Soothcoor laughed and shook his head. And he looked at Cecilia as if much of the stress and worry he’d carried fell off his shoulders.
“You make it sound so easy,” Soothcoor said.
James grunted. “That is the short version of events.”
“Yes,” Lewis agreed. “And while I am exceedingly glad your nephew has been found,” he said, “there is more to learn and uncover, especially in light of recent events.”
“Ah yes, the matter of Dr. Lakewood. I do not see how he can be involved,” said Soothcoor.
A light knocking on the door stopped Lewis from answering. It was Christopher, dressed like a miniature gentleman, accompanied by Miss Rangaswamy, attired in a beige cotton saree with orange banding. She led Christopher over to Soothcoor. Cecilia wondered at Miss Rangaswamy’s choice of a saree for her attire. Was it for the Earl’s benefit? To stress Christopher’s origin?
Interesting. It certainly accented her exotic coloring and appearance. She would have to query her gently later.
“Here he is, my lord,” Rani said as she gently guided Christopher toward his uncle.
Soothcoor drew Christopher close. Christopher protested when he would have drawn him onto his lap.
“No, no. I can’t see you then.” Christopher pointed to the head and neck brace he wore. He could only look straight ahead.
“Ah, does this mean we can play tricks on you behind your back?” Soothcoor asked.
Christopher giggled.
Cecilia did not think she had ever seen ‘the Dour Earl’ look more at ease. It quite transformed his face.
“Excuse me, madam,” Nate said from the doorway. “Breakfast is served.”
* * *
They were lingeringover coffee and tea when the front bell rang. A moment later, Nate escorted the Honorable Charles Sedgewick into the dining room.
“Charlie!” Soothcoor exclaimed as he and the other gentlemen stood up.
Cecilia smiled when she saw Miss Rangaswamy motion to Christopher to stand also.
Soothcoor hugged his younger brother. “Better today?” he asked.
“Much and thank you, big brother, for your instance I stop for the night,” he said as he avidly looked about the room at the people gathered. “And is this young man in the strange contraption my nephew?”
“It is. Charlie, this is Master Christopher Sedgewick, also known, I understand, as Krishan,” Soothcoor said. He turned to Christopher. “Christopher, this is your Uncle Charlie.”
“How do you do, sir,” Christopher said, extending his hand.
“What? Ah handshake!” exclaimed Charles. “None of that!” He picked up Christopher and gave him a hug before setting him back down. “So, tell me, what would you prefer to be called—Christopher, Krishan, Chris, or something else?”
“Chris?” Christopher asked, his expression twisting his young features.
Cecilia had to keep herself from laughing. His face looked so comical in his serious, considering expression.
Charles nodded. “Yes. Like Charlie for Charles, Chris is short for both Krishan and Christopher.”
Christopher looked up at him, his eyes wide, then he turned to Rani. “Would you call me Chris?” he asked hopefully.
She smiled, her eyes misting. “Yes, yes, if that is what you wish, I will do.”
“Brother,” Charles said, “Who is this delightful, enchanting creature with Master Chris?” he asked, staring at Rani.
Rani blushed and looked down.
