Introduction
Orlahashadonedreamformanyyears,tohealothers,butavindictivesuitorblockedherpathtoaLondonmidwiferycareer Desperate,sheacceptsanoffertomendBaronDeRees,oncethetemptingblue-eyedboyofthetonandnowdangerouslyill. However, as she delves into his mysterious world, an irresistible pull draws her closer. When the lines blur between professionaldutyandforbiddendesire,astolenkisswilligniteagreatpassionwithinher.
Willsheresistatemptationthatcouldreshapeherdestiny?
Horace Coates, BaronDe Rees is sickand haunted bypast mistakes of his arrogant, selfishlife, marked bybitterness and regret WhenOrla,anunexpectedhealer,emergestotendtohisafflictions,Horacerealizesthatsheisconnectedtohistragic story.Tornbetweenhisnotorioushistoryandailingpresent,thebeguilingOrlaawakensasizzlingpassionhecannottame.As Horaceseeksredemption,heslowlyrealizesthatherscandaloustouchwillbethemedicinehealwayscravedfor.
Ifonlyhisburninglovecouldfreehimfromhisgoldencage
AsOrlaandHorace'sforbiddenromancedeepensintosomethingmorethanjuststolenmomentsbehindcloseddoors,adeep buriedsecretblockstheireverysteptohappiness.ThemoreOrlaseesofHorace’sillness,themoreshecan’thelpwondering ifthere’ssomethingelsebehinditall WillOrlastaylongenoughtodiscoverthetruthorwillsheleavefearingscandal?Can theirlovebetheforceagainsttheseaofliesandfearsurroundingthem?
Lancashire, 1815
“Aye,it’scold,”Orlamutteredtoherselfasshesteppeddownfromthecarriageandontothetrackroad.Sheglancedbackat the carriage, a dark and elegant structure, the wood ornately painted black with rich deep curtains shrouded across the windows.Itseemedanomentohermind,morelikeafuneralcarriagethanacoachtotakeaworkertotheirnewhome.
Sheturnedherbackonthecarriageasthegroom,George,tookherbagsfromthebackofthecoach.
“You’renewtoInglebythen,miss?”GeorgesaidwithaheavyLancashireaccent.
“Aye, that’s right.” Orla’s Irishaccent sounded strongincomparison. She smiled at him, wrapped her thickwoolenshawl tighteraroundhershoulders,thenshiftedherfocustothehallbeforeher
Intheautumnbreezeandgraycloud,InglebyHallwasadarkbuildingindeed.Treesnearbyshiveredandwavedtheirbranches inthebreeze,theircopperandapricottingedleavesflyingoffandwhippingpasther Shesquintedandraisedherhandtocover herbrow,shieldinghergazefromtheonslaughtofleaves.
“Ah,bracinghere,lass,”Georgesaidbesideherwithachuckle “IwouldhavethoughtIrelandwascolder,though”
“Manchester.”
“What?”hesaiddistractedly,haltingathersideashewavedatthecarriagedriver.
“I’mfromManchester.MyparentsareIrish,”shehurriedtoexplain,glancingatthecarriage.“Grand,eh?ThegrandestIhave everbeenin”
“Well,fromwhatIhear,theywereeagertohaveyouhere,Miss”GeorgenoddedandledthewayupthetracktowardIngelby Hall.
What is happening here? Why are they so eager to have me?
Orla kept the myriad of questions to herself as she looked at the hall. The wide building looked Tudor, or even Stuart in structure Thefarleftwasmadecompletelyofredbrick,thoughtherightsidewasmadeupofTudortimberandwhitemottled walls.Thelead-linedwindowsdidn’tgleaminthegraylightofthedaybutlookedmorelikeblackabysses.
The formal gardenoneither side of the pathshe now walked downwas scrubby, withno autumnal flowers, but onlygrey twigs,longingforthelifethatspringwouldbringagain.Shenearlyslippedmorethanonceonthedampgravelasshefollowed Georgetowardthehouse.
Themanorremindedherofadarkenedheart.Itwastwisted,coveredinshadows,andwasrepeatedlywhippedbytheautumnal leaves that flew past her inthe wind. She shivered, holdingher leather reticule close to her chest as she pulled the shawl tighteraroundhershouldersstill.Thenearershegottothedoor,sheliftedherbonnetfromherhead,desperatetotakeinthe
fullheightandscaleofthebuilding.Herlongbrownhairtriedtoescapeitsupdointheenthusiasticwind.
The door was opened bya manwearinga butler’s garb who beckoned George inside. She followed behind them, sharinga briefsmilewiththebutlerasshelookedaroundthehall.
Itwasavastentrance,morelikeanoldgreathall,onceusedforTudorfeastsanddancing,thenanentranceatall Portraitson thewalllookedoutatherwithancient,hookednoses,suspicionintheirbeadyblackeyes.Eventhebutlerglancedathermore thanonceashewenttoaidGeorgewithhisbags.
“YouarehereatthebequestofMr.Byrne?”thebutlerasked,scarcelylookingatherashespoke.
“Aye Mr ColmByrne”Heraccentclearlystartledhim,forheglancedupfromthebagsashemadehiswaytowardthestairs
“He’llbeheretoseeyoushortly.”
“Thankyou.”ShesteppedforwardashelefttheroomwithGeorge,lookingaroundthehallalittlemore.Floorboardscreaked above and she lifted her head to see a line ofyoungmaids, evenyounger thanher, all lined up behind the balustrade onthe landing Theywerewhisperingandpointingdownather Whentheysaw shehadseenthem,theyallpromptlyscurriedaway again,hidingbehindnearbytimberbeams.
What a warm welcome
Shekeptthethoughttoherselfandsteppedforward,eagertoseeheruncle.
She was here atColm’s request. Itwas true, butnotto attend to him. Her Uncle Colmwas the surgeonto the master ofthe house,amanbythenameofHoraceCotes,orBaronDeRees.Shepeeredbackandforthacrosstheancientpaintings.Mostof thecharacterswithintheframesboreTudorandStuartdress,butshewaslookingforamaninmoderndress–amanwhocould beBaronDeRees.
Adoorbangedsomewhereinthedistance.AvoiceragedandcursedsoloudlythatOrlaflinchedandturnedaround.Therehad tobeasecondsetofstairsinthehouse,forsheheardthemcreakingundersomeone’sracingfeet.Throughanopendoorwaya manappeared Helookedtobenomorethanthirtyyears old Hedidn’tlookather atfirst,butcontinuedtocurseinwardly WhenOrlasteppedback,herfoottappingthefloorboardsbeneathher,hesnatchedhisheadup.
Hisspineabruptlystraightened,andhischinlifted Thecroppeddarkhair onhisheadwaswaxedtoaperfectshine,andno creaseofhissuitjacketwasoutofplace.
“Youarethenurse,yes?”hesaiddistractedly,movingrightpasther,thoughheclearlyexpectedhertoanswer
“Aye,Iam.”
