Page 89 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“Trust me when I say that is worth more than physic,” said Papa.
“Agreed,” said Dr. Brightman.
“Nonetheless, while his spirits remain high, his health does decline.”
“Give him my regards,” said Papa. “I shall try to visit as soon as I recover and not a moment later than that.”
“I do appreciate it, M’Lord.” He glanced around the room. “Well, seeing as how the good Countess has invited me to stay for luncheon, I’d better wash up. Excuse me.”
Madeline followed him out, quick on his heels.
“My, that was quite a speech.”
“It was from the heart.”
“He needs to hear many a kind word,” she said. “Have you heard about the charge against him?”
“Your mother did mention it, yes.”
“We are going to fight it tooth and nail.”
“Yes, I recommended a solicitor who may able to help.”
“That was kind of you indeed,” she said.
They strolled along the railing that overlooked the great hall.
“I didn’t know Mama had asked you to stay. You didn’t have to accept, you know.”
“I know.”
“Then, why did you accept?”
He stopped walking and turned fully to her, a smile on his face and a glint in his eye. “My dear Madeline, if flowers make a man sneeze, that does not affect their beauty or their worth in that man’s eyes. He can still appreciate them from afar, and even venture to move closer to them as his constitution allows.”
“So, all that talk about taking your leave and never returning ...?”
He started walking again. “What about it?”
“That was a lie?”
“No, not as such. When I made that remark, I was prepared to see it through. But I cannot stay away, Madeline, though you may push me with all your might.”
“Push you?” she said.
“You are in love with Lord Oliver?”
She stared at him, nerves wracking her stomach. “I ... yes, of course ... but that’s—”
“Your answer was not genuine,” he said plainly.
She was at a temporary loss for words, turning to look out over the hall. “I don’t know what’s genuine anymore, Peter.”
“So, then I am to have hope for the future?”
She whirled around to face him. “No!”
His face was crestfallen. “I see.”
