“I regret to tell you that by this time Mr. Sedgewick may well be deceased,” Cecilia sadly disclosed.
“What?” Lady Soothcoor looked sharply at Cecilia.
“He sent his son and his son’s nursemaid to England to Soothcoor, as the doctor in India said he had not much time left to live.”
Lady Soothcoor smiled and shook her head. “I am sure you are mistaken in your information. Owen swore he would never get married or have a family as he did not want to pass on his affliction to a child. His mother had the same disease, and the poor woman killed herself when she could no longer accept the pain in her life.”
“I didn’t know Owen’s mother took her own life,” James said.
“Well, it is not generally discussed, but because he had the disease from his mother, Owen swore he would never pass it on. My son Charles will be the Earl of Soothcoor after Alastair, as Alastair has shown no interest in marriage,” Lady Soothcoor said complacently.
“My dear lady, I can confirm Sir James’s assertion as to a child. I saw the child. Owen referred to him as Kit,” said Dr. Lakewood. “I thought you knew.”
“If that is true, which I doubt, he would not be legitimate.”
“I have seen a painting of the child. He has the Sedgewick eyes.”
Dr. Lakewood thought for a moment, then nodded, “Yes, he did.”
Lady Soothcoor frowned.
“Did?” queried Cecilia.
Dr. Lakewood laughed. “As I assume he still does. Eyes’ shape and slant don’t change, do they?”
“The child was kidnapped two days ago, and Bow Street believes he was sold as an apprentice to a chimney sweep,” James said.
Dr. Lakewood’s chin came down as he frowned. “Extraordinary,” he said.
“Well, at least he has an occupation and will not batten upon society,” said Lady Soothcoor.
Cecilia frowned. “Lady Soothcoor, the child is a member of your family,” she protested. “Surely you don’t wish a member of your family to be a chimney sweep.”
“Not my family, and he is a by-blow; he’s no concern of mine.”
“But he is of concern to your late husband’s family,” Cecilia pressed.
She laughed. “Oh, I hardly think so. I know I may appear heartless; however, we must face facts, Lady Branstoke.”
“The nursemaid tells us Mr. Sedgewick was married to the child’s mother,” James said.
“No, that is not true. I have it from my twins, who are now in India, that Owen is not married. Marriage with a native is frowned upon by the East India Company, and though I may have had my disappointments in Owen, he has never been a man to ignore the dictates of those above him. He would be too afraid to.”
“Miss Rangaswamy, Christopher’s nursemaid, has said they kept it secret.”
“I should think my sons would know more of their half-brother’s affairs than a servant,” Lady Soothcoor said pointedly.
James could discern by the tenseness he felt in Cecilia’s arm tucked into his that his wife was seething, and if provoked any further, might say something that would not do their plans for the evening good.
“Lady Soothcoor, I am surprised to see you in town. It is my understanding that you typically go north every year for the holidays.”
“I did. I traveled north for the sake of my daughter, Anne, and her family. She married Sir Henry Brickston, who had an estate near Coor Castle, you know. Unfortunately, he died last spring in a hunting accident. I convinced Anne to bring the children to London for the holidays. Being in mourning over the holidays at Brickston Hall could not be healthy for the children.”
“Our condolences to your family. Do they stay with you in Richmond?”
Lady Soothcoor shook her head. “Alas, no, though I tried to convince her to do so. They have a townhouse in London.”
“It looks like people are taking their seats, James. Perhaps we should as well.,” Cecilia said, extending her meaning to Lady Soothcoor and Dr. Lakewood, “though I should like to have a quick word with Lady Amblethorpe before the concert.”
