Page 107 of Blame It on the Earl (The Duke's Estates 3)

Sarah feared how that conversation would go, particularly if she was the one suggesting a change. She would not be having it. “Lady Trestan is his mother,” she replied.

Her own accepted this, and they went to the stillroom to prepare the mixture. As Mama made up several bottles, Sarah noticed some small, empty vials on a shelf. They were just like those Mrs. Dillon used for laudanum. Without thinking about it too much, she slipped several of them into her pocket.

Her father returned before they were finished, and Sarah had time to talk with him over tea and cakes before she headed back to Poldene. This time together was all the more precious to her as Kenver contemplated losing his father.

Sarah reached Poldene in the evening, at an hour when Kenver and his mother were still at dinner. She did not join them but went directly to her room with the supplies she had brought and put them away.

Kenver came in sometime later. He strode over and put his arms around her. “I am so glad to see you.”

Sarah held him close. He trembled a little under her hands.

“It has been a dreadful day. Papa is worse. They think he won’t last much longer. A day or two perhaps. He lies there as if he’d already…” He cut off this sentence.

“Mrs. Dillon is giving him laudanum?” Sarah asked.

“She says it is all they can do and a mercy.” He swallowed. “It will let him go without that awful coughing.”

Sarah thought that the nurse was easing him out of the world. “My mother had another idea.”

“Idea?” Kenver looked down at her. He put his hands on her shoulders and held her a little away from him so he could see her face. “What idea?”

Sarah repeated the conversation she’d had with her mother. “If his lungs could get clearer, he might improve,” she finished.

“We should try it immediately,” Kenver replied. “We must do anything that might help.”

“They would have to stop the laudanum for it to have the proper effect.”

“Fine, we will do so.” He turned as if setting off to make the change.

“The doctor would need to order it. Mrs. Dillon only does as he tells her.”

“I will speak to him,” said Kenver. “I’ll go and see him right now.”

“Now?”

“He lives not far from here. It will be a relief todosomething.” He clenched his fists in emphasis. “To just sit and watch Papa fade is insupportable.”

The doctor might listen to the heir to Poldene, Sarah thought, which would make matters easier.

Kenver threw on his riding clothes and went.

He returned less than an hour later, looking angry. “Dr. Greel has no patience for old wives’ tales,” he told Sarah and continued as if reciting a lesson. “He was surprised I would be taken in by such drivel and sorry I was given false hopes. He thinks his treatment the better course. It is a pity that not every patient can be saved, but that is the way of the world. He has told my mother as much. She was most understanding. He would be happy to speak to her again if I like.”

“Was that a threat?” Sarah let slip.

“A reminder that she is in charge,” Kenver answered. “I suppose she made that very clear.” Some of the fire went out of him. “Obviously Dr. Greel does not appreciate any challenge to his authority. He is certain he knows best. And that I know nothing. In the end, I let him think that I agreed.”

“Because it would be better if he does not speak to your mother.”

“That was my thought,” he said. “He may still tell Mama I was rude, after the encounter we have just had.”

“I don’t expect he will,” Sarah replied. “You are the heir to Poldene. He won’t wish to be at odds with you.”

“He is,” said Kenver grimly. “Whether he knows it or not. How can he refuse to try something different?”

“Some people value their own convictions over anything else.”

“Including Papa’s life?” He made a slashing gesture that required no answer.

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