Simon came to his side. “Kitty. What happened? Where is she?”
“An accident?” Hurriedly, Sir James FitzArden joined his friends, concern written all over his face.
“Come and see Hecate first, then we’ll discuss all this,” said Kitty with finality. “And don’t think any of you will slip away without my wrath. If I wasn’t so worried right at this moment, I would verbally flay the lot of you and feed the leavings to the rats.” She spun on her heel and stomped down the hall to the door behind which Hecate rested.
She stopped them with a hand on Edmund’s chest, since he was closest. “Her injuries, several broken bones in her left leg…have been set by a doctor. Max’s own physician, who was summoned early this morning. At the moment, and in fact ever since they brought her here, she’s been asleep. Or unconscious. Either way, I doubt she will wake for you.”
With that warning, she opened the door and stepped to one side, letting her family pass by her and into the room to Hecate’s bedside.
Max dabbed at his lip with a handkerchief, and ignored the ache around the side of his chin. He waited outside the door with Kitty. “Best they see for themselves, I think.” He glanced at the three men who stood in varying attitudes of shock around the couch where Hecate lay unmoving.
She sighed and lifted a hand to touch his chin. “I’m so sorry, Max. After everything you’ve done today, I would not have had this happen for the world.”
“Hush,” he shook his head. “I am impressed with the speed that news of London events can travel, assuming your brothers came up from Ridlington. And they’re family, Kitty. We should not have expected them to ignore what happened between us last night.”
She nodded. “It seems so long ago, at the moment. I’d almost forgotten.”
“I can understand that.” He grinned, then winced. “Ow. Anyway, I haven’t forgotten. Believe me. And it will be my pleasure to remind you when the dust settles from all this upheaval.” He looked down at her. “Kitty, this terrible event could not have been anticipated. I will not hold you to any agreement between us right now. Hecate is your sister. You must do what is best for you, for her and for your family. If that means leaving and returning to Ridlington with them, I shall do all I can to make the journey a smooth one.” He touched her then, a brief stroke of her shoulder. “This is a decision I cannot make for you. It’s a matter of great import, and I trust you to do what is right.”
Edmund returned to them. “Is there somewhere we can talk, Mr. Seton-Mowbray?”
“I think, since I’m suffering the effects of one of the best and most punishing rights I’ve seen in many years, you might as well call me Max.” He turned away. “Follow me. There should be brandy, and I’m quite sure that would hit the spot right now.”
Chapter Thirteen
Kitty sat to one side in the library where the men had gathered. The day already seemed about a year long, and she had to remind herself that sooner or later everyone had to eat something.
Had she been at Ridlington, or even at Aunt Venetia’s, she would have ordered food, but here she was uncertain of her status. Certainly she’d been welcomed by the staff, but a scandalous mistress had no place acting like the real mistress of the house.
Aunt Venetia had been informed, of course. She would wait for further news, since there was nothing she could do this morning. Nobody knew that the Ridlington contingent would show up in force, but now they had…well, Edmund might take over.
So she sat quietly and listened as the men discussed the matter, going over what had happened and how Hecate had been brought to Mowbray House.
“And no idea how it all occurred?” Simon addressed the question to Max.
“Not at this point, no. I’ve sent men to retrieve what’s left of the carriage. I’m deeply troubled, since Harris was a trusted driver for many years, and the carriage almost new.”
“And the man with Hecate?” Edmund’s voice was harsh. “Who was he?”
Max glanced at Kitty. “Dancey Miller-James.”
She sucked in a breath, which Simon heard. “Kitty, you know this man?”
“Everyone does, Simon. He’s a well-to-do member of the Ton, invited everywhere…in fact, I think he’s related to the Bishop that Tabby knows.”
Simon snapped his fingers. “That’s why the name sounded familiar.”
“There’s something else,” she said. “A few days ago—or it might have been weeks, since time seems irrelevant right now—Max warned me about him.”
Three heads turned to Max.
Who nodded. “I had heard Miller-James’s attentions toward Miss Hecate were less than honourable. I did my best to convey this to Kitty. In fact, it’s how we met on a more personal level than a dance at a ball.”
“Your source was reliable?” James asked.
Max sighed. “It was from the man himself. And no, he was not a gentleman.” He looked at the three of them. “I will not speak ill of the dead, Baron, sirs. So I ask that you keep this information private. It reflects poorly on a man whose death will, I’m sure, be a blow to his family. I would that we show a modicum of respect.”
“Of course,” said Edmund. “Well put.”
“I have my moments.”
“We’ve heard,” said Simon dryly.
“So.” Kitty judged it time to make herself heard. “What are your thoughts, Edmund? Should Hecate be taken back to Ridlington? Can the household care for her? I know baby Hugh is growing apace, but he’s still little. Tabby can’t move into the Chase, of course. And James, you and Letitia are travelling up and down from London right now.” She blinked. “Where is Letitia, by the way?”
“At Ridlington right now. She decided to stay there for a few days while I came up to town. Edmund and Simon joined me last night and the plan was for us all to travel back together tomorrow. Just some business details to finalize regarding the parish of Ridlington.” He grinned. “Simon is now officially vicar of a real, documented parish. And Edmund has the official duty to assign the living to whomever he chooses. It’s all settled.”
Simon glanced at Max. “Our father never bothered to formalize anything worth a damn. We’re trying to close the holes he left in the Ridlington estate.”
“Good luck to you all on that. Bureaucracy is one of the appalling sins that can turn a sane man into a madman.”
“Hear, hear,” approved Edmund, raising his glass.
“Well, congratulations, Simon,” smiled Kitty, giving her brother a hug. “And that does explain how you all arrived on the doorstep full of righteous indignation so damned soon.” She raised a hand as Edmund opened his mouth. “Hecate first, remember?”
He nodded. “Hecate first. I believe we should take her home to Ridlington. What say you?” He looked around.
“It makes the most sense,” said Simon. “She’s clearly had the best of care here…” his glance at Max was grateful, “and travelling now, while she is still too ill to notice much, might be best. I’d as soon see her awaken in her room at Ridlington, and thus begin her healing.”