is for me, not her. He snapped, You of all people should realise that.

Oh yes, I had not thought that far ahead.

Well I am thankful that she has.

Now lets go and see our patient shall we? a rather chastened doctor asked.

Ten minutes later, Well I have some good news, Lady Grace is expecting.


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We are having a baby!

Yes it would seem so: in eight months time.

Thank you, doctor. Can you see yourself out I must speak with Grace.

He left the doctor in the entrance and went to see Grace. She was sitting on the

day lounge a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. Did he tell you? Were to be

blessed with a child.

Yes, this will make my life complete. I need to notify Richard and have Mr

Handley, the solicitor, send a clerk out to change my will. I will see to it now.

Mr Handley came personally to see to Edmunds new will. Richard sent a letter in

reply congratulating them and stating that both he and Amelia would be returning

in one month.

Two months later Richard was sitting in the drawing room of Weyburne Hall,

talking with Edmund.

Country life has agreed with you. You have made it past the first milestone and

are still up and around.

Yes although I must admit Grace helps me to offset my difficulties. If my suite of

rooms were still upstairs, as they would have been if not for her, my problems

would be more noticeable. I cannot walk from here to the stables any more. Myworld is becoming smaller, but Grace adjusts to this by asking for the carriage to

be brought to the front door.

You do know that your staff thinks that she is being overly dramatic because of

her pregnancy, dont you?

Yes and I know that there are rumours about that she married me because she

was already pregnant. I just wish the staff would help squash that rumour as they

had to clean the sheets the next day.

So you really hadnt despoiled her as the city rumour mill is espousing.

I told you I hadnt. I was going to ask only for her friendship.

Your staff seems to have divided loyalties when it comes to Grace.


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They believe that she is the reason for my not attending to all of my duties. That

she has me at her beck and call. Richard it hurts me, but she says as long as they

are respectful of her wishes she will endure anything to make me happy.

Grace knocked on the door at that point and entered the room. Richard, nice to

see you again, when is Amelia going to visit next?

We are all coming to supper next Friday.

Good I will see you all then. She walked over to Edmund and kissed him before

she left via the French doors that opened onto the garden.

Chapter Five

Three months later, Grace was lying next to Edmund on their bed. Feel that kick,

here give me your hand and I will show you where to feel.

What a strong fellow he is.

He might be a she.

He would not dare. He laughed. Then more seriously, You do realise that my

six months is up?

I know isnt it wonderful. You do seem to be struggling for your breath a lot more

frequently. I think perhaps you should start at least having every breakfast in bed

and then give yourself more time to be able to do other things in the day.

You will still get up for breakfast though I wont have you martyr your name any

more it is time the staff knew the truth. I will have breakfast in bed and call a staff

meeting at eleven oclock. That decided he rang for his valet to give the

directions to Bilingsworth.

You are all wondering why I have called you together. It is because of the

rumours that are being spread concerning my wife. Henry, you are my valet, assuch you help me to dress each morning. Have you noticed anything over the past

few weeks?Edmund was seated on a chair so that he could conserve his energy.

Yes sir I have but it is not my place to say.

Could you please say now?


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Well each morning it has taken longer to dress you and you seem to be tired at

the effort of even dressing.

That is correct. I will now tell all of you that I have been suffering with a lung

problem for the past few months. Six months ago I was told by the top medical

men I would have three to six months to live. It was at this time that I met the

Lady Grace, a true lady she is too. Somehow it has been rumoured that she is

selfish and wants things her way for her. If you think back the first thing she

requested was bedroom suite on the ground floor, not for her convenience but

mine, within a month of returning here I could not walk up the stairs. Grace had

seen that this would embarrass me and had the bedroom moved for me. Not for

her, me. Having the carriage come to the front of the hall was not for her comfort

but for me so that I would not feel inadequate. he paused.

He looked around at his staff; all except Mrs. Hollis were embarrassed. I toldthem she wasnt as bad as she seemed. Ive always had an easy conversation with

her Grace when I needed anything for the house and for any of you who needed

help it was her I went to and she has always listened.

Thank you Mrs Hollis. Maybe you can help with that particularly nasty rumour

concerning our child.

What rumour, sir? I have not heard anything.

Would one of you, who has heard the rumour please tell Mrs Hollis.

The upstairs maid, Jenny, stepped forward. In the village it is said that the child

might not be the masters or if it is that was why they married in haste. That her

Grace somehow seduced him to better herself after all she is only a merchants

daughter.

I had not heard all of that. The duke fumed. As to the Lady Graces former

station in life she is now the Duchess of Weyburne and as such should be afforded

that respect. I am sure you of all people as well as Mrs Hollis should know that the

child is mine conceived after our wedding vows.

Begging your pardon, Your Grace, interjected Mrs Hollis, Jenny has only been

the upstairs maid for the past five months. The upstairs maid at the time was

Eliza. She left to marry the local smithy. But I can attest to the fact that her grace

was a virgin when she arrived as it was I who helped Eliza change the sheets that

morning.


19/22

There was an uncomfortable stirring. The reason I have had this meeting with

you is so that my wife will not have issues with any of you when my time comes.

My wife wants me to enjoy the time I have left. So far I have lived past my allotted

time; however I am finding it difficult to speak even now. He paused and started

to gasp for air. Thank you for your time, please leave the room and Billings willyou let my wife know that I am waiting in here.

