Sebastian sat beside Delilah's bed as she tossed and turned. The young blood-born cried out in pain. Dark veins crawled across her skin. Sebastian dipped a cloth into a bowl of water and placed it on his sister's forehead. With another damp cloth, he gently wiped her neck and her arms.
With the curtains drawn, darkness hovered in the room. The dawn had come only hours ago, and he still hadn't slept. Sebastian gritted his teeth as his sister cried out once more. Rest was for later. His sister needed him. Delilah wiggled in her bed with a groan.
Sebastian placed a hand on her head, wishing he could ease the pain. He reminded himself that every blood-born child went through this, but it didn't make it any easier.
No one knew why, but every few months, blood-born were plagued by a fever. Their bodies burned and chilled without a remedy. Most medicine helped with the pain. The only option was to pray the fever would pass quickly.
"I shouldn't have taken her out," he muttered.
With a slight knock, Mr. Timmons entered carrying a cup on a tray. Lord Nightingale took the medicine from the butler. With one hand, Sebastian lifted Delilah's head, and with the other, he brought the cup to her lips. Delilah's eyelids fluttered open. She finished the medicine and quickly fell asleep.
Mr. Timmons took the cup from Sebastian. "You're not to blame, sir."
Sebastian rubbed his face. "Isn't it, though? I took Delilah to the Luna festival instead of having her rest more."
"The Coven Mother said Delilah's fever lasted only two weeks. Who was to know it would come back?"
Sebastian stood and paced around the room. "I'm her brother. I should have known."
Mr. Timmons bowed. "Sir, if I may be so bold, I'm sure the young lady doesn't regret going. It's all she's been talking about."
Sebastian dismissed him with a wave.
That night was like a distant dream. It would live with him for a long time. Lady Avaline had been radiant. The curve of her lips, the way the light caught her smile, he could never forget. Then her message arrived, and something inside of him had awakened. A need. A longing. He wanted to see her again.
Delilah whimpered.
Sebastian returned to his seat and wiped his sister's face.
"It's not proper," he whispered.
Delilah would be affected by the fever as she grew older. Even as an adult, he himself was still affected. While there were symptoms leading up to the fever, sometimes it just happened. If it were to happen when he was with Lady Avaline, it would burden her too much. That's the reason he had cancelled Delilah's lessons before the festival. There was no way of knowing how long the sickness would last.
Sebastian dipped the cloth in the water and squeezed the excess liquid. "It wouldn't be fair."
How could he ask Lady Avaline to wait for an uncertain amount of time? It wouldn't be fair to her. She deserved all the attention and attentiveness. As it stood right now, Sebastian couldn't provide that to her.
***
Humming, Avaline worked on Miss Margie's commission as the twins practiced their instruments. The discord between the piano and violin made Avaline's hair curl. She winced as Brian struck the violin at an odd angle, and the sound screeched. Similarly, Anna missed a note.
"Let's take a break," Avaline announced.
The silence was like a refreshing rain after a hot day. She rubbed her ear. The twins glanced at each other.
Anna closed the lid on the piano. "Tutor Margot said we need to practice more."
"Nothing's wrong with a break," Avaline said. "Go ask Lottie for snacks and bring me some."
As the two children hurried off, Avaline sat back on the couch. The afternoon light illuminated the room brightly. The once colorful furniture was now faded. Even the walls had lost their color. Many houses would have started updating their furnishings.
She glanced down at her clothes. Her blouse had started fraying, and even her skirt lacked the luster it once had. Compared to Lord Nightingale, she was a weed.
Shaking her head, Avaline placed the handkerchief on the couch beside her.
"We've only accepted each other's interests," she said aloud.
They weren't officially courting. The only outing they had gone to was the Luna Festival. The Sol Sermon was a coincidence, and Delilah's lessons were a job. A job she missed. It wasn't the money, though that was part of it. Delilah was a sweet girl, though lonely. Even the twins were happier than they had been. Was it because they weren't judged by their family's status?
"My lady," Jonas said by the doorway. "A letter has arrived."
Avaline sat up straighter. Who could it have come from? Was it Yolanda? Or Lady Poppy. Or was it from Lord Nightingale?
With a grin, Avaline took the letter. Her expression fell, and the air rushed out of her lungs. Knots formed in the pit of her stomach.
"M'lady?" Jonas asked. "Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing." Avaline's words shook as she spoke.
Avaline stared at the name Adam Ross. To think he had sent a letter after all this time. As her hands shook, Avaline opened it. The letter was dated two months ago.
Lady Avaline Stark,
I am writing to you from the sea. I'm set to land in Vallone within two months if the weather holds. My family was saddened about my departure, but I assure you, it doesn't diminish their excitement for a partnership. There are many things to discuss with Lord Stark.
I hope to see you soon,
Lord Adam Ross
A sudden shiver passed through her body. Lord Ross's words left her cold. He was practically already here. How long did that leave her to answer Charles's question?
Feeling a headache, Avaline rubbed her temple.
"M'lady?" Jonas prompted.
"Has Charles received a letter as well?" she asked.
"There was only one."
Avaline slipped the letter inside the envelope. The few times Avaline had chatted with Lord Ross, he gave the impression of a good man. He had never crossed any lines or made her uncomfortable. His words were polite, and he carried himself like a man with a purpose. Anyone would want to marry him.
"Has Vivian returned?" she asked.
"No. She mentioned staying out late."
Avaline stood. At least one of them was providing for the family. She glanced at the handkerchief. With Lord Ross impending arrival, she would have to contribute more to the family's coffers. Otherwise...She shook her head. The alternative would be too much to bear.