“Ha,goodluck,”hemuttereddarkly,thesarcasmplainasday.
He continuedtomarchpasther,leavingher dumbstruck.He steppedoutofthe door and,for goodmeasure,justtoshow his irritationallthemore,heslammedthedoorbehindhim.
Oneofthepaintingsonanearbywallwentcrookedbecauseofthemovement.
Inthesilenceafterwards,Orlatiptoedtowardthepaintingandsetitstraightagain.
“Whatawarmplace,”shewhisperedtoherself.
“Orla?”
Shespunaroundathername,lookingthroughtheopendoorwaythatthestrangerhadjustappeared.
“UncleColm?”
Hesmiledingreeting,hurryingtowardher Hissleeveswererolleduptohiselbows,andhewipedhishandsonawhitecloth ashenearedher.
“Ah,Iamgladtoseeyou,”hesaid,withnotatraceoftheIrishaccentthathadoncebeenhisinhisvoice Manyyearsago,he hadadoptedastrongManchesterliltinitsplace,blendinginwithsocietyaroundhim.“I’msorry.IwishIcouldhavecomeand collectedyoufromyourparents’housemyself.”
“Thebaron’scarriagewasenoughtocausequestions.”Shegrimaced.“Youcanwellimaginewhatacoachasgrandasthatdid onourstreet”Colmnoddedknowingly,matchingherexpression,makinghisdarkbrownhairdancearoundhisears
“Thebaronneededmetoday.Wewerehardlyexpectingameetingfromhisbusinesspartner,ontodayofalldays.”Hesighed loudlyandrubbedhisbrow.
Outofhabit,Orlatooktheclothfromhimandfoldeditneatly,returningittothepocketinhiswaistcoatforhim.
“Thankyou,”hewhisperedwithasadsortofsmile “Hisbusinesspartner…wouldhebethemanwhostormedfromthishousenow?Ratherlikeachildhavingatantrum.”
“Be careful withyour witinthis house,Orla.” Colmfoughthis smile onthis occasion.“Yes,thatwouldbe him.Mr.Walter Gladstoneishisname.”
“Andthebaron?”Sheglancedoverheruncle’sshoulder.“IfIamtoattendtohim,perhapsitiswisethatImeethim?”
“Youandyourcuriosity”Hetutted,thoughtherewasstillfondnessinhisvoice “Come,anothertime Lordknowsthebaronis innostateforvisitorsnow.”Hetookherleatherreticulefromher.“I’llshowyoutoyourroom.”
“Thankyou”
Heledherthroughthedoorwayandtothesecondstaircase,hurryinguptogether.
“Howwasyourjourney?”heaskedhermanyquestionsastheywalked,andsheansweredallofthemwoodenly,thinkingmore ofhersurroundingsthanthehouseshehadleft.
“Itwaslong,butIamherenow.”
“And your parents? Ibettheyhad muchto sayaboutme takingyouawayfromyour home Ido notdoubtmybrother spoke againabouthowitwashightimeyousettleddownandmarried.”
“Youknowmyfatherwell,”shemurmured,hereyesonthepokycorridorandthelow-lyingbrowntimberbeamsthatheruncle nearlyhithisheadonastheywalkedalong.
“Thisway”Heledherdownaturningandtotheeastwing,towhichadoorwasajar
Muffledvoicessoundedwithin,onesthatwereclearlysoangry,Orlafoundherselfslowingherpace.
Aglassshattered.Haditbeenthrownagainstawall?Haditbeenthrownatsomeone?
“Nevermindaboutthat,”Colmwhisperedhurriedly,clearlyeagertogetherawayfromthispartofthehouse.“Come,quickly, Orla”
Shedidasheasked,followinginhisshadow
Whentheyfoundherroom,herportmanteaushadbeenleftherebyGeorgeandthebutler.Itwasasmallroomatthebackofthe house,yetlargerthantheonefromhomethatshehadtosharewithhersiblings.Theroofwasslanted,meaningshe’dhavetobe carefulwhensheclimbedinandoutofbed,nottohitherheadonthetimberbeams,butthefurniturepieceswereimpressive. Shehadtwochestsofdrawers,anoldcoffer,andasideboardtoppedwithherownwashbowlandjug.
“Goodness,” she whispered. “Itis quite a place.” She moved to the window and peered throughthe latticed glass outatthe garden.Itstruckherthatinthesummer,whenthesunshined,itmightbeafair-lookinggardenwithredrosesgleaminginthe light.“Ibetthisisafineviewinsummer.”
“Bewarned,Orla.”Colmplacedherbagdownonthebedforher.“Thesundoesnotshineparticularlyoftenhere.”
Shelookedaroundathim,raisinghereyebrows,buthedidn’tsayanymore.
“I’ll leave you to get settled We can share dinner later and discuss the baron’s condition” He hovered in the doorway, glancingbackatherwithoneofthoseeasyandwarmexpressionsshehadcometoloveovertheyears.
Whenher parents had beenwaryofher pursuinga career inmedicine, Colmwas the one who had encouraged her Atone point,ithadseemedshewasonthevergeofenteringamidwiferycareerinLondonwhenanotherpartyputastoptoit.Shehad muchtothankColmfor,whenothershadtoldherthislifewasnotpossible
“Iamgladyouarehere,”hesaidsoftly.Momentarily,sheheardtheIrishliltinhisvoice,thenitwasgoneashewishedher wellandleft.
Orlahurriedtounpackher things.Shepaidparticular attentiontothemedicinal equipmentshehadbroughtwithher,andher bottlesofherbsandtonics,devotinganentirechestofdrawerstothesecontents.
“Knock,knock.”Thesewordswereaccompaniedbyatappingsoundontheopendoor.
Orlaputdownherthingsandturnedtoseeoneofthemaidswhohadbeenstaringatherfromthetopofthestairspokingher facethroughthegap.
“Onlyme,” she said self-deprecatinglywitha humble smile “IthoughtIshould introduce myself I’mEsther” She curtsied, and Orla hurried to mirror her. Esther pushed backone loose curl ofblonde hair thathad escaped outofher coif, tuckingit backunder the white muslin. “Iamsorrywe were all staringatyoujustnow. We were eager to see you.” She smiled and quicklyquelledit “Therearen’tmanywhowouldtakeonthecareofLordDeRees”
“No?”Orlasaidwithcuriosity,butEstherdidn’telaborate “Well,Iamgladtomeetyou”
“As Iamyou.Anyhelpinthis house is greatlyappreciated.Idothe fires andthe laundry,butyoucanaskfor myhelpwith anythingifyouneedit.CanIhelpyouunpack?”Shegesturedtowhatwasleftintheportmanteau.
Orlawasusuallywaryofnew people,buttherewassomethinginEsther’shumblemanner andthepinknessofher cheeksas shetookthecouragetointroduceherselfthatmadeOrlalikethemaidbeforeher
“Thankyou.That’smostkind.”OrlareturnedtoherunpackingasEstherpassedherthingsoutoftheportmanteau.
