“I was with him when his wife died of her blood disease. Of all people, he knew what I was trying to accomplish. And yet he was ready to destroy everything!” He drew in a shaky breath and made a visible effort to compose himself. “It wasyou, my lady. If you hadn’t interfered . . . he lost his nerve only when you began your blasted inquisition.”
“I guess his conscience got the better of him.”
Sir Preston’s eyes narrowed. “You still don’t understand. What we are doing is beyond the ordinary. Someday, society will understand and fall to their knees in thanks.”
Talk about a God complex. “They’re more likely to hang you for murder.”
“It wasonemistake. One person to save thousands!Millions!Society will view us more favorably than you do, Lady Sutcliffe, if the outcome is a cure for the pox. Especially when the girl’s death wasn’t even intentional.”
“You dumped her body in the Thames like she was nothing.”
“Shewasnothing, damn your eyes! If we’d been successful, she would’ve achieved the immortality she’d pursued on stage.”
The chance of a cure, the promise of fame. No wonder Clarice and Isabella had been lured in.
“How many?” Kendra asked. “How many women did you experiment on?”
“Only those two. Before them, dogs, sheep, pigs.”
“The results?” She saw it in his eyes. “Mixed. And you still moved to human trials.”
He frowned. “We’ve had more successes than failures.”
The carriage was slowing.
“How many in your group? Dawes. Thornton—until he lost his nerve.”And then his life. “You, obviously. How many more?”
His mouth curved in a slow smile. “You’ll soon find out.”
Chapter 42
Alec swept off his curly beaver hat as he entered the foyer, but something in Wakely’s expression made him pause.
“What’s happened?” His gut twisted and he added, “Where’s her ladyship?”
“Lady Sutcliffe left for St. George’s. She was anxious because—”
“Edie’s gone because of ’er!”
Alec glanced over at the scruffy boy standing in the hallway. “Who the devil are you?”
“This is . . . Fish,” Wakely answered, his tone disapproving. “Her ladyship ordered the scamp fed, but apparently mutton, mashed potatoes, and three tarts have not improved his disposition.”
The boy turned his scowl on the butler. “I don’t need nothin’ improved. I need ter find Edie.”
“Are you speaking of Edwina?” Alec asked.
“Aye, Edie. The fiend took ’er. I told ’er ladyship w’ot ’e looked like, and she went off ter the ’ospital.”
“She wanted me to inform you when you returned,” Wakely said. “I’ve sent word to Mr. Kelly as well. Her ladyship said she needed to speak to Mr. Burnell.”
Alec shoved his hat on his head again. “When did she leave?”
“An hour, no more,” the butler replied.
“Oy! Where’re ye goin’?” Fish demanded when Alec turned to yank open the door.
Alec lifted an eyebrow at the boy’s insolence. “I’m going to find my wife. Does that meet with your approval?”
