Chapter 5
For four days, the earl dangled between life and death. The London physicians who attended him shook their heads gravely and predicted he would not wake again. On the fifth day, Catherine decided that she had had enough.
“I cannot stay here forever,” she said to Beaseley. “He may linger for weeks.”
Beaseley inclined his head. “Yes, my lady.”
“I will return to Bath. I leave the management of this house in your hands, of course.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“And, should there be any news, ensure I am notified at once.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Catherine looked at him. He was polishing and re-polishing his spectacles with his handkerchief, his mouth grim. “Why, whatever is the matter?”
Beaseley jumped guiltily. “Nothing, my lady.”
“Then why do you fidget?” Catherine frowned. She returned her c
