“Why don’t we return to the drawing room, and I’ll ring for tea,” their mother suggested.
Marina and Diana shared a settee, while Arthur and Lady Sidmouth each occupied nearby chairs. Diana told Marina about her new country home while they waited. Once the tea cart had been brought in, Lady Sidmouth poured out for everyone while they each made a few selections. Marina wasn’t hungry, but the warmth of the tea helped to calm her nerves. Why had her father rushed out in such a hurry?
A little more than an hour had passed since her father left. “How long do you think Papa will be gone?” Marina asked.
“I do not know. Your guess is as good as mine,” Arthur said.
Marina tapped her hand on her thigh. She glanced at Diana. “I am surprised Graham hasn’t come to retrieve you yet.”
“I left him with Evan, and I’m sure the two of them have worn holes in Evan’s fine carpets from pacing.” She laughed.
They heard a commotion at the door.
“Well, speak of the devil. I’m sure that’s them,” Marina said.
Brooks, their butler, appeared. He focused his attention on Arthur. “My lord, you have a visitor who must speak with you right away.”
“Who?” Arthur asked, rising.
Brooks glanced at the ladies and gazed back at Arthur. “Perhaps it is best if we speak in the hall, my lord.”
Marina shot up. “What has happened, Brooks?”
Arthur said, “Just tell me who it is, Brooks. My sister will either barge in or listen at the door either way.” He shot her a knowing glance.
“It’s the magistrate, my lord.”
Chapter Fifteen
Marina
Marina wasn’t certainshe had heard correctly. What could the magistrate want to meet with her brother about?
Arthur looked at his mother and sister. “Is there any chance you are going to let me speak to the man in private?”
They both shook their heads.
He rolled his eyes. “Very well, show the man in here.”
Diana started to take her leave, but Marina stopped her. “Stay. I may need you to relay a message.”
She locked eyes with her friend, ensuring she understood her meaning. Diana nodded and took Marina’s hand.
A tall, heavyset man followed Brooks into the room. Brooks departed and the man’s eyes widened when he noted the women before locking eyes with Arthur. “I thought we might speak privately.”
“The ladies may hear what you intend to share. I assure you, it will be easier this way.”
He looked unsure but spoke. “My apologies, ladies. I’m not sure how to say this.”
Arthur, losing his patience, urged him to continue.
“The earl was in a carriage accident.”
“What? Where is he now?” Lady Sidmouth asked. “Is he all right?”
A commotion rang out from the hallway. “My wife is in there. I must see her,” Graham, the Earl of Powis, said in a loud, sharp tone.
Brooks hurried into the room, just beating Graham and Evan’s arrival. “My apologies. I tried to keep Lord Ockham from entering.”
