Page 41 of Good Duke Gone Cold

“As a matter of fact it does. It sounds like some fairy and a prayer herbalist lacking all good education gave this to you, no less likely I’d wager it was a woman.”

“You are correct. On both accounts.”

“I will not administer such an undocumented treatment on one of my patients.”

“That is your right. I will have someone else handle her treatment from now on.”

“Why I never–” he wiped his hands on his jacket. “And from a woman,” he muttered. “I cannot take part of this or be accountable for the results. It is on your hands.”

Gregory dipped his head in acceptance, “It already is.”

Chapter 16

Ittooktwentyfourhours for the willow bark to take effect. It was the slowest twenty four hours of Gregory’s life. Taking Apollo for a ride ate up only three hours, and the remaining twenty two hours lagged.

It made for a much-needed break in the day when Lyle came round to have papers signed. Lyle was sitting on a velvet-cushioned, mahogany chair with gilded gold features connecting the arms to the seat and back of the chair. He tried to push himself to the back of the chair to relax, but he could not find a particularly comfortable position. He reflected that maybe this was how the duke distracted his opponent during negotiations, then retracted the incriminating thought and started business.

“As you know, the papers have been drafted and now undergone several revisions, the last of which took longer than we anticipated. According to our solicitors, we are all now in agreement, so I came to drop off the papers and claim a celebratory drink to our new partnership.”

Gregory had already begun grabbing the glasses and bottle of whiskey for the two of them. He poured two fingers in each glass and extended one to Lyle. “To success in business.”

“And life.”

The gentlemen sipped their drinks. Gregory was lost in thought, warding off encroaching concerns for Mary, meanwhile corralling random ideas on the business plans between Lyle and himself.

“Did I detect a hesitation?”

Gregory raised his eyebrow.

“Come now. We’re going into business with each other, let’s open the doors for honest communication.”

“Honest communication about business.”

“Yes, but as I’m sure we both know, life often affects how we choose to do business.”

Gregory paused, unwilling to blindly volunteer anything. “What are you asking, Lyle? Be frank.”

“How is everyone doing?”

“Everyone?”

“I’m sure you must have assumed I’d heard about the accident. The gossip is all anyone is talking about, what with the dowager duchess and company missing the house party.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

“And you offer nothing more?”

“What exactly are you asking?” Gregory was beginning to feel the straining cords of dissension and was questioning himself and his decision to go into business so quickly with a mere acquaintance.

“Just what I’m asking. How is everyone? How is your mother? Sister? Mary?”

“They are fine.”

“I’ve heard more from the butler than you.”

“I’ll be sure to let him know how I feel about that.”

“Just a joke, old man. The butler gave away nothing. The rumor is that your mother broke her leg, and Margaret and Mary are unconscious.”

---