“You’reIrish?”Estherasked “Iloveyouraccent Farnicerthanmine”Shegiggled “Thankyou.Aye,Irishbyblood,butraisedinManchester.”
“Howwasyourjourney?”Estherpickedupasmallleatherbagoutoftheportmanteauandpassedittoher.Unfortunately,the bagwasunbuttoned,andasmallsilverringfelloutofthepouch.Itrolledacrossthefloor,indangeroftuckingitselfunderone of the chests of drawers. “Oops, I amsorry.” Esther ranafter it, managingto catchit narrowlybefore it disappeared. She pickeditup,turnedandpasseditbacktoOrla.
Withherhearthammeringinherchest,Orlatookthering Itwascoldandunyieldingbeneathherfingers Forasecond,shejust stoodthere,feelingtheflutteringofherheartasshewaitedforEsthertoaskaboutthering,butfortunately,Estherdidnosuch thing SheturnedtohelpOrlawiththerestofherthings Breathingasighofrelief,Orlareturnedtothedrawers
“Thejourneywasfine,butIamhappytobehere.IfIcanmakeadifference…IfIcanhelpthebaron…”
“The baronneeds muchhelp” Esther giggled, blushed red, thenheld a quietinghand over her lips “Ishould notspeakso Forgiveme,MissByrne,butIgiveyouonewarningaboutthebaron.Idonotmeanittobeunkind.Ijustwishtoputyouon yourguard”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Orlaasked,fixingherwholeattentiononthemaidasshetookastackofgownsfromEsther.
“Imean…”Estherpausedandchewedherlip,seeminghesitantaboutgivingherfullopinion.“Sufficeittosaythathealingthe
baronmaybeafool’serrand.Somethingbeyondreach.”Shetuckedthatdisobeyinglooselockofblondhairbeneathhercoif againandshiftedherfocustothemedicinalkitintheopendrawers.Fascinated,withhereyeslightingup,shegesturedtothe manyglassvials “Enoughsombernessforoneday Thislooksexciting Wouldyoutellmeallaboutit?I’veonlyeverbeena maid.Cannotimaginebeinganurseforaliving.”
Orlastruggledtoreply HermindwasstilldwellingonEsther’swarning
Why is healing the baron a fool’s errand?
Horacestaredattheshatteredglassathisfeet.Foramoment,thosebrokenshardsblurredtogether.Theyglistenedmorelikea viscous liquid thanwhat theywere, lethal and sharp. He blinked, recognizingthe pricklingfeelingof tears inhis eyes. He forcedthemawayandrousedhisbody
Breakingeveryglass inhis chamber was hardlygoingtohelpnow,evenifeachoneofWalter’s visits thesedays seemedto leavehimevenmorefrustratedandangrythanbeforehearrived
Horace glanced around the emptychamber, wipinghis eyes and stoppinganyfurther fallingoftears. The roomwas full of medicinesandemptyglassbottlesleftonnearbytablesandbureaus Hesupposedthemaidshadbeenwarnednottocomeinso oftenthesedays,incasehethrewanymoreglassesaroundtheroom.
“Damnbody,”hemutteredinanger,andmovedtohiskneesbeforetheshatteredglass Ashedidso,thedizzinessswirledin hismind.Hebracedahandagainstanearbytimberbeamandbowedhishead,urgingthesicknesstostop.
This is not me What happened to me? What happened to the athleticism and strength of my youth?
Heturnedhisheadandglancedatalookingglassproppedupagainstanearbywall.Inthisposition,hecouldjustseetheside ofhisbodyandhishandbracedagainstthetimber Therewasgauntnessinhischeeks,thecheekbonesmorepronouncedthan theyeverwereinhisyouth,andnotinahandsomeway,butanillway.Hiswholebodywasthinnerthanitoncewas,nolonger strongwithmuscle,stilllithe,butalso
“Weak,”hemutteredaloud.
Cursingoncemore,hepickeduptheshardsofglass,gatheringthemtogetherinthepalmofhishand Ashestood,hestaggered totheside,strugglingtofindhisbalance,thendroppedtheshardsintoabowlononeofhisbureaus.
“Horace?”Ahandcaughthisshoulder.
“God’sblood!”Horaceexclaimedinalarm,flinginghisbodyaroundtoseethatAdamwasinhisroom.“Howdidyougetin here?”
“Iknockedacoupleoftimes”Adamofferedtheeasysmilethatwasalwaysonhisface Hiscousinandgoodfriend,theone whohadtakenovertherunningofthehouseandestateinHorace’sinfirmity,stoodbeforehim.“I’msorrytogiveyousucha fright.”Adamlaughedsoftly.
Horaceyearnedforthecomforthiscousincouldbring.Theydidnotlookparticularlydifferent,thesameheight,thesamedark copperhair,thoughHorace’swaslongerthesedaysandAdam’swascutshort.Themaindifferencebetweenthemwasthatat leastAdamhadahealthylooktohisskinandalittlemoreweightonhisbones
Adamhadahabitofbringingeasyhumorwithhimwhereverhewent ItwassomethingHoracelongedfor,whenhewastired ofbeingshutupinthisroomfordaysonend,allonhisown.
“Howaboutyoutakearestinbed?”Adamsuggested,thenglanceddownatHorace’shand.“Youcutyourselfonthatglassyou
“What?” Horace looked distractedlyathis hand. “Oh. It’s nothing.” He dabbed the cutdrywitha cloth. “Idon’tneed to go backtobed.”Whenhestaggeredandendedupleaningagainstthebedpost,hecursedoncemore.“I’mstillnotgoingbackto bed.”
“Verywell.”AdamclearedupsomemoreofthemessofbrokenglassshardsthatHoracehadn’tevenrealizedhe’dleftbehind. “Howaboutawalkaroundthefarms?Let’sgogetsomeair.Youusedtoloveridinginthefarmlandandfields.”
“Iknow Idid,but…” Horace wishedhe couldsayyes.“No.Ineedtosavemyenergy.” Herubbedhis brow instress.“I’m sorryformyoutburst,ifyouheardit.Waltercameagain.”
“Ah, whatdid he do this time?” Adamdropped the bits ofglass withthe others into a bowl, thenturned and tookHorace’s shoulders WhenHoracedughisfeetintotheground,refusingtobesteeredtowardthebed,Horacetookhimtothelow-lying ottomaninfrontofthelead-latticedwindowinstead.
“Hehasmadefinancialinvestmentsagain.Jointinvestments,beforeevenconsultingme.Thesnake.”
“He’syourfriend.Yourdearestfriend.”
“Ishe?”Horacescoffedashedroppeddownontotheottoman,feelingmorelikeasackofpotatoesthanhumanatall “I’mnot sosureanymore,Adam.Heistakingmymoneyandinvestingitwithoutmyknowledge.ForallIknow,thesecouldbescams, deceptions todeceive me outofmoney He says he’s doingitall for me–toprotectmymoneyandavoidworryingme inmy time of need.” HewasdisgustedbythephrasethatWalterhadused.
