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“I see,” she said, standing and dabbing her dry eyes with her handkerchief. “I understand.” She appeared to scrutinize him.
I doubt you do.Slade recalled something his brother had said that nagged at him. He wondered if Graham’s timing had had anything to do with her impending arrival.
The lady’s voice instantly transformed to sweetness personified as she softened her gaze. “Of course, Your Grace—whatever you need of me,” she said, her eyes appraising.
Trying to say nothing, Slade bit his tongue. His brother was well rid of this one. And he planned to take great pains to avoid her and remain abiding and kind. He had a feeling she would make things interesting.
“Your Grace, would you mind helping me to my room? I feel very weak at this sudden news,” she said, clutching his arm.
She had recognized his new title, something he was not yet willing to do. “I understand your distress, my lady, as we are all most aggrieved. You must be in shock. Allow me to have a footman and your maid assist you to the guest room. I must see to my mother,” Slade replied. “This has all happened so suddenly.” He rang for a footman before she could say anything further.
“Please take Lady Evers to the guest room on the east wing,” he said to the footman standing at attention near the door of the room.
“Yes, my . . . Your Grace,” the footman returned.
Slade recalled the letters in his pocket. He fished out the one meant for Lady Evers. “See that she gets this.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” the footman gave a quick bow.
Doctor Fellows and Mr. Wortle walked into the room as the footman escorted Lady Evers and her maid away. “Please see me in my brother’s study. I have questions.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Doctor Fellows acknowledged. “We will wait.”
Slade noticed his mother and sister huddled together for support. Their grief was unmistakable, even playing their part in this ruse. Fury welled up in his throat for whoever was behind all this grief and loss. He would make sure they were held accountable if it was the last thing he did.
Once he returned to the study, he opened Graham’s letter, keeping in mind it had been dictated.
Slade,
Sorry to have made this decision without you. You would have fought me on it. Lady Evers may need to stay close. I trust you to handle matters as you see best and expect to see you soon. Trust your instincts.
I love you, brother,
Graham
Graham was telling him something. He had a niggling feeling he would know soon if he kept his wits about him and his eyes open. For now, he needed to get through this funeral and find his way to London. He penned a quick message to Lady Bella, cancelling their outing for the next day. While he lamented having to do it, his brother needed him.
