“Escaped Brook Haven? They could hardly keep me incarcerated once my memories returned,” he replied.
“Congratulations on your recovery, sir. Always said it was a mere matter of time.”
“Indeed. Come. Sit.” He gestured to the armchair adjoining the one he’d vacated.
Looking mildly wary, the doctor made his way to the seating area.
“I took the liberty of pouring you a brandy. Hate to imbibe alone,” Teddy murmured, offering a grin of camaraderie. He plucked up the aforementioned crystal glass with its amber liquid contents, and waited as Shine settled into the armchair.
“Don’t mind if I do,” the doctor replied, his expression easing.
Teddy handed Shine the brandy. “Now then, I’m sure you’re wondering why I sent for you.”
Shine sipped, then sent Teddy a smug smile. “No, not really. Undoubtedly, you’re anxious for word of your father’s condition.”
“Why, yes.” Teddy hoped his feigned astonishment was believable. “What can you tell me? The countess informed me my father had an apoplexy and has been abed ever since.”
Face grave, the young physician nodded.
How old was the man, Ted wondered? He could not be older than five and twenty, two years his junior.
Dr. Shine stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle. “Exactly right, after which Mr. Arlington, your cousin, called me in. I performed a thorough examination, after which, I determined his collapse owed to a weak heart.”
“His heart. I see. At which time you prescribed him bed rest and…?”
“A tisane,” Dr. Shine replied.
Teddy smiled. He’d uncorked a bottle of his father’s finest for this little experiment.
“Ah. This tisane. It has many health benefits?”
“Indeed,” the doctor replied.
“It isn’t, by any chance, the same blend you prepared for me?”
The doctor blinked.
“I only ask because, clearly, the mixture did wonders for me. After all, here I am, fully recovered.”
Dr. Shine beamed. “As a matter of fact, it is the same—or nearly so.” He swirled the brandy in the cut crystal glass before taking another mouthful.
“I thought so. I recognized the charming scent.” Teddy watched him draw the glass to his lips. “As it is so very healthful, you may be glad to know I took the liberty of adding a large portion to your brandy.”
No sooner had Teddy uttered the words, than the doctor, eyes bugging, hinged forward on the wingback chair to ignominiously spit what liquid was left in his mouth back into the sparkling glass.
“Ah. Despite its healthful benefits, I take it, you do not care for henbane yourself?”
Wheezing, Shine glared at Teddy from his stooped position. “What are you playing at, Arlington?”
No longer bothering with his phony jovial attitude, Teddy narrowed his eyes at him in return. “What amIplaying at? I think the more pressing question is, what isyourend game, Shine?”
Straightening, the doctor reached into a pocket, withdrawing ahandkerchief to mop his brow. “I have no notion what you mean.”
Teddy pulled a gold watch from his waistcoat, snapped it open. “You have sixty seconds.”
Shine slanted Teddy a watchful look. “What happens after that?”
“I send for the magistrate, of course.”