Adamofferednowords HesimplyproducedaglassofwaterandthrustitintoHorace’shands “Thankyou,”Horacemurmuredandtookasip.Therewassomethinginthebackofhismindthatgratedwiththesewords.
Guilt That’s what it is
Therewasatimewhenhescarcelyeversaidthankyouorshowedanysortofpolitenessatall.Now confinedtohisbed,he was muchmorereliantonthosewords thanhehadoncebeen Italsobroughttohomeperhaps how manytimes hehadbeen indebtedtoAdamforhishelp,andyetneglectedtothankhimforhiskindness.
I am a different man these days, in so many ways.
Hetookanothersmallsipfromtheglass,deepinthought.
“Howdoestheestatefare?”
“Allwell,andyourtenantsarehappy”Adamclappedhimontheshoulder “Ihavewritteneverythingupforyou,includingmy suggestions,andI’llleavethepapersforyouheretolookoverwhenyou’refeelingbetter.Rest,cousin.Please.”Hesqueezed Horace’sshouldercomfortingly.“I’llcallonyoulater,yes?”
“Verywell.”Henodded,listeningtothefloorboardsintheoldhousecreakasAdammadehiswaytothedoor.“Adam?”he called as Adamreached the doorwayand glanced back. “Thankyou. Truly. For… everything.” His voice was deep, almost tremulous
“Anytime,cousin.”Adamwinkedandleft,lettingthedoorclosesoftlybehindhim.Themomenthewasgone,Horace’sspine slumped
Must I have everyone wait hand on foot for me?
Angered,heflunghimselfaroundontheottomanasbestashecould,cursingthesuddendizzinessinhisheadatthemovement. Hegrippedtheoldstonewindowsillandveeredforward,practicallypressinghisfaceflattotheglassashestaredoutatthe gardenbeyond
Betweenthetwiggybushesthathadshedtheirleaveswalkedtwowomen Oneherecognized Esther,themaid,waswalking withanotherwomanbesideher–onethatHoracedidnotrecognize.
Hewipedthecondensationfromtheglassashisbreathcloudedthewindow,peeringatthewomanmoreintently.
Thedarkbrownhairwastiedneatlyintoachignon,thoughtherewasasinglelonglockthathungdownandteasedthenapeof herneck Shewasbeautiful Therewasnodenying Thelargeeyesdominatedherfeatures,thefulllipstemptingHoracewith imaginingshehadnotvisitedinmonths.Shewassmallandlitheinbuild,almostdolllikewiththerosytintofhercheeks.
“Ohdear,”hemuttered “Wheredidyoucomefrom,temptation?”
TherehadbeenatimewhenHoracewouldhavebeenoutofhischamberalready,intentontalkingtothewoman.Charmhad comeeasytohimatonepointinhislife Exactlyhow manywomenhadheseducedintohisbedinhisyoungeryears?Many, eachone knowingwhatitwas–pure seductionand excitement, no hearts, butonlybodies and thrills to share. Some ofthose nightstauntedhimnowwithlonging,forheknewhedidnothavethestrengthforsuchthingsnow
Yetsomethingstirredinhisgutashelookedatthestranger.SheturnedherheadandlaughedwarmlyatsomethingthatEsther hadsaid.Thefulllipspartingcapturedhim,andawildideaenteredhishead.
Hesawhimselfkissingthoselipsamongstthebareandautumnalgrounds.Hesawthetwoofthemtogetherpressedupagainst oneofthetrees,copperleavesfallingaroundthemashepulledatherskirt,tryingtoreachfortheplaceheknewwouldbring herthemostpleasure.Hecouldpracticallyhearthebreathymoaninginhisear,thecryofpleasure,ashishandslidhome.
Sheturnedtolookupathimandnotinhis imagination,butinreality,her headliftingtowardhis window.Abruptly,Horace grabbedthecurtainandpulleditshutfastacrosstheglass,blockingoutthegraylightoftheday.
“That’snotmeanymore,”hemutteredgruffly,shuttingdowntemptationbeforeitcouldbegin
“Enter,” Horace called as he pulled his shirt over his chest He’d longago dismissed his valet fromhelpingto dress him Thoughsomedayshebarelyhadthestrengthtodresshimself,hewasdeterminedtodoit.
At least it is one thing in my life I can control.
“MyLord,Icomewithmynewassistant.Oh.”TherewasagaspofsurprisefromMr.Byrne.
Horaceturnedfromhisplacebesidehisopenchestofdrawers,wearingonlyhistrousersandhisshirt.Itwasanoddthingto gaspat Mr Byrnewashissurgeonandphysician ItwashardlythefirsttimeMr Byrnehadseenhiminastateofundress
ThenHorace’seyesfellontheassistantathisside.
That is no man
Thewomanhehadspiedinthegardenthedaybeforewasstaringathim,quiteagogwithpartedlips,andaleather doctor’s satchel inher arms Her eyes darted downhim, to the unlaced neckof his shirt, and the evident glimpse of his bare chest beneath.
“Myapologies,mylord,”Mr.Byrnesaidhurriedly,steppingintotheroomandloweringhisownbagtothetableasifhewas inagreatrush.“Ididnotrealizeyouwouldstillbedressing.Orla?”Helookedattheyoungwomanwhohadnowsnappedher gazeup She looked.
ThattightfeelingverylowdowninHorace’sabdomenhadbeguntostiragain.
You fool Stop it
“I’mhere,Uncle.”Sheturnedhereyesdemurelyawayandmovedtohisside.
“Wait, assistant?” Horace held up a hand, staringat the womanwide eyed “Byrne, youdid not saythe assistant youwere bringingtohelpyouwasawoman?”
“DidInot?”Mr Byrnelookedbetweenthepairofthem,hischeeksturningpinkwithembarrassment Thenheshrugged “She isexcellent,mylord.Ihavenevermetanotherlikeherwithheracumenwhenitcomestothewayabodyworks.”
Horacemovedaway Hegraspedawaistcoatandpulleditsharplyoverhisshoulders,hasteningwithacravattoo Thesudden movementmadehimdizzy,andhelatchedahandontothetopofthebureau,breathingdeeply,beforemovingagain.
Hearingthattheyoungwomanwasgoodwiththewayabodyworkedwashardlyhelpinghiswildimaginingsofher.
They are not decent.
“Perhapsthebaronthinksaphysicianneedssomethingotherthanabraintobeabletoworkinthisfield.”Thewoman’swords madehimfreeze
Heturnedslowlyonthespottofaceher.Therewaschallengeinthoselargeeyes,eyesthathenowsawwerearichshadeof brown,thecolorofcocoapowder.
