Page 5 of Master of Paradise
Lady Pamela awaited them at the frontentrance to Peacock Hall. Nicholas was relieved when he glimpsedher calm, serene face and her unruffled demeanor.She can alwaysbe counted on to remain cool and collected, even in anemergency.She held a lamp to light their way upstairs, andNick did his best to reassure her.
"He was thrown, I'm afraid, although hewasn't knocked unconscious. I've already sent for the doctor."
They set the wooden door down on the blackand white marble tiles of the entrance Hall.
"I think we'll do better if I carry him fromhere," Nick decided swiftly, stooping and lifting the large man asgently as possible. His father's usually florid face had gone whitewith the pain, and he whispered, "That was my favorite hunter-- hewon't have to be put down, will he?"
Nick shook his head. "He's perfectly allright-- we may have to shoot you though," he jokedaffectionately.
Lady Pamela glided into the bedchamber andset the lamp on a bedside table. She smoothly turned back thesheets and stood back for Nicholas to deposit his burden. Sheefficiently dispatched a servant for shears so that the riding bootcould cut from the leg, and brought forward the brandydecanter.
"I think he's had enough," Nick said, feelingguilty for his father and himself, beneath her cool gaze.
By the time the old doctor arrived ,Nick hadmanaged to remove the boot and disrobe Harry. He was almostsurprised that his father allowed his ministrations, as he'd alwayssworn he'd never have a valet. A man who couldn't dress and undresshimself wasn't worthy to be called a man, he always declared in thesame scathing tone he reserved for males who rode in carriages.
Nicholas helped the doctor straighten andsplint the leg, then the doctor gave Lady Pamela some tablets and abottle, along with careful instructions.
"I'll be along tomorrow, Lord Peacock. You'vegot a wonderful nurse here." Dr. Hamilton beckoned Lady Pamela fromthe room and told her to keep the patient quiet. "There shouldn'tbe any complications, my lady, but he's going to be off that legfor a long time, and I don't suppose he'll be an easy patient foryou, my dear."
She smiled patiently. "He won't be anybother, doctor. How kind of you to worry about me."
Nicholas smiled at her. "I'll do my best tokeep him amused. I'm sorry this happened." He felt he apologizedfor his father as well as himself.
The next day Harry was running a fever, andthe day after that he began to cough. On the third day the doctorbegan treating him for bronchitis and by the fifth, fateful day, hesolemnly announced that Lord Peacock had developed pneumonia.
Nicholas marveled at the devoted figure whoquietly attended the sick bed. He thanked God for Lady Pamela; shewas a saint.
An urgency came upon Harry Peacock like hehad never known before. He sent to the city for his solicitor. Hisaffairs were not arranged as he wished them to be. He had thoughthimself immortal, but now he could read the writing on the wall. Heknew that Fate was about to catch up with, and overtake him.
As Nicholas sat watching him reach for oneshallow breath after another, he prayed that his father wouldrecover. Lord Harry opened his eyes and struggled to sit up. "Imust change everything in my will,"he said in great agitation. "Itmust be done legally."
A crease came between Nick's brows. "Fatherdon't upset yourself. Everything will be fine if you'll just restand get your strength back."
"Everythingwon'tbe fine!" Harryinsisted. "You've had the management of this place for three yearsnow and done a damned fine job of it too. Philip won't come intohis majority for another nine years yet. The lad's only sixteen anduseless to boot," rasped Harry, before lapsing into a fit ofcoughing.
Nick's frown deepened, "Easy Father,easy."
Harry shook his head stubbornly. "I shouldhave madeyouPhilip's legal guardian, not Pamela. What thehell does she know about managing an estate this size? Philip needsfirm guidance and a role model to turn him into a man."
"Philip will do just fine, Father, when thetime comes. I warrant you'll still be with us when Philip turnstwenty-five. I told you we'd have to shoot you," he saidaffectionately.
The older man shook his head and his chestgave off a queer rattle. "Not so lad, don't try to fool the oldman, it can't be done."
Nicholas looked him in the eye andacknowledged, "I've tried often enough, but never succeeded."
"Through my neglect, you are entitled tonothing. There's only what I put away for you three years ago, andyou can't touch that until you're twenty-five. They can take it allaway from you."
Nicholas smiled to calm his father'sagitation. "They wouldn't do that, Father."
The elderly man lay back against his pillows,clammy and white and exhausted. '"Where's that damned solicitor? Ican't wait! Fetch Pamela... pen and paper."
When his wife came in carrying the things hehad asked for, Harry gasped, "Where's Chetwynd? Damned fellowalways underfoot... until I need him."
She soothed, "He'll be here. Try to staycalm, dear."
"The marriage contract provides for you...Philip gets the title, the estate and all the lands, and his soninherits the land and titles after him. I must provide for Nick.Also, Philip would be better off if Nick was legal guardian overhis money until Philip is twenty-five." He stopped and fought forbreath to continue. "I want it all legal. No loopholes. Nick, youwrite it out. I'll sign it and Pamela will witness it. Give it toChetwynd the moment he arrives. Promise me!"
"I promise, dear. Take your time; try torelax," she soothed.
