“Yes, I informed him, and he wrote back to ask that I continue to look after his interests in my father’s stead.”
“Did he?”How unfortunate, Hannah thought.
His frown deepened. “If you don’t believe me, I can show you his letter.”
“Why should I not believe you?”
“You may not wish to, once you hear what he asked me to do in that letter.”
“Oh?”
“Never mind. We need not speak of that now. May I see him?”
She quickly considered his request. “I see no reason why not. But would you mind waiting a few minutes? His doctor, our neighbor, usually comes to visit him about this time, and I would like to ask his opinion first.”
“Very well.”
She settled herself in a chair and he reclaimed the sofa. For a few moments they sat in awkward silence, Hannah self-consciouslyentwining her fingers and smoothing her skirt. Finally, she could stand it no longer and rose. “I shall call for some refreshment. You must be tired and thirsty after your journey.”
“I would not decline a cup of tea. Thank you.”
She nodded and went to the door, wishing she had thought to offer refreshment earlier. She might have simply pulled the bell cord beside the fireplace, but at the moment, she wanted nothing more than to escape the piercing, measuring gaze of Sir John’s solicitor.
A quarter of an hour later, tea poured and nervously sipped, Hannah was relieved to hear Dr. Parrish arrive at last. Apparently an ailing yeoman farmer had required more of his time and care than he’d anticipated.
Hannah introduced the newcomer. “Dr. Parrish, this is Mr. Lowden. Sir John’s solicitor from Bristol.”
“Ah, so you did contact him as I suggested. Good.”
She formed an unconvincing smile, ignored Mr. Lowden’s lowered brow, and continued, “Dr. Parrish is our neighbor and has been kindness itself to us. He and his son are the ones who found us after the accident. They rescued us, carried us here to the house, and have taken care of us ever since.”
“That was good of you, sir,” Mr. Lowden said. “Very noble.”
Dr. Parrish tucked his chin, clearly pleased at the praise. “How I thank God we saw those runaway horses. I shudder to think what might have happened to the Mayfields had we not. The same fate as the poor driver and maid, I fear.”
Mr. Lowden’s head snapped toward her. “Maid? You did not mention a maid.”
“Did I not?” she murmured. “Actually, she was a lady’s companion.” Hannah was lying to a solicitor now? Heaven help her.
“Poor girl drowned,” Dr. Parrish replied. “Carriage fell from the Cliff Road and landed half in the water.”
Mr. Lowden said, “Sir John wrote nothing about a maidor a companion in his last letter. He mentioned he planned to engage all new staff.”
Hannah said, “He did. But I—it was an arrangement made at the last minute.”
“Has the woman’s family been informed?”
Dr. Parrish said, “Lady Mayfield knew nothing of her family, but I did send a notice to theBath Chronicle.”
“And the driver’s family?”
“Yes,” Dr. Parrish replied. “Him I knew. His parents own the coaching inn at Porlock. I carried the young man back to them in my own cart.” He grimaced. “Bad business. Terrible distraught they were too, of course.”
Mr. Lowden frowned at her. “How did thisaccidenthappen? Were you being pursued by someone Sir John wished to avoid?”
Hannah shook her head. “No one pursued us. It was an accident, Mr. Lowden. There was a violent storm, but Sir John was eager to press on.”
“Yes, he had reason to leave Bath and quickly.” He gave her a pointed look, then turned toward the physician. “May I see him?”