“Orla,”Mr Byrnehissedquietly
“Anunusualname,”Horaceobserved,thewordsslippingfromhislipsbeforehecouldstopthem.Sheturnedherheadtothe leathersatchelandpulledsomethingsout Aswiththedaybefore,justonelooselockoflonghairhadescapedherupdoand teasedthecurveofherneck.Heimaginedtrailinghisfingersthroughthatlock,pushingitaside,andplacinghislipstothebare skin.
Stop it, you fool.
Hemovedtothenearestchairandsatdownfast Ithadbeensolongsincehehadfeltanythingakintoattractionthatthesudden powerofitwasalarming.Heneededtohidehisbodyatoncefromview,incasehislengthstoodtoattentionbeforeher.
“IamIrishbybirth,mylord,”shewenton
“Now,youknow whattodo,” Mr.Byrne saidhurriedlytoOrla.Once more,he seemedina hurry.“As longas youhave no objectionstomyniece,mylord?Iassureyou;sheisexcellent Thereisnoonebettertotakecareofyouinmyabsence”
“Absence?Whereareyougoing?”Horaceasked.Ifhe’dhadthestrength,hewouldhaveleanedforwardinhissurprise,but dressingsofasthaddrainedhimofenergy
“Totown.Thenewsofmyattendancetoyouseemstohavespread,andIhavemanynewenquiriesformyhelp.”
“Ah,Isee.”Horacescratchedthebackofhisneck,pushingawayhislongcopperhair.“Itwouldseemeveryoneisbenefitting frommyillness,exceptmyself.”Theattemptatlighteningtheairwasfutile,yetMr.Byrnelaughedallthesame.
Orladidnot.Shecontinuedtostareathimwithboldnessinhergaze.Shedidnotlookawayasmanyservantswouldhavedone underhislook.
Do not make me like you all the more, Miss Orla. I am attracted enough as it is.
Hethoughtofthoseeyeslookingupathim,withheronherkneesbeforehim Hehadtoshiftinhisseatonceagain
“AreyouhappywithOrla’s attendance,mylord?”Mr.Byrneaskedwithmorecarethis time.“Ifyouwishmetostayinher place,Iwill”
Horacehadmanywordshewishedtosay.Therewouldhavebeenatimewhenhewouldhavebeenoutragedbythedeception, for Mr Byrne had mostdefinitelynever mentioned thatthe assistanthe wished to bringinto this house would be a woman Horacewouldhavebeensharptonguedandofferedafewchoicewordsattheevasion,butwhatwouldbethepointnow?
Itwouldservenoonetobeangry,andhedidnothavetheenergyfortheoutburst.
Besides, at least she will be a fairer face to look at than Mr Byrne
“Yougo,Byrne.”Hewavedahand.“Ifsheisasexcellentasyouclaimsheis,thenIamsurewewillhavenoproblem.”
Orlaplacedherhandsonherhips Therewasoutrageinherexpression,butitdidnothelpmatters Theeyeswild,theanger palpable,helongedtodrawhertowardhim,andmakethatangrylooksoften.
“Verywell, Ishall leave youtwo alone, then Good day, myLord” Mr Byrne bowed and leftthe room, leavingthe pair of themquiteisolatedtogether.
Chapter3
Orlawaiteduntil thedoor closedbehindher UncleColm.Thensheactedswiftly.Turningtoher leather caseonthedresser, shepulleditout,openwide,reachedinandtookoutthebookshehadtakentodinnerthenightbeforeinordertomakesome notesonthebaron’scondition
YetColmhadbeencageywithdetails,seemingmuchmoreinterestedintalkingtoheraboutotherthingsthenightbefore.Her handwriting,squigglylikespidersacrossthepage,leftherwithlittlehelp
“Well?”thebaron’svoicesoundedcoolintheduskylightoftheroom.“Whatmiracleshasaladygotforme?”
“Doyoutreatallofyourhealersinthisvein?”sheasked,refusingtolookathimasshemarchedacrosstheroom.
Onelookwasenough Thepaleandtranslucentskinofthebaronwasoddlyattractive,nottomentionthelongcopperhairthat almostreachedhisshoulders.Theface,asifcarvedoutofmarble,chiseledjaw andcheekbones,wasalarminginitspower overher.
I shall not look again. I will not be controlled by the handsome eyes of a baron.
“Ibegyourpardon?”hesaidsharply,clearlystartledbyhertone
“Doyoualwayslivelikeaninvalid?”Shestoodinthemiddleoftheroom,herhandsonherhips,lookingaboutthespace.
Errantvialshadbeendiscardedeverywhere,evidentlytheleftoverthemedicinethatherunclehadgivenhimandnoonehad botheredtotidyitaway.Shewrinkledhernoseinsurprise,fortherestofthehousewastidy.Sheimaginedthemaidswereno longerpermittedinheretotidyaway
Itwasalsodark,thecurtainsdrawnacross,andthefiregratefullofroaringflames.
“Incaseyouruncledidnotinformyou,MissByrne,Iamaninvalid.”
“Youhavelegs,doyounot?”Sheturnedtofacehim,givingintoweaknessatlast.
That gaze…
Itwasintense,thoseeyesunrelentingonher
“Ihaveseeninvalidswithoutlegswhostilldragthemselvesoutofbedeveryday.Ihaveseenmentoowithoutarms,whoinsist oncaringforthemselves”
“Ifeelasifyourwitistryingtodrawmetoaconclusion.Wouldyoudomethefavor,MissByrne,ofjustgettingtothispoint,” hesaid,somewhatwryly
“Lockingoneselfawayinachamber,inthedark,mustdonothingfor this.” Shetappedthesideofherhead.
“Mymind?”hewhisperedandshiftedinhisseat.Itwasthefirsttimehehadn’tyetspokensharplytoher.
“Well, let’s see what we can do about this.” She hurried forward and grabbed the curtains, drawing them back from the windowtofloodtheroomwithmorninglight Inthecorneroftheroom,thebaronwinced “Areyouavampire,mylord?Do youfearthelight?”
“Doyouhaveanyrespectatall?Ordoyoutalktoallyourpatientsinthisway?”
“AnypatientwhothinksbecauseIamawoman,Icannottreatthem…perhaps,”shemurmuredwithasmallsmile,reachingfor thewindowandopeningitacrack
“It’scoldoutthere.”Hisvoicewasdeepandsharperthanbefore.
“Andit’salsofresh.Tenminutesalonewillhelpcircletheairinhere.Ithasasmell.”Shelookeduncertainlyatthevials.“I seemyunclegivesyoulaudanum.”Abruptly,shetidiedthevialsaway.“Well,mylord,perhapsweshouldproceedwithyou tellingmeyoursymptoms”
“Ithoughtyouwereanassistant.MissByrne,simplyadministerthelaudanumyourunclehassentyouheretodo.”Heheldhis handouttowardher “Thenbegone”
Shestiffenedinthemiddleoftheroom,herarmsfulloftheemptyvialsassheturnedtofacehim.
