YETI IN THE MIST by Francesca Rose

YETI IN THE MIST by Francesca Rose

Author:Francesca Rose [Rose, Francesca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-02-04T14:00:00+00:00


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Catherine paused outside Theo’s room, trying to assume what she hoped was a calm expression. She had experience doing that. She’d tried to never show Reginald how worried she was when he was sick. But her husband had been sick, not beaten. Mrs. Edwards had reported that her brother had a black eye, a split lip, and at least two cracked ribs. The housekeeper hadn’t been able to tease any significant information out of him about the source of his injuries. Theo had mumbled something about falling from his horse, but Mrs. Edwards had reported that with considerable skepticism.

It was possible, but Catherine didn’t believe it any more than the housekeeper did. For one thing, Mrs. Edwards said Theo’s injuries were at least three days old. Why come here when he was injured, unless he had some urgent need?

Catherine tapped on the door, then opened it slowly.

Her brother sat propped up in the bed, supported by a mountain of pillows. Linen strips wrapped his ribs. Catherine could see bruises spreading out from beneath the edges of the bandages. Theo’s face was in even worse shape. Mrs. Edward’s description hadn’t done it justice. The left side of his face was still swollen, turning his eye into a purple slit.

And this is after three days of healing? Why would he travel here from London in this condition?

Catherine took the chair beside the bed and covered Theo’s right hand with her own.

“This isn’t how I imagined our next visit, brother. What happened to you?”

Theo’s lips twisted, and he winced. “Can’t you delay your interrogation for at least a day, Cathy? Can’t you just be happy I’m alive?”

Catherine stiffened at the rebuke. It was pure Theo, but it still stung. And she should have waited to ask questions. Whatever had happened, it had been serious. She didn’t need to know the details this minute.

“I’m sorry, I―”

“Oh, never mind. It’s all right. I’m just glad I made it here, though I confess I wasn’t sure I would a couple of times.” He grimaced and held his ribs. “I’ve missed you. I haven’t seen you in far too long, but then the colonel hasn’t exactly been welcoming. How is the old blighter?”

Catherine hated the disrespectful way Theo spoke about Reginald, but now wasn’t the time to chide him for it.

“He’s well, now. He’s just recovered from another bout of lung fever. I wrote you. I was afraid he wouldn’t make it this time.”

“You wrote me? I didn’t get it. I moved again. I thought I’d sent you my new direction.”

He’d moved again? Had he not paid his rents? Reginald gave him an income large enough to cover basic expenses, with the expectation that Theo would find work to cover luxuries. That wasn’t what Theo thought he deserved, as he’d voiced on more than one occasion. He much preferred gambling. Had he lost his stipend at the gaming tables?

But she wouldn’t ask. Not now.

“No. The address I have for you is six months old.”

“Well, no harm done.



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