“Unfortunately, it’s not inexpensive,” Blake said. “The facility in Bath is state of the art, and fees run up to five pounds per day, and then there are doctor fees and nursing fees, as well as medication and supplies.”
“Dear Lord,” Mrs. Price said, weeping.
“And of course for a child of Kat’s age, a parent should accompany her, and room and board for that will be another couple of pounds per week.”
Cameron took a deep breath. “I see.”
“If it will help, I will cut my fees, especially since you are friends of Lady Rose and the Duke and Duchess of Lybrook.”
“That’s not necessary,” Cameron said.
“Cam—” Rose began.
“We’ve no need of charity, Doctor,” Cameron said. “I’ll see that payment is made.”
“As you wish,” Blake said. “And since I’ve ruled out scarlet fever and small pox, there’s no need to continue the quarantine.”
“How soon should we leave for Bath?” Cameron asked.
“The sooner the better. I’d be happy to transport her and your mother in my carriage, since I’m going back there anyway.”
“We’d be obliged,” Cameron said, “and we will of course pay you for the transport.”
“That’s really not necessary,” Blake said. “I’m going anyway.”
“I’ll pay for it, damn it!”
Rose touched Cameron’s arm, but he nudged her away.
“Mum, pack up a valise for you and Kat. I’m sure the doctor would like to leave right away.”
“Cam,” Mrs. Price said, “it’s so much money.”
“It’s Kat’s life, Mum. There’s no price on that.” He walked from the room, down the hall, and out the back door.
Rose followed him. “Cam, she’s going to be all right.” She took his hand. “She’s a strong little girl, and she’ll have the best care.”
“Yes, yes,” Cameron said. “Yes, I know.”
“What can I do for you? Tell me. I’ll do anything.”
“Damn it, Rose, I don’t need your charity either!” He wrenched his hand free of her.
“I’m not offering charity. I just want to help. I love Kat, and I love you!” She pulled at his arm. “Please don’t turn me away.”
“I need to make some money, Rose. Some more money. And there’s only one way for me to— Damn it all to hell!” He pulled her to him and embraced her, holding her as if a cyclone were trying to whirl her away from him.
He had to take Xavier’s commission now. He didn’t have a choice. With Xavier’s money, he could pay for Kat’s medical needs and still have enough left over to get his mother and sisters out of the cottage and into a townhouse in London. They deserved that much.
He would write a song for Xavier to give to Rose. For another man’s proposal to the woman he loved.
He had to let Rose go.
Chapter Five
Dr. Blake left with Mrs. Price and Kat soon after, and Rose went to the cabin to gather her personals. The quarantine had been lifted and Kat didn’t need her. She was worried about Kat and thankful she would be getting the best care available. She was also worried about Cameron. He was acting so strangely. But of course he was. Kat meant everything to him. Rose wished she could do more.
Rose was fastening her valise when Cameron opened the door to the cabin. She looked up. Dark circles marred his beautiful eyes, and agony rolled off of him in waves.