“IseeyouandIwill notbeeasywithoneanother,”shemurmuredgently.Heliftedaneyebrow,asifagreeing,thenhiseyes wandered.Themomenthelookeddownather,herstomachclenchedinsurprise.
Thistime,itwasnotadisparaginglook.Farfromit.Therewascuriosity,evenheatinthatlook,whichcontradictedthenow chillybreezefillingtheroom.
“Raiseyoureyes,mylord,”shesaidsharply.
Hiseyessnappedbacktohers,nownarrowing
“Iwasexaminingthewomanwhoistobemyhealer.Thatisall.”
Was it?
She returned to tidyingawaythe vials, uncertainwhyher stomachclenched all the more. Was she disappointed thatwas the onlywayhewaslookingather?Surelynot!Whywouldshewantsuchaproudandarrogantmantolikethelookofher?
“Please,givemethelaudanumandbegone”Hewavedahandatheroncemore
“Itclearlydoesneitherofusanygoodtobe inoneanother’scompanyforlong.”
Shedroppedthevialsintoabagandmovedthemaside,thenshiftedherfocustoherleatherbag.Reluctantly,shepouredouta freshdoseoflaudanum,butkeptglancingtowardhimrepeatedly.
“Lethargy?”sheasked.
“Everyday,”heanswered,notlookingatherbutintothefirenow
“Astruggletogetoutofbed,isit?”
“Whatwasyourfirstclue?”Hegesturedtothesmalldistancebetweenhimandthebed
“Foultempered?”
“Isthatasymptomorapersonalitytraityou’relookingfornow?”heasked.
Shesmiledalittle Therewassomethingamusinginneedlinghiminsuchaway Heshifted,apparentlyshockedshehadsmiled atall.
“MayIasksomethingmore,beforeIgivethistoyou?”sheasked,movingtositbesidehimwiththelaudanuminhishands He wasreachingforit,almostgraspingforitlikeababyreachingforateethingrattle.“MyLord?”Hervoicesoftenednow,and amazingly,thismadehimstiffen “Please,letmeaskyousomething”
Herelented,sittingbackandnoddingcurtlyonce,thoughhiseyesremainedonthevialinherhands.
“Whatwereyourfirsteversymptoms?”
“Verydifferenttonow,”hesaidslowly.“Itwasnausea,pureandsimple.Itchangedovertime.Thesedays…”hegesturedto himself “IamahuskofthemanIwas AsifIamanutthatwasshelled,andIamsimplytheemptyshellleftbehind”Hespoke withoutlookingather,butintothefire,thenabruptlyleanedforwardandsnatchedthelaudanumfromher,liftingittohislips anddowningitinonegulp
“Pain?”sheasked.
“Constantly”
“Where?”
“Here.”Herubbedhistemplesasheloweredthevial,practicallysmackingthosethinandhandsomelips.
He’s addicted to the laudanum
Shetooktheemptyvialbackfromhim,notintendingtoleaveitonthedresserassomanyhaddonebefore.
I need to help him.
As he satbackinhis chair,restinghis headonthe rest,waitingfor the laudanumtotake effect,somethingstirredinher gut. Therewasasympathythere,andperhapsafeartoo.Nomatterwhatthismanwaslikeincountenanceorpersonality,hewas nowaddictedtolaudanum.Thatwouldhavetochangeifhewasevergoingtorecover.
“Ithink…”shetrailedoffasheliftedhishead,lookingatheragain.Perhapsnowwasnotthetimetotellhimthatalong-term dependencyonlaudanumwasnowisething.“IthinkIwillleaveyoufornow,”shechangedtact.“Iwillreturnshortlytosee whatmorewecando.”Shenoddedatthewindow.“Leaveitopenalittlewhilelonger,mylord.Thefreshairisgoodforyou.”
“Wouldyouhavemefreezetodeathinthisroom?”
“Pah!”Shecouldn’thelplaughingandnoddedattheostentatiouslylargehearthbesidehim.“Ihaveseenmenandwomencope withthe mosthorrific sicknesses,witha fire nobigger thana candle tokeepthemcompanyinwinter Surely,a maninyour positionappreciatesthelargefireheissofortunatetohave?”Shethrustthevialbackintoherbag,notlookingathimnow.
Hishandsomenesswasadistraction.Thisweirdattractionmakingherevenmoreargumentativethannormal.
“Ishallleaveyounow.”
“Good Youwillreturnlaterformynextdose”
“Asyouwish,”shesaidreluctantlyandleftasswiftlyasshecould.Onceshewasoutofthedoor,sheleaneduponthewood andclosedhereyes,cursingattheimageofBaronDeReestherethatappearedinthedarkness “Thatissoinconvenient,”she whisperedintotheair.
Orla’s heartstill hammered againsther chestas she hurried downtwo sets ofstairs toward the servants’quarters, readyfor breakfast. In the large kitchen, the staff were gathered around the two tables which had been prepared for them. Esther beckonedheracrosswithaneagerwaveofherhand,asbesidehersatGeorge,thegroomwhichhadgreetedOrlaonarrival.
“Well? How are youthis morning?” Esther asked eagerlyas Orla satdownbeside her “Youwill notleave us already, will you?”
“Already?Ha!Iwouldbescaredlikealittlemouseifonemeetingfromthebaronwouldfrightenmeoffsoeasily.”
“Youwouldnotbethefirst,”Georgeexplainedwithamouthfulloftoast,gesturingforhertohelpherselffromthemiddleof thetableasthestaffallfellintoseparateconversationsaroundthetable “NotmanypeoplecanstandBaronDeRees’temper, thoughdon’ttellthebutlerIsaidthat,”headdedinaconspiratorialwhisper.“He’dhavemygutsquiteliterallyforgartersifhe heard”
“Himingarters?” Esther giggled atthe idea. “Mr. Kennedyhas a preoccupationwithdoingthe rightthing, offollowingthe hierarchy,”sheexplainedinarush “Idonotimagineawomanhealerpleaseshimgreatly”
Orlaglancedtowardthebutlerthatsatattheheadofthetable,asifhewaskingofthisdomain.Hedidn’tmeetanyone’seyes, butlookedovertheirheads,asifjudgingthemallandiftheycameuptoscratch.
“So,youwillstay?”Estheraskedeagerly.
“Ofcourse Thereismuchworktobedone”Orlanoddedasshehelpedherselftoahealthyservingoftoastandtea “Youaskher,”Georgemurmured,elbowingEsther.
“Youdoit,”Estherurged
The waythe pair ofthemwere satquite close together suggested anintimacyto Orla. Thenshe noticed thatneither ofthem lookedoneanotherintheeye,andshewonderedifitwasherimagination
“You,”Georgeurgedagain.“It’snotmyplacetopry.”
“YetIsenseyouarebothaboutto,”Orlasaidwithalaugh.“Feelfrytopryaway.Whatisityouwouldbothliketoknow?”
GeorgeandEstherexchangedwhatappearedtobequiteaworriedglance,thenEstherleanedforwardandwhisperedinOrla’s ear.
