A small crowd had gathered in her father’s rooms. Two doctors were conferring in hushed tones. Her father’s aged valet sat crumpled in a seat near the window. A maid was quietly tidying the room.
Catherine hesitated at the door. No one paid her the least bit of attention. Somewhat annoyed, she stomped loudly over to where the doctors stood. They looked up equally irritated, but their faces softened when they saw her.
“Lady Catherine—” one of them began.
“Go away,” Catherine interrupted. “All of you.”
The two doctors looked at each other. There was a long pause.
Becoming progressively more annoyed, Catherine pointed at the door. “There it is,” she said. “The door. You may leave now.”
“He is at the end, Lady Catherine.” This came from the old valet who gripped a wadded-up handkerchief
