Free Emily Hendrickson by Elizabeths Rake Page A

the flames reflected in their now sober faces. Jeremy had remained prudently silent throughout their conversation, having nothing to contribute, it seemed.
    “He forgets now and again, David,” Egbert said.
    “We all do,” David replied wearily. He began to leave the room, then paused by the door. “Miss Elizabeth is coming over later today. She will be looking after my father. I want the three of you to keep out of her way. Is that clear?”
    They all nodded. David noted that Egbert looked exceedingly worried. Good.
    * * * *
    At Montmorcy Hall, Elizabeth fended off questions from her cousins.
    “I cannot see how Aunt Bel will allow you to visit a gentlemen’s establishment, Elizabeth,” Hyacinth scolded.
    “Somehow I doubt if I shall encounter them in the sickroom, cousin,” Elizabeth said dryly.
    “It sounds vastly romantic to me,” Lady Chloe said in a breathy voice. “Fancy, nursing the father of the man you are to marry.’’ A conscious look came over her face. “I do hope he does not die while you tend him. That would be dreadful.”
    “Indeed,” Elizabeth replied with a wry twist of her mouth, rising from her chair by the fireplace. “I wish to consult with Purvis before I leave. Rose shall pack a small portmanteau for me, just in case the weather turns nasty and I cannot make my way home.”
    Lady Chloe dashed to the window to search the leaden skies. She shivered. “Oh, it looks bad to me. Purvis says she cannot recall a more vile February. I should say it is very likely you will spend at least one night there.”
    “I think it is all highly improper,” Hyacinth stated in the primmest of manners. “Nothing good will come of breaking Society’s rules, mark my words.”
    “Do you intend to broadcast it to all and sundry, then?” Elizabeth inquired before leaving the sitting room.
    “Hyacinth,” Lady Chloe rebuked, “they are betrothed now. I fancy that if Aunt Bel gives permission, it must be acceptable. And Elizabeth is a most agreeable girl.”
    “Perhaps too agreeable?” Hyacinth suggested.
    “I’ll have you know that I have no desire to go to Penhurst Place, Hyacinth. First, Lord Leighton requested that I assist him, then Aunt Bel as good as ordered me there. Since I am dependent upon her kind mercies, I shan’t say no to her express wishes. Is that clear?”
    “You met his cousin?” Hyacinth said, her eyes calculating.
    “Egbert Percy? Yes. Not a very prepossessing young man. An incipient fop, I’d say from what I saw. He cannot hold a candle to his cousin. Lord Leighton. Nor, for that matter, can his other cousin, Jeremy Vane.”
    “My, what a lot of men!” Lady Chloe declared, her shocked eyes round with amazement.
    “I believe I once read there is safety in numbers. His uncle. Lord Augustus Percy, lives there as well. I trust they will all behave like gentlemen. I doubt if Lord Leighton will do more than tease me. He seems to enjoy that a great deal.”
    “How curious,” Lady Chloe said in a wondering voice. “That does not sound the least lover-like.”
    “Quite,” Elizabeth replied, closing the door behind her as she left her cousins. Mercy, what an ordeal. Getting Purvis to share her knowledge of healing ought to be a snap compared to escaping from her cousins.
    When Purvis was found at last in the still room, Elizabeth expressed her wish for healing potions. After explaining what she had learned about Lord Crompton from Aunt Bel, Purvis nodded sagely.
    “Most peculiar. Can’t say I could pinpoint the illness. If I could see the man. . . ?”
    “Aunt Bel and Lord Leighton say that Lord Crompton will not have anyone else about. And Aunt Bel says the concoction that the cook makes him is a vile potion. Aunt said the smell made her feel ill. I’ll wager you could do much better than that woman. Do you know her treacle tarts were off and the milk a trifle sour?”
    “No!” Purvis declared in horror. “Well, and I shall do my best. Miss Elizabeth.”
    With the