“Thebaron,”shemurmured,beforepausinguneasily,“hewasnotforwardwithyou,washe?Hedidnottakeliberties?”
“Liberties!”Orlarepeated,onlyforEsthertosteponherfootunderthebenchtabletoquietenher.“Ow.”
Mr Kennedyglancedherwayfromtheheadofthetable,hiseyesnarrowinginsuspicion,buthesaidnothingmore
“No Whatonearthmadeyouaskthat?”OrlalookedbetweenEstherandGeorge “Well,itisthewaythebaronis.”
“Was,”Georgecorrectedaroundanother biteoftoast “Beforehefell ill,therewasanentiretroopofprettywomeninthese halls.”
“George,youknowweshouldn’tsaysuchthings,”Esthersaidsoftly Heofferedanapologeticsmileandshrugged
“Iknow,butwewantedtobesureshewassafeallthesame,didn’twe?”HenoddedatOrla.“Apologiesforournosiness,but you’reaprettygirl Wefearedhewouldbe youknow”
“Isee.”Orlahadquitelostinterestinhertoastnow.
Shewasthinkingofthebaronupstairsandtheideathathewouldtakelibertieswithanywomanwhenheseemedsosharpof mannerandsickly.
“Whatdidheusedtobelikebeforehefellill?”OrlapleadedwithEstherinawhisper.
“Oh, voracious,” she said witha giggle “He was quite the charmer, dashingindeed, a dapper gentleman Nota dandy, you understand,forhewasneversoflippantofmanner,buthandsomeanddeeply…”Shesighed,makingGeorgefrownbesideher.
“Esther,”hesaidinadeeptone
“Iwasnevercharmedbyhim,”shemurmuredhurriedly,hercheeksblushingred,thoughGeorgecontinuedtostareather.
Is that a hint of jealousy I see before me?
YetOrlakeptthethoughttoherself
“Heistheownerofalargetextilecompanyinthecity,”Estherbegantoexplain.“Hewastheappleofeveryone’seyeinthe city Athletic,afinerider,andacharmingsocialite Therewereballsandpartiesinthishouseeveryweek
After his grand tour across Europe, he returned home, and it was presumed he must have caught a sickness fromabroad, becausehewasconfinedtohischambershortlyafter Hebecameahermit,arecluse,andthemanthatwasoncesotreasured andadoredbythetonbecameresentedforavarice.”
“Avarice?Why?”
“YouknowGodlymen.”Georgerolledhiseyeswiththesewords.“Theysayaman’ssicknessmustbeapunishmentfromGod. Thatwasfiveyearsagonow Themanhadscarcelybeenoutofthatroomorthishousesince”
“God’swounds,”Orlamutteredunderherbreath.
Shedidn’tknowwhattothinkoffirst.
There was the idea thatBaronDe Rees had once beena charmer, perhaps a rake, and for some reason, she found the idea greatlyexciting.Sheconsideredthewayhehadsnatchedthevial fromher hands,thewaytheir fingershadbrusheduponthe glass,thenimaginedhimtakingherhandinquiteadifferentway.
Suchwarmthspreadthroughherattheidea,suchexcitement,thatshebitherlipasherheartbegantohammerinherchestagain atthemerethought.
Shecouldhardlybeahealerandnotknowwhatcouldhappenbetweenmenandwomenwhenalonetogetherinbedchambers. Sheknewverywellwhattheycouldshare.ThenotionthatBaronDeReeshadexperienceofsuchthingsandcouldintroducea ladytowhattheywerehadhershiveringnow
“Areyoucold?”Estherasked “Thefireisnotparticularlylargeinhere Icouldaddanotherlogtoit?”
“No,no,donotworryyourself,”Orlasaidquickly,fearingthatsomeonewouldrealizehershiverwasnotfromthecoldatall, butcuriosityaboutBaronDeRees’touch.“Hasanyotherhealerattendedthebaroninallthattimeotherthanmyuncle?”
Inunison,GeorgeandEsthershooktheirheads.
“He’squitedevotedtoMr Byrne,”Estherexplained
“Heisbetterthanhewas,”Georgesaidquietly,“soyourunclemustbedoingsomegood.”
“Hmm” Esther would not disparage her uncle’s skills He was an accomplished physician and surgeon indeed, highly knowledgeable aboutchemicals,andshe owedhimgreatfriendshipandloyaltyfor all the helphe hadgivenher inher own training Yet,therewassomethingthatniggledher
She had glimpsed once before how her uncle was dependentonolder methods ofhealing, sometimes cleavingto medicinal bookswhichhadbeenwrittenmanyyearsago Hehadatendencytorejectmodernmethodsandnew scientificbooks,which suggestedalternativewaysofhealing.Hewassuspiciousofthemall,sayingsuchmethodshadn’tbeentriedandtestedyet.
“Youarethinkingsomething,”Esthersaid,noddingatOrlawithabutterknife “Veryintently Whatthoughthascaptivatedyou so?”
“JustthatIfeelalittlesorryforthebaron”
“Ha!”Georgepromptlytriedtocoveruphisbarkoflaughterwithahackingcough.
“Oh,sosmoothlydone,”OrlasaidwrylyasEstherblushedredandclappedhimonthebackagain.“Youhavelittlelikingfor yourmaster?”
“Hemaynotbe myfavorite maninthe world,” Georgemurmured,shrugging.“Butno,Iwouldnotwishhis sickness onany man.”
“Ialsowonder…”Orlatrailedoff,staringdownatherplate,thoughhereyeswereunfocused.Inhermind,shewasn’tatthis table,butbackinthebaron’schamberwithhim,thrustingasidethecurtainsasheshrankawayfromthesunlight.“Itisnoway tolive Perhapswithalittlehelp,Icouldencouragethebarontolivehislifeproperlyagain”
“Ilikeher,”EsthersaidsuddenlytoGeorgeatherside
“Youlikeanyonegoodhearted.”Hetutted,tiredly.
“Youmakethatseemlikeabadthing!”
“Itisnotabadthing.”Heshookhishead,thenhiseyesflickedtowardOrla.“Becareful,MissByrne.Youmightfindthebaron isnotparticularlykeenonbeingsaved”
Orlaliftedherteacuptoherlipsandtookalargegulp,hermindmadeup.Shewashereforareason,andwhetherBaronDe
Horace losthimselfinthe darkness of Macbeth, readingthe woes and shadows thatplagued the man. He was so lostinthe world,closetedinhislibrary,hedidnotnoticethatthedoorhadopened.
“Horace?”afamiliarvoicecalledtohim
Horaceliftedhishead HesawMr Kennedyleavingswiftly,havingshownWalterintothechamber Walter,nolongerbearing thepurplefaceandangrylinesoftheirargumentfromtwodaysbefore,wasnowsoftinmanner,creepingintotheroom.
“AmIsoterrifying,oldfriend,thatyoulookreadytorunatanyminute?”Horaceasked.
