“I know what my father ordered.”She held up the crumpled piece of paper and waved it in his face.“I am aware that I am ordered to cooperate.I will not.You may be assured my intransigence won’t be held against you.My father will assuredly pay you.You can continue to report my failings to my mother, but I wish to hear from you no more.Out.”
He summoned his dignity, stalked to the door, and departed with a baleful glare for his patient.
Georgiana squeezed her eyes shut, husbanded her strength, and breathed in the sweet sound of silence.Gone at last.
She unfolded the crumpled paper in her hand and reread the message that the physician brought with him.It commanded her to cease burdening the estate with her health problems.He sends no fatherly affection, I see.She tossed the paper aside and picked up another.
Her mother’s missive reeked with rose scent and depressed her even more.
Georgiana,
His Grace insists that you see Dr.Wetherby and orders you to cooperate with his recommendations.If you will not abandon your odd starts and fits on your own, do attempt to seek a cure for your ills.Marianna comes out this spring, and given your circumstances, it is better for you to remain in Cambridgeshire under his care.The family demands that you rest in seclusion in your little house and not parade yourself about in the region.
Wilhelmina Sudbury,
Your mother
Georgiana grimaced.The Duchess wrote “your mother” as though Georgiana might forget that fact.Don’t worry, Mother.I won’t embarrass you or ruin your golden child’s chances.
Georgiana agreed with the Duchess on one thing: She preferred to stay in Cambridgeshire, far from interference and abuse.The house belonged to Georgiana, a divinely inspired gift from an eccentric great aunt, but she depended on her father’s largesse for everything else from food to the salaries of her servants.Buried here, at least she could work.Work gave her life meaning; nothing else did.
A third letter lay unopened on the table.It arrived separately, just before Wetherby came smirking and preening to disturb her peace.She fingered the seal.Her brother Richard, the Marquess Glenaire in his own right, franked it himself.It wouldn’t have been subject to parental scrutiny.She opened it carefully.
“My Dear Georgiana,” it began.Once he might have written “Dearest Georgie.”At thirty-three he became more like their father every time she heard from him.She frowned and read on.She hoped she’d at least find some affection here.
My Dear Georgiana,
I trust this missive finds you in enjoyment of good health.Our lady mother reports some concerns.Since she is vague and hushed, I am unclear as to the nature and extent of your complaints.I know Simon Wetherby by reputation, and so, I took the liberty of making some discreet inquiries.Should you find yourself in need of the most modern medical assistance, you might pursue one of the references you will find enclosed.Should you need funds for this endeavor, you need only ask me.
She glancedat the extra page.Two of the gentlemen were located in Edinburgh.The third lived and worked in Cambridge.He was both physician and surgeon.This was highly unusual.She didn’t doubt that the names on the list constituted the very best.Perhaps her friend Mrs.Potter knew something about this physician-surgeon, Dr.Peabody.If he lived in Cambridge, Mrs.Potter would know of him.She picked up her brother’s letter and continued:
As to your inquiries,I do remember Andrew Mallet, but I admit to some surprise that you would recall him.Mr.Mallet, I believe, is returned from several years’ military service.His service left him considerably richer, and I don’t believe he has the need to take up his father’s profession or take on students.Though he hasn’t ascended to the peerage, he could, I believe, conduct himself as a country gentleman should he choose.In regard to your description of the gentleman’s physical state, I must say such observations are somewhat indelicate in a lady.Be that as it may, I believe, given his reputed performance at the late events at Waterloo and other circumstances, it is likely that the gentleman you describe is he.I am given to believe that he wishes no contact with former acquaintances, and you would be well advised against pursuing the connection.
Again, I send wishes for your health.
Your dutiful brother,
Richard, Marquess of Glenaire
What other circumstances,damn it?What left Andrew so scarred and dimmed the lights in his eyes?Richard knew more than he said.He always did.He certainly knew exactly where Andrew lived.
Andrew didn’t need money, and he didn’t need to seek employment as a tutor.Her initial plan to hire him now seemed unlikely to meet with success.
Georgiana didn’t know any more now than she did when she wrote to her brother except that Richard wanted to warn her off.She would need to keep her actions out of Richard’s notice in the future—if she could.
