“George will be well,” Emma added confidently. “It is most likely croup, not whooping cough.”
He hoped that was true, not that he knew what croup was, but Emma seemed to know and thought it better. By the time they arrived at Harry’s, Simon’s doubt had returned over George's health. As they entered the house, a flurry of activity met them.
“Good evening, sir, Miss Drake,” the butler said. “Please excuse me for saying this, but it might not be the best time for a call. The little lord is ailing. I thought you might be the physician.”
“We are aware, Jenkins,” Emma replied. “Harry was at the ball with me and asked Mr. Kingsley to escort me home, but I must help my sister. Tessa is with child and cannot attend Louisa.”
Jenkins smiled down at Emma in a fatherly manner. “Of course, Miss Drake. They are in the nursery.”
“Did Her Grace request hot water for steam?” Emma asked.
“No, miss.”
“Then get as many pots filled as possible and bring it up one at a time. We will need a large coverlet or sheet to make a tent over George and Her Grace.”
“Yes, miss.” Jenkins turned to a footman and relayed all of Emma’s orders.
She walked to the steps and glanced back at Simon. “Are you coming?”
He blinked in confusion. He’d never thought of Emma as a lady with such a commanding persona but seeing her take charge was enlightening.
“How do you know all this?” Simon asked as they ascended to the nursery.
“When Louisa finally told me about Robby, I investigated croup and whooping cough myself.”
“Indeed?”
She let out a small chuckle. “Louisa is not the only one who can read books.”
Simon smiled back at her. “I suppose not.”
They entered the nursery to find Harry, Louisa, and the nurse pacing the room. Louisa held George tight to her chest as he let out a barking cough.
“Oh, that is a good sign,” Emma exclaimed after hearing the baby cough.
Everyone turned and stared at her. Louisa’s mouth gaped before she said, “A good sign? Are you mad, Emma?”
“Louisa, it sounds like croup. I have already asked Jenkins to boil large quantities of water so we can get some steam into his lungs.”
“Doctor Harris is on his way,” Louisa replied sternly. “He will decide what is wrong with George.”
Simon watched the interplay between the sisters. Typically, Louisa would have won any contest, but he would bet on Emma winning tonight.
A footman arrived with a coverlet. “Miss Drake, here is the blanket. The water will be up shortly.”
Louisa’s face crumpled as George coughed again. “Where is that physician?”
“Louisa,” Emma knelt by her sister and stared at her. “This is croup. Some steam will help him breathe easier. Please trust me. If the physician says otherwise, we can take his recommendations. Either way, the steam will not hurt him.”
Louisa nodded slowly.
When the footmen finally arrived with the first bowl of steaming water, Emma assisted her sister by positioning the coverlet over them. Once they were covered, the nurse mouthed “thank you” to Emma.
The physician finally arrived a few minutes later.
“Good evening, Dr. Harris,” Emma said with a quick curtsy. “Please let me introduce the duke’s brother, Mr. Kingsley.”
The men gave a quick bow to each other. The physician glanced about the room as Harry disentangled himself from the coverlet.