Page 89 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

Nathan resisted his pull. Why is the man so intent on us remaining here? “I wouldn’t want to disturb your party. If you’ll just tell me where he went...”

“Not a party, really, just a few of my friends who want to welcome Malcolm to London.”

“Yes, where is the lad, Robbie?” one of the men asked. “We’re all eager to see him. I haven’t seen Malcolm since he was a schoolboy.”

Robert’s smile was fixed. “Yes, I am so sorry. Malcolm had to run an errand. I’m sure he will return before long.”

“What errand?” Nathan said flatly, no longer even trying for a polite veneer.

“Well! That’s a bit rude,” one of the women murmured.

“I’m sorry, madam,” Nathan said, sending a nod her direction. “But at the moment, Malcolm’s safety is my uppermost concern.” He looked straight into Robert’s eyes, his own usually warm gaze now stony. “I am certain Mr. Douglas will agree with me.”

“Safety?” another guest said, puzzled.

“I urged him to visit my doctor,” Robert replied. “I’m sure you understand that.”

“Then we shan’t bother you anymore,” Verity said cheerfully, turning and going out into the entry hall, where the butler hovered, and asked him, “Could you tell us where Mr. Douglas’s doctor is located?”

Nathan followed her, but Robert was right on his heels. “Really now, you mustn’t disturb the good doctor.”

“No, I’m afraid we must.” Nathan looked at the butler, his voice steely. “The lady asked for his address.”

The man’s mouth opened and closed, and he glanced over at his employer, then quietly gave them an address.

Verity and Nathan started out the door. Nathan had thought that Robert might give up his efforts to keep them there, but, as was evident by the footsteps behind them, that was not the case. Nathan turned to see Robert hurrying out of the house after them.

His suspicion deepened. It seemed very much as if Robert wanted to delay Nathan’s talk with his half brother—though he couldn’t know what they planned on telling Malcolm once they found him. Nathan had the uneasy feeling that Robert’s actions meant that something was happening to Malcolm right now, and Robert didn’t want Nathan to interrupt it.

Clearly Verity agreed. “There’s some mischief here,” she whispered, moving more quickly to the carriage. “Who has a welcome home party in the afternoon?”

“And then sends the honoree off to the doctor before guests arrive?” Nathan added as he opened the door to the hansom. He turned to give her a hand up, and he saw Malcolm down the street, walking toward the house. Nathan relaxed in relief. “Thank God.”

Malcolm was still a good distance away, and Nathan started toward him, Verity by his side. Unfortunately, Robert Douglas followed only a few steps behind them.

“Malcolm,” Nathan called as they grew closer. “I was looking for you.”

“Dunbridge.” Malcolm looked disgruntled, and Nathan assumed his displeasure was at seeing his half brother until Malcolm went on, “Uncle, why the devil did you send me to Dr. Norton? His surgery was closed.” He glanced toward the front of the house, where his uncle’s guests had gathered, watching curiously. “And who are those people?”

Verity pinched Nathan’s arm, and he nodded, positive now that Robert had had something planned. Perhaps he was establishing an alibi for himself while someone else did away with Malcolm?

“Oh. Well...” Robert glanced toward the gathering and back to his nephew, then gave a little chuckle and said, “I’m sorry, my boy, but I had to get you out of the house. I invited a few of my friends over to see you, and I wanted to surprise you.”

“Oh,” Malcolm said unenthusiastically. He looked at Nathan. “Is that why you’re here?” Noticing Verity for the first time, Malcolm goggled at her miraculous transformation. Verity was too busy looking around for signs of danger to notice.

“No, I came to talk to you,” Nathan said.

“Come, let’s go inside,” Robert said with hearty good cheer. “You must meet everyone.” He clamped a hand on Malcolm’s arm and urged him toward the door.

Nathan stepped into Malcolm’s path. “Stop. I’m serious. There is something important I need to discuss with you.”

“Why are you acting so strangely?” Malcolm asked, frowning. “Both of you.” He looked from Nathan to Robert, then turned to Verity. “And why in the world are you, um—” He made a vague gesture toward her, finishing lamely, “whatever you are?”

“I’ll explain everything,” Nathan told him. “But I need to speak with you. Now. Without your uncle.”

“What?” Robert looked offended. “How very odd.”

“Would you please just tell me?” Malcolm asked crossly. “I am tired. I’m not quite back to myself and I’d like to sit down.”