“At least one year at Woodlane Hospital under Dr. Fox’s care.” He held up a preemptive hand. “Before coming to thisdecision, I consideredallof John’s actions. He may have planned to trap Mr. Oliver into stealing his manuscript and ingesting poison if he did so, but he repented and retrieved the pages. Because of that, I feel a stay in a private asylum a more fitting consequence than prison. I hope it will reform his weaknesses of character and mind. And at the end of a twelvemonth, it will be up to Dr. Fox’s professional recommendation whether John remains there or is released.”
“Thank you.”
Rebecca’s relief was quickly followed by worry. “But the fees!”
“Will be covered. Never fear.”
Never fear ...Oh what a heavenly ideal. What joy and freedom it must be not to live with constant guilt and fear. “And if he does not cooperate?”
“Then I will have no choice but to pursue charges of attempted murder. The judges on the Oxford circuit are stern and unyielding, so I would anticipate a severe penalty, especially considering Mr. Oliver’s fame.”
“Please be sure you make that clear to John. Otherwise, I doubt he would go willingly.”
“I shall.” He started to leave, then turned back, eyes downturned with regret. “I am sorry, Miss Lane.”
“It is not your fault.”
“Nor yours.”
“I wish I could believe that.”
“And I wish this didn’t have to come between—” Sir Frederick broke off, then finished stolidly, “I hope it won’t spoil our ... long friendship.”
“I hope so too. But how can it not change things?”
“You are probably right.” He shifted and tightened his grip on his hat. “If you would like to bid your brother farewell, we can wait a bit.”
“Yes, thank you. I must gather my bags, but I shall be there shortly.”
He nodded. “Very well.”
Sir Frederick managed a sad smile, bowed, and then walked away, looking as dejected as she felt.
24
Stepping out of the hotel a few minutes later, Rebecca saw Robb Tarvin and paused at the bottom of the steps.
Before she could decide whether to speak to him or not, he raised a hand and jogged over to her.
“Hoped to catch you,” he panted. “Wanted to apologize.” He dipped his head, then earnestly met her gaze. “Sorry I acted like a brute before.” Robb grimaced and then added, “I have a jealous nature, Mum says, and she’s right. That’s no excuse, though. Pray forgive me.”
Seeing his sincere contrition, Rebecca took pity on him. “All is forgiven,” she said, then added, “and please forgive me for any ... misunderstanding. I wish you every happiness.”
“And I you, Miss Lane.”
He expelled a relieved breath and, with a glance at her valise, said, “Finally leaving this old place for good?”
“I believe so.” She decided to offer her old friend an olive branch. “By the way, I saw Kitty Fenchurch the other day. We talked for some time.”
“Oh? And what did you and Kitty talk about?”
“You, among other things.”
“Me?”
“She speaks very highly of you, you know.”
He shook his head. “Kitty Fenchurch is a silly creature. A fine figure, I own. But not an ounce of sense between her ears.”
