Secret at Dark Castle by Karen Dean Benson

Author:Karen Dean Benson [Benson, Karen Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-68046-891-5
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

The doctor lunged, separating them. She spun, turning her attention to Lord Darnley, who wheezed with tears dripping down his pale cheeks. She turned his face from the scuffle.

The doctor grabbed Rutledge’s upper arms in a firm grip. “You have no authority in this room. As long as his lordship breathes, he is in charge. The look on his face is enough for me to realize you have committed a grave offense against this woman. You are wasted beyond good reasoning. Get out or I’ll throw you out.”

Mairéad patted Lord Darnley’s cheeks and shoulders, cooing as if he were a child, soothing him. Out of the corner of her eye, Rutledge, edgy or nervous, glanced about the chamber, spat at the doctor’s waistcoat and slammed the heavy mahogany door on his way out.

The doctor immediately put his attention solely on his patient assessing his heart rhythm with an instrument. Ascertaining his welfare, he then inquired of her, “Miss, are you all right?”

Her hand shook as she stroked his lordship’s cheek. “I am fine. Rattled, a bit. Mostly worried about this dear man.”

“Sit for a minute.” The doctor poured a glass of water and handed it to her. He turned his attention back to his patient, whose labored breathing hissed through his sagging mouth. “Take a deep breath, my lord. You need to calm yourself as best you can. Rutledge is gone, and I do not think he will return.” Darnley made a visible effort to breath deeper. “That’s it, my lord. Try again. It has a calming effect on your heart.”

Witham and Tench burst into the chamber. Witham’s worried glance swept the room, landing on his lordship, then he quickly glanced at the doctor, gasping, “Rutledge lunged out through the library doors, making quite a racket. It appears as though he’s been here awhile.”

Mairéad’s hand trembled as she stroked her forehead. “Long enough to...” She stopped from stating the obvious and shook her head. Did the drink make him dreadful? What demons lived inside him?

Witham glanced at the doctor with a narrowed brow and doubt in his eyes.

Mr. O’Reilly nodded.

Under his breath, Witham asked, “Was there trouble?” as if he hoped this was all a mistake.

Again, the doctor nodded.

Mrs. Atkinson and Lady Darnley, followed closely by Cindy, bustled into the chamber. The housekeeper leaned back against the closed door as if Rutledge might thrust it open, though Mairéad doubted he would, thanks to Mr. O’Reilly’s threats.

“We caught sight of Rutledge’s coattails as he ran across the foyer. Do we know what happened?” her ladyship inquired.

Mairéad’s gaze swept past the others, landing on Mr. O’Reilly, who continued to administer to his patient.

Witham stepped close to her, hovering. The concern on his face almost caused her to wilt. Drained, she felt confused and disquieted. This encounter with Rutledge had been much like the first two, rather violent and uncalled for. Distress clawed at her like bestial talons. She turned away.

Mrs. Atkinson moved near, whispering, “Can you tell me what transpired?”

“I’m not sure I understand.

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