A Gentleman's Curse (Avenging Lords 4)

Dr Hewlett’s anxious eyes flitted back and forth in their sockets.

“Have no fear, doctor,” Hudson said without a hint of embarrassment. “My mother is a heartless harpy, but it is a truth to which I am reconciled.” He gestured to the stairs. “Permit me to lead the way.”

As they mounted the stairs amid the abusive complaints and infernal noise echoing from the drawing room, Claudia wondered which family member was attending Alfred Lockhart. While Selina had implied that Hudson might find her alone if he called at noon, it proved somewhat of a surprise to find both Selina and Mr Perigrew huddled together, deep in conversation.

Selina practically jumped out of her skin when they entered. Claudia stared, convinced the couple had been holding hands. Selina took one look at the doctor and her face blanched.

“It must be my father’s lucky day,” Hudson said, ushering Claudia and the doctor into the room and closing the door. “What a pleasure to have both of his devoted relatives at his