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“Are you a family member of Mr. Newland?”
“Well, we are going to be married.”
“I’m afraid there is no next of kin listed on Mr. Newland’s paperwork,” the clerk said. “Therefore, you will not be allowed to see him, but I can check with his doctor and get a report for you.”
Sophie bit her lip. That would have to do. “Thank you. I would appreciate it.”
The clerk left her station and returned a few moments later with a man Sophie recognized.
“Dr. Blake,” she said, “are you Zach’s doctor?”
Blake nodded. “Lady Sophie, I hear you’re asking about Mr. Newland.”
“Yes, anything you can tell me?”
“He was apparently drugged with something in a beverage. We don’t know exactly what, but his vital signs are good and we expect him to recover.”
“What about the head wound?”
“It was superficial. Luckily, the bleeding stopped on its own. He has a mild concussion, but he will recover.”
“When will he be released? We’re in the middle of the production.”
“I understand that, my lady. He will probably be released in a few days. His understudy may have to take the role for a couple performances.”
Sophie’s heart fell. Zach never missed a performance. But his health and well-being were more important. She thanked God he was all right.
“Thank you so much, Doctor. I’m so very relieved.”
“Not at all, my lady. If you will excuse me.” He
nodded, turned, and walked down the corridor.
Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. At least Zach was safe. But who had sent that ominous note to her last evening? She had been on top of the world and hadn’t let it sink in as much as it should have.
She rode home in the carriage. The time had come to tell her mother and stepfather about the new note. She wasn’t looking forward to that conversation.
She found her stepfather and mother in the main parlor, which had been completely redecorated after the birth of Ally’s twins. “Mother, my lord, I need to speak to you both.”
“Of course.” Iris looked up. “What is it, Sophie?”
“I…I received another one of those notes last night after the show.”
The earl stood upright from the divan. “What?”
“I received another note. It was in one of the bouquets of roses.” She pulled the note out of her pocket and handed it to him.
Brighton cleared his throat. “I’m no expert, but the penmanship does seem to be similar to the others. However, there is a suspect in custody—Mr. Bertram—and our own Graves found him writing the notes.”
“He has maintained his innocence this whole time,” Iris reminded her husband.
Brighton nodded. “It is curious… Sophie, I’m afraid you won’t be able to do any more performing until—”
Sophie stomped her foot. “No! I will not allow this man to control me. I was controlled by a man my whole life until Father died. So were you, Mother. I was a sensation last night. I will continue being in the show.”
“Sophie!” Iris shook her head. “What has gotten into you? You cannot speak to David like that. This is so unlike you.”
“Maybe I’ve changed, Mother. Maybe I’m not timid little Sophie who never causes any trouble anymore. I will perform. It’s bad enough that the leading man will have to miss a few shows.”
