Page 107 of The Irish Gypsy
As Katie ran down the stairs, she said,"What's his doctor's name? It's gone clear out of my head."
"No, no, his doctor lives in Harley Street.Quickly, go across the square. The big house at the corner has justbeen bought by a doctor," she said breathlessly.
Mimi came running upstairs. "Was that agunshot I heard?"
"Yes, yes. There's been a terrible accident.Go to Charles Patrick; make sure he doesn't leave his room."
Kitty had gone a ghastly shade of putty. Hermind screamed, "No, Charles, no!" all the while she was givingdirections. Two menservants came, but she waved them back. "I'll goin to him. Stay here, please."
She went into the room and began to talk toCharles. "It's all right, darling, I've sent for help. It's allright, you're not going to die. I won't let you." There was noblood. The gun lay on the floor beside Charles. It was such a tinyhole, it couldn't possibly have done much damage. He lay verystill. Her pregnancy prevented her from getting down on the floor.She pulled the comforter from the bed and draped it around him tokeep him warm. "The doctor's coming, Charles. Hang on, for God'ssake hang on," she begged. She lifted his hand and held it tightly.All the while she knew that he wasn't just unconscious, but sheclung in desperation. If he hovered anywhere between life anddeath, she would bring him back. She looked up dazed as Katieushered the doctor through the bedroom doorway. She washallucinating! This had all happened before! Otis Grant-Stewartstopped on the threshold. Recognition dawned on him as he looked atthe young woman before him.
Kitty raised her hands in supplication."Please help him," she begged.
He gave the body a cursory examination.
"We meet again under identical circumstances,madame," he said coldly.
"He cannot be dead," she said firmly.
"He is quite dead, madame," he said.
"Do something, anything!" she ordered.
"Indeed I shall, madame. I shall inform thepolice and the coroner's office. I shall order an autopsy and aninquest into this shooting. When one's husband is found with abullet in his head, the circumstances are regarded with suspicion.When one's subsequent husband is found with a bullet in his head,the circumstances are damning!"
"What will you do with him?" she asked, allher thoughts still with Charles.
"I shall inform the coroner's office.Attendants will come and remove the body. I bid you good evening,"he said curtly.
"I bid you good riddance!" said Kitty, comingout of her trance. She called in the menservants. "Lift him up ontothe bed, please. Be very gentle," she admonished. When they leftshe brushed back her husband's hair, all gone gray now. "Why mustwe always hurt the ones we love?" she asked him. "Good-bye,Charles," she whispered tenderly. "May you be half an hour inparadise before the devil knows you're dead."
She stayed beside him until they came tocollect the body. Afterward, she sat so still Katie didn't knowwhat to do.
"Ma'am, do you realize the serious trouble weare in?" she asked fearfully.
The child kicked hard. "Life and death,"mused Kitty, putting her hand to the baby. "It's a matter of lifeand death, isn't it?"
"That doctor should have done something foryou. He could see what condition you were in. Let me help you tobed."
Kitty ignored her words. "I want the carriagebrought round. Bring me a cloak, Katie."
"You can't go out alone, you're in shock!"She stopped when she saw Kitty's face. "I see you are determined,"she said with resignation. "I'll come with you."
The carriage stopped in Half-Moon Street.Katie left Kitty in the carriage while she went for Patrick. Shewas back in a minute and told the driver to go on to CadogenSquare.
"He has business at Julia's," she explainedquickly.
This time Kitty could not wait in thecarriage, but went up to the door herself. When the butler openedto them she swept past him toward the sound of voices. The threepeople were in a heated conversation about shares and proxy votes.They broke off abruptly as Kitty entered.
Patrick came to his feet immediately. "Whathas happened?"
Kitty said with disbelief, "Charles haskilled himself!" Patrick was beside her in two strides. She felthis comforting hand at the small of her back, and she said, "It'smy fault!"
Julia cried, "You've been trouble since theday Father brought you into our home. I wouldn't be surprised ifyou hadn't killed him too!"
A slap rang out. Jeffrey stood before hiswife and said pointedly, "At least she didn't murder her own baby,madame. Leave this room at once or I won't be accountable for myactions."
When Julia had gone Patrick said angrily,"It's about time you were master in your own household."
