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“You look quite peaked, darling,” you say, tilting your head at your husband in concern. You sweep your skirts to the side and perch on the corner of his desk. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Laszlo glances up at you through his glasses, then returns his attention to the paperwork on his blotter. “I’m a bit tired,” he admits. His voice sounds as rough as the scratching of his pen.
You frown and put the back of your hand to his temple, then lean forward to press your own forehead against his. He tilts away from you in annoyance.
“Laszlo, you’re feverish!” you exclaim, rising to your feet. “You’re burning up!”
“I shall take a powder and go to bed early,” he states in that tone of his which is mild but also brooks no argument.
“You shall go to bed now, or I’ll have Cyrus put you to bed!” You know that he will challenge this threat, so you start immediately for the door to summon Cyrus.
“Madam!” he calls, and you whirl to see him set down his pen and stand. “I’ll remind you that this is my house, and as such…” You see the cloud come over his eyes and watch in concern as he sinks back into his chair, his words trailing off.
He grumbles the entire way when Cyrus helps him to bed, but you and the large manservant can both see the sweat soaking your husband’s collar. You know that it’s useless to admonish Laszlo, so you simply assist him in undressing, while Cyrus goes to fetch cool water and cloths.
“I’ll have one of Brewton’s powders dissolved in a glass of water and a cup of tea,” Laszlo tells his valet upon his return. You can clearly hear the unusual rasp in your husband’s voice now. He shivers when you run a cool cloth along the back of his neck.
“May I ask about your symptoms?” you ask. “Or will you simply tell me to leave the doctoring to the professionals?” You let your gaze flick up to meet his. His eyes are watery. His face is sallow, the beginnings of his evening stubble dark against his pale skin. “The latter, I expect,” you conclude, when he does not answer.
His hand is hot and dry over yours. “You know me too well, my love,” he murmurs.