AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Then send him away,” she said with a smile, “and don’t ever let him come back.”
* * *
“Out,” Antony said, with his grasp on Lord Lulworth’s jacket as he steered him out of the house.
“But… what of the money?”
“No more money,” Antony said, pushing the Viscount through the door that led outside of the house, held open by the butler. As Antony shoved the Viscount down the front porch steps, he could hear Hermione’s footsteps hurrying behind him out of the house.
“Antony? What is going on?” Rose’s voice called to him. He lifted his head, seeing the carriage a little way down the driveway with Rose standing nearby on the arm of Mrs. Atkins. Behind them, the Earl of Branigan stood, whilst Fergus was still helping Lady Phoebe out of the carriage.
“I am ousting our guest,” Antony said with a smile as he looked back to Hermione behind him. She was still smiling too. Neither of them had lost their smiles since what they had shared in the study. “How was lunch?”
“It did not sit well,” Rose said, patting her stomach. “I think I ate too much at the tea house.” Mrs. Atkins held tightly onto her arm, escorting Rose back toward the house. “You have not really explained what is going on, Antony.”
He turned his head to see Lord Lulworth straightening his jacket from the tumble he’d taken down the porch steps.
“Lulworth, you will not be welcome here again,” Antony said as succinctly as he could.
“Why not? Is this because of…” he trailed off but had already gestured at Hermione. Antony took a step forward, feeling his anger spike within him. Lord Lulworth backed up a little, looking more than a bit frightened.
“You will not come near her again,” Antony kept his voice dark.
“What of the money? We have been friends since university! You’ve always helped me out when I’m down on my luck,” Lord Lulworth said, backing up though his hands were outstretched pleadingly.
“That ends now. You’re a grown man; you should be standing on your own two feet without having to borrow off me all the time,” Antony said, walking forward. This time Lord Lulworth backed up so far that he nearly tripped over his own feet. “In fact, no more money ever. For anyone! Least of all, for you,” he said, pointing back to Lord Lulworth. “I am not a bank.”
He turned round and walked back to where Hermione stood; she even clapped her hands together with delight, pulling a smile from him.
“Well, Antony,” Fergus said, walking to his side with Lady Phoebe on his arm, “I’m glad you finally did that.” He gestured to where Lord Lulworth was retreating into his carriage as quickly as he could. “I have never had a liking for that man.”
“I’m wondering why I ever did,” Antony said, taking Hermione’s hand in his own.
“May we go into the house?” Rose asked. “I think the sun is a little strong today.” Antony pulled Hermione to the side so they could move out of the way to let Rose in. She took two steps forward though and wobbled on her feet, coming to a stop.
“Mother? Is everything all right?” Antony asked, watching as her face paled, and her expression contorted.
“I…erm…” she couldn’t phrase words. She released Mrs. Atkin’s hand and reached toward him. He took it but could not catch her in time. “Mother!” She collapsed to the ground, her eyes closing as she slipped into unconsciousness.