“Well,theytellmeyoubrokesomemorestuffafterIleft.”
“Idid” Horace closed up his bookand rested itinhis lap He should rise to greethis friend, buthe feltgreatlydizzythis morning,andthemereprospectwasadifficultone.So,instead,heinclinedhisheadingreetingandgesturedforWalertocome furtherintotheroom “Haveyoucometoresumeourargument?”
“No,farfromit.”Walterhurriedforward.Heranahandthroughhisdarkhair,hischeeksturningpinkagainashetookthechair opposite of Horace and sat down Then he blinked and looked around the library “This room is usually so dark What happenedhere?”
“Ah,thatwouldbemyhealer’sdoing”Horacechosenottomentionherbyname
Whenhe’dwokenthatmorning,waitingforhislaudanum,MissOrlaByrnehadinsistedheleavehischamber.Wordlessly,he’d come to the library, notwantinganother argumentbetweenthem He decided the sooner he did her bidding, the sooner she would walkawayand he wouldn’tbe distracted byhis desire for her. She’d come in, flungopenall the shutters thatwere usuallyclosed,meaningthesixlongwindowsinthisroomnowfloodedthespacewithagreylightfromthefrostydayoutside
“It’snice,”Waltermused,thenshiftedhisfocusbacktoHorace,whosatuncomfortablyinhislargearmchairbesidethefire, withlargemahoganyshelvesbehindhimfullofstacksofbooks.“I’msorryaboutourargument,andI’msorryforwhatIdid.I hopeyoubelievemewhenItellyouImadetheinvestmentwithyourbestinterestatheart.”
Horace shifted inhis seat He wished to be angryat Walter, to demand whyhe was not consulted, but he did not have the energytodaytohaveanotherargument.Heslumpedinhischair,feelinganenvycurlinhisgutforhisfriend.
Walter could go where he wished to and have what meetings he wished to as well, entertain himself with other people's companyand feel free to investhis moneywhere Horace could not. Sometimes, he didn’tevenhave the energyto read the businesscontractsWalterleftbehindafterhisvisits.
“Iknow,”Horacerelentedeventually.“Forwhatit’sworth,I’msorry,too.Mytemper…”Hepausedandrubbedhistemples. “SometimesitseemsIcannotcontrolit”
“Youhaveneverbeengreatatcontrollingsuchathing,”Waltersaidinclearjestwithasmile.
ItbrokeHorace’slastboutoficiness.Helaughedwithhisfriendandtheysmiledatoneanother,onceagaintheclosefriends theyhadbeen.
“I am glad you accept my apology,” Walter said hurriedly. “And I will not make such an investment again without your approval.”
“Thankyou.”YetHoracewasuneasywiththewords.CouldhetrulytrustWalternottodosuchathingagain?
“Now,forthetruereasonIhavecomeheretoday”Waltershiftedforwardinhischair
“Whichis?”
“Ihavemadeprogresswiththeinvestmentyouwishedustomake Ihavepurchasedthatmilliner’sshopinLondonwespoke of.”Hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutsomepaperwork,handingittoHorace.
“Youdid?” Horace feltexcitementripple throughhim. He discarded his bookbeside himand opened the papers inhis lap, lookingthroughthemswiftly.Yetthesheereffortofmovinghisarmssomuchmadehimtiredagain,andhegruntedunderhis breathinirritation
“Youarenotpleased?”
“No,no,Iam.Thankyou,Walter.Thisiswhatweneededforourbusinessendeavors.”Yetthatjealousycurledinhisgutonce more.HowhehadlongedtogotoLondonandseetheshopforhimselffirst,butsuchatripwouldhavebeencompletelyoutof thequestion
“Now,thereisoneotherthingwemustspeakof ”YetWalterbrokeoffastherewasaknockatthedoor.
“Come,”Horacesaidtothedoor.
ItopenedandinwalkedOrla
Startled,Horacestaredather,forhehadbeenexpectingamaidtorebuildthefire.Shesweptintotheroomfast,carryingatray ofwhatappearedtobehot,steamingtea Whenshereachedthetablebesidehim,shepickedupthebookfromit,readthetitle, andsmiledalittle,thenreturnedittoashelfandusedthetabletoplacetheteauponit.
“Whatis this?” he said witha wrinkled nose, notingatonce thatthe tea was notnormal The scentthatwafted fromitwas different,andincrediblyfragrant.
“Tea Youknow,myLord Tealeaveswithhotwateruponit”
“Yourdrynessdoesnothelpmatters,MissByrne.”
“Yourobjectionsdonothelpeither.”
TheirtartnesswithoneanothermadeWaltercoughbesidethem.IttookaminuteforHoracetorealizeWalterwascoveringup hislaughterwiththatcough.
“Here,”shesaidasshepouredoutthetea.“Drinkthis.”
“Thisisnotlaudanum”
“Andonedoesnothavetoliveonlaudanum.Notifthey’dlikeanyqualityoflifeatall.”Sheheldoutthecuptowardhim,but hestilllookedatherwithsuspicion
“Yourplaceistogivemelaudanum,”hesaidtartly.
“Myplaceistohelpyou”Shespokesoemphatically,staringhimintheeye,thathecouldnotanswer Hewaslookingbackat herinalarm,oncemoreangryatherappearance.
Wouldn’tithavebeensomucheasierifMr.Byrne’sassistanthadbeenayoungman?Orevenanoldwomanwithhaggardskin andnocharmsatall?Orla’sbeautyandherchallengingtonewerenothelpingmatters.
“Please,”shewhisperedandpressedthecuptowardhim
Slowly,hetookit,theirfingersbrushingtogether Hejoltedatthetouchandpurposefullyavoidedhergaze
“What’sinit?”Hewrinkledhisnoseashesniffedthetea.
“Youhavecomplainedaboutfeelingtired Thiswillhelp It’srestorativeherbs”Atherwords,helookedup,plainsuspicion inhisgaze.“Trustme,myLord.IknowwhatIamdoing.”Thenshetooktheemptytrayandsweptbackoutoftheroom.
Inspite ofknowinghe should notdo it, he watched her go, his eyes lingeringonher back, the longwillowyfigure and the curvesmadeallthemorenoticeablebytheplaingownshewore.Thenshewasgone,andhewassighingashesatbackinhis chair
“Whowasthat?”WaltersaidafterOrla’sfootstepshadfadedawayfromthecorridor.
“ThatwasMissOrlaByrne ShehascometobeassistanttoMr Byrne,myphysician”Hetentativelytookasipofhistea It was anunusual taste, veryfragrant, and ifhe wasn’tmistaken, there was some ginger inthere, too. The firsttaste made him grimace,butashetookasecondsip,itwasnotsoawfulafterall
“Theairwasalmostasfrostyinhereasitisoutsidethen,”Walterobserved.
“Idonotapproveofher”
“Why?Becauseawomanisahealer?”Walteraskedwithacreasedbrow
