Page 65 of An Arranged Marriage with a Mad Marquess
“As for Clayton – and Aunt Thomasin – something must be done. Immediately.”
Harry shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t wish to cause trouble, Neil.”
Neil snorted, pulling himself up a little straighter. His strength was returning, bit by bit. Soon he would be able to manage to sit on the armchair behind him, and soon after that, he would manage a few wobbly steps. All in all, he would be quite ready for the dinner party at Lady Ashworth’s that night. The woman would certainly not permit him to miss it.
“You aren’t causing trouble.Claytonis causing trouble by being so aggressive. I’ve made it plainly clear over the years that you are family, and my steward to boot, and that he should treat you with the due respect. It’s not a ludicrous request, and even if itwere, he’s in my house.”
“Don’t distress yourself, please,” Harry said, reaching forward to lay a hand on Neil’s shoulder.
“I’m not distressing myself,” Neil answered firmly, elevating himself to sit upon the edge of the upholstered armchair. “But IamLord Morendale, and enough is enough. If my aunt and cousin can’t respect my reasonable wishes, then they won’t stay under my roof any longer.”
Harry flinched, eyes widening. “Neil? What are you going to do?”
“What I should have done a long time ago,” Neil sighed, shaking his head. “We’re all going to Lady Ashworth’s tonight, and I’d better conserve my strength for that, but tomorrowmorning, I will speak to Clayton and my aunt. I’m going to make it clear that they have overstepped the bounds. They’ll leave tomorrow, Harry. I’ve made up my mind. After that, I’ll visit other physicians in London and see what they make of my condition. No more hiding away in the countryside. I have reached my limit.”
There was a brief silence after this speech. In the quiet, Neil distinctly heard the creak of floorboards outside in the hall. His eyes widened, and he glanced at Harry. It was clear that Harry had heard it too. Pressing a finger to his lips, Harry got to his feet and crept to the door. He wrenched it open, peering out into the hallway.
When he turned back, there was confusion and a little uneasiness on his face.
“There’s nobody there,” Harry said, sighing. “Perhaps it was just the wind.”
“Perhaps,” Neil acknowledged, not able to shake the uneasiness.
Harry cleared his throat, shifting from foot to foot. “And Lady Ashworth’s – you’re determined to still visit?”
“Yes,” Neil answered, steeling himself. “I want to live a normal life, Harry. What’s left of it, at least. Perhaps it’s too late to seek help for my condition, or perhaps there was never any help to be had. But I’ve made up my mind, now. I amgoingto live.”
Harry broke out in a smile. “I’m glad to hear that, Neil. Come, shall I help you up?”