They left quietly. Thinking over what had been said. The staff stopped

complaining about the eccentricities of their duchess, the rumours eased as

whenever they were voiced near any of the staff from Weyburne Hall instead of

ignoring what was said they defended her. They did this without informing

everyone of their employers health.

Over the next two months Edmunds health deteriorated to such an extent that

he could no longer walk. He found it hard to eat. Graces presence kept himcheerful. She had him dressed each day carried out to the porch and seated on a

lounger. She would read to him feed him soft foods and delicacies to encourage

his appetite. Talk to him about their child, made sure he could feel every

movement. At night she would hug him close to her keeping his chest and head

elevated so he could breathe more easily.

It was then that he asked Grace to have Richard call on him. Richard was at his

country home he had returned two days before. When Richard walked in Edmund

asked Grace to have him helped into the study so he could talk to Richardprivately.

Well she certainly proved me wrong. If its possible she seems to love you even

more than when she first met you; even though you have lost your looks.Richard

commented wryly.

I told you she was my mate and that she would look after me. These past eight

months have been heaven. Grace has made me realise that life is for living even

though I know I will die sooner rather than later, I would not have changed

anything in my life.

Richard looked at his friend hard and long. You really were quite lucky that Toby

threw his ball too hard that day werent you.


20/22

Yes, I just wanted to know that you will look after Grace and our child after I die.

I need to know that there will be someone to help her through all the legalities

that will arise.

You know I will. My perception of her has changed ever since I asked her to leave

you alone and let you die in peace.

That would not have gone down too well. Even now she will not let me think of

dying I have to live to my last breath.

Thats Grace for you. Richard smiled at his friend, who by then was gasping for

breath and unable to talk any more. Ill fetch her for you now shall I?

Edmund nodded.

Grace came in with two footmen and had them carry Edmund to their rooms.Thank you for coming have you put his mind at ease?

I believe so. You look after yourself and the baby wont you?

Edmund helps me to look after myself he lets me know when I do too much, and

I know he worries. He is in pain as well but he refuses to take the amount of

laudanum that Dr Fraser has prescribed and I support him as the few times he

does take it life passes him by.

Yes he is to live until his last breath. He told me. I will be here for the next twomonths call me any time you need me. Ill let myself out; you go and see to

Edmund.

Thank you and I will take you up on that offer.

Over the next month Edmund became weaker Dr. Fraser visited daily.

Do you know what today is? Grace asked Edmund as she opened the heavy

curtains leaving the soft ones closed for Edmunds eyes to adjust.

You know?

Yes you made it to thirty eight that deserves a celebration. If you dont tell Dr

Fraser I will get you a glass of port.

You spoil me.


21/22

I know isnt it wonderful.She held the glass to his lips and let him sip it slowly. I

think that we might be having a double celebration today our babe might be born

today I can feel the cramps that Dr Fraser warned me to watch out for last week.

She rang the bell and then sat on the bed with another cramping sensation.

When Mrs Hollis appeared she groaned through yet another cramp Could you

call Dr Fraser back I think that I am having the baby. Also have James fetch Lord

Richard and the minister, Mr Brown. Thank you.

Dr Fraser arrived an hour later. Richard had managed to have Grace moved to the

spare bed in the second room of the suite. She was trying to be brave and not

scare Edmund with her pain. After another hour Richard was called into the room

to see Grace and her baby sitting up happily. Can Richard take our son to

Edmund so he can see him?

Yes but only for a short visit.

Richard ask him to name him please.

Edmund tried to sit up to see his son.You have a son, Edmund a fine strong

young man he is too. Grace asked if you could name him.

Tears streamed down Edmunds cheeks. Against all the odds he had been here to

see his son and Grace had given him the gift of naming him. With Ri chards help

he held his son and said to Richard, I think we shall name him Royce I think thats

a fine name dont you?

Yes, now I think that Dr Fraser wants all of you to rest.

Gently he lifted Royce from Edmund and went to see Grace. Dr. Fraser was just

telling Grace to sleep and feed the baby as necessary. When Richard handed

Royce to Grace he said Edmund named him Royce. There was movement in the

hall.

Billings announced, Mr Brown is here.

Good send him in. said Grace as she arose from her bed. We need to have

Royce baptised with his father present. She continued. Richard and Dr Fraser

can be witnesses, Richard you are still going to be his godfather?

Naturally.


22/22

The ceremony was a simple one performed in Edmunds bedroom. When only

Richard was left in the room with the small family he smiled at them and said,

Goodnight Edmund, Grace and little Royce Edmund. Ill leave you now and come

over first thing tomorrow morning.

Grace fell into a deep sleep; she woke before dawn and carrying Royce she

walked into the main bedroom where Edmund was laying. Edmund was breathing

very heavily gasping for each breath. Grace sat behind Edmund and lifted his

chest and head so he could breathe easier; she placed Royce in his arms and held

them both. Thankyou for such a wonderful son; he even has your red hair.

No. Thank you, he rasped you have made me whole my love. He traced his

finger along Royces chin then breathed his last breath. Grace cried for a time

hugging both Edmund and Royce, and then finally rang for help.

Documents

Edmund and Grace