The Shadow Earl by Stella Riley

Author:Stella Riley [Riley, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-14T18:30:00+00:00

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Leaving Daniel soaking in a hot bath, attended by his valet, Christian went home intending to devote the rest of the day to dealing with sundry business matters. A letter in Sophia’s hand waited for him on the salver in the hall so he picked it up and took it with him to the library. Sitting behind the large, carved desk with various ledgers already open before him, Gerald looked up and said, ‘How did it go?’

‘Not entirely as planned,’ replied Christian. And, in as few words as possible, recounted the events of the morning. ‘By this evening – if not sooner – there will be rousing choruses of See the Conquering Hero Comes every time Daniel shows his face.’

Gerald grinned. ‘And what will they sing for Basil?’

‘Nothing he’ll like or want to hear.’ Sitting down on the other side of the desk, Christian broke the seal of the letter and started to skim the contents. Then he sat up, frowning, and began again.

Kit, she had written.

Please come as soon as you can. Papa had a second apoplexy during the night and remains unconscious. Doctor Freeman says we should be prepared for the worst. Everything is in turmoil and Mama is distraught. She is convinced that we will be evicted from the house the very instant Papa breathes his last. She will not listen to reason, so I cannot convince her otherwise – and Gwen is no help. I know you can’t do anything about any of this. But it will be such a relief for me to discuss the situation with someone sane, so I ask again. Please, please come.

Yours, with love,

Sophie

By the time he reached the end, Christian was already on his feet.

‘My apologies, Gerald. Our business will have to wait for another day. I have to go out.’ He tossed the letter towards him. ‘Read it for yourself.’

And was gone.

* * *

In Charles Street, there was no sign of the butler and the footman who answered the door bore all the appearance of somebody who had been attempting to do three things at once. Christian said, ‘Where are the ladies?’

‘Her ladyship is upstairs with – with his lordship and the doctor, sir. The young ladies are in the drawing room.’

‘Thank you. There’s no need to show me up – I know the way and am sure you’ve got your hands full.’

He tapped on the drawing-room door before opening it. Sophia was on her feet in an instant and half way across the room, hands outstretched.

‘Kit – thank goodness!’

He accepted her hands and continued to hold them.

‘How is your father?’

‘The same as he was when I wrote to you.’

‘And the doctor’s opinion?’

‘Also unchanged. I’m sorry to drag you here when I know there’s nothing you can do but I hoped – ’

‘Of course there’s something he can do,’ cut in Gwendoline. ‘If he chooses to, that is.’

‘Not another word!’ snapped Sophia, dragging her hands free and whirling furiously on her sister. ‘You will not interfere in this.

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