“You were nine-tenths dead, but I understand your point.”
“Robert—”
“You write the note. I’ll pick up the cane.”
“And let’s pray tomorrow night goes as smoothly as you hope.”
“It’s all in the planning, dear brother. All in the planning.”
Chapter Eighteen
Saturday, 14 May 1825
Lady Rose—
I think you will be pleased to know that last night’s activities went precisely as planned. According to Lord Robert, Messrs. Keales and Sullyard entered the establishment shortly after eleven and were joined by an extremely wary Mr. Crago sometime thereafter. They engaged in a number of robust games, unaware of their surveillance, until they were approached by a gentleman from Bow Street. They did attempt to flee but were apprehended after some difficulty and removed to a more secure location.
My understanding is that they will be brought before the Magistrate this morning, a respected gentleman to whom I had the honor of speaking earlier, one Josiah Whittingdon. Mr. Whittingdon is a former classmate of my father—and, I believe, your father’s as well. So it seems that for once the cards are stacked in our favor.
My brother sends his regards. He is now sporting another black eye, so will not be seen out in Society anytime soon, which is all well and good, since he is also sporting the temper of a rabid badger at the moment. I have offered to provide him with boxing lessons, which, unfortunately, did not improve his mood as I had hoped.
I do hope you are well. Thank you again for your most vital assistance in locating the two gentlemen who have left me currently indisposed.
Sincerely,
Lord Newbury
*
Monday, 16 May 1825
Lord Newbury—
I am, indeed, pleased to hear this news. While I have the utmost confidence in your brother’s abilities, we both know that such circumstances can be unpredictable at best.
I am also exceptionally delighted to know that—while you are still quite indisposed due to your injury—you are of fine enough sense to send me that missive. I suppose it is some small blessing that the pistol ball affect your right shoulder and hand instead of your left. It is my understanding that being left-handed is not usually an advantage.
I would also be grateful if you would keep me informed of any future news regarding the two villains who so cruelly came against you. And of your own progress as well.
Please give my regards to your brother. I do hope your Cook has enough beefsteak on hand to keep up with his current spate of injuries.
Sincerely,
Lady Rose
*
Tuesday, 17 May 1825
Lady Rose—
My brother is faring well. My mother’s maid is attempting to teach him some technique that would cover the bruises on his face, but he seems quite reluctant to apply what he has referred to as “that blasted paste!” He has also made a few mutterings about how women tolerate such astonishing demands on their appearance. It has become obvious to both of us how little we understand about the way a woman functions in Society. It seems to be a cumbersome burden on the best of days.
Being left-handed is primarily an inconvenience, but has distinct advantages in some arenas, such as fencing or boxing. Because we are used to right-handed opponents, an attack from the left can startle, and even those of us who are of that sinister brotherhood aren’t always skilled at parrying such. In my current circumstances, it obviously has been a substantial boon, especially when it comes to such simple tasks as eating. I would definitely not relish having my mother feed me on a long-term basis. Some humiliations are beyond a man’s endurance.
As to that other matter, apparently Messrs. Sullyard and Crago made quite a stir when they appeared in front of the Magistrate. Their insistence that you paid them caused Mr. Whittingdon no small amount of consternation—and them as well—since he insisted they provide proof of such a claim or desist in clamoring about it. Since they have no clear defender, they are being held at Newgate until their trial, which will be two weeks hence.
My only good news, I’m afraid, is that the doctors have fitted me with a sling for my arm, which will immobilize my shoulder enough that I may leave the confines of my bedchamber and wander the remainder of the house. I would not have ever expected to long to see the library or drawing room with such fervor. Or take tea at an actual table. The things we take for granted.
