Dangerous in Diamonds by Madeline Hunter

Author:Madeline Hunter
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Regency, General, historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9780515149340
Publisher: Jove
Published: 2011-04-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“Now,” Castleford said.

“I should return to my chambers and compose this letter, Your Grace. It requires some thought, due to the delicacy of the subject.”

“Now.” Castleford pointed to the writing table in his bedchamber.

Dr. Neverton flushed and appeared distraught and annoyed.

Their meeting had not gone well. Upon receiving the message to come with all haste, Dr. Neverton had hurried over, a valise full of tonics and metal implements in hand. He had run up the stairs and burst into the apartment, issuing a rush of questions to the valets in the dressing room.

“What is it? A bullet wound from a duel? A fever brought on by his profligate living? Has the drinking finally done in one of his major organs?”

Castleford had heard it all from his bedchamber, where he had been thinking dark thoughts. He was in no mood for what was coming with Dr. Neverton. The woman had really gone too far in making such a thing a condition of receiving her favors. Daughters and wives of peers had not been this bold.

Dr. Neverton had entered the bedchamber resentfully, having learned that no bullet wound or illness had summoned him on this dire emergency. He had been stunned to learn of the examination required instead.

Now, the annoying business finished, Castleford was not going to let the man go free until he had that damned letter in hand.

“Sit. If words fail you, I will help,” he ordered.

Dr. Neverton sat. He glanced at the papers spread on the surface in front of him, then peered more closely. “Are you writing your memoirs, Your Grace?”

Castleford cleared the table of the papers and stacked them roughly on one side. “Not at all. Why do you ask?”

“Forgive me, but I could not help but notice that the top page extolled the charms of a certain damsel of the night named Katy. A little blonde, it said.” He glanced up roguishly. “I think I know her.”

“Do you now?”

“Oh, yes, if it is the same Katy. The one I know has a mole, right—here.” Neverton pointed to the side of his chest.

They exchanged details, far more than necessary, to ensure it was the same woman.

“Your experience with Katy and others may prove useful,” Castleford said. “Now, I want you to write the letter, no salutation, regarding my health. Especially the health that you examined today, if you understand what I mean.”

“You want me to explain that you are in fine health, I assume. May I ask, sir, are you planning to marry? I have only been asked to write such a document once before, when another gentleman with extensive, um, experiences planned to wed. It was required by the intended’s father.”

“No, you may not ask such an impertinent question. Here is how I think you should start the letter. I will dictate. Are you ready?”

Dr. Neverton sighed and dipped the pen.

“ ‘ The patient who bears my letter of testimony to you’—do not use my name, Neverton. I do not want anyone to know I did this should the letter fall into the wrong hands—‘is in remarkably good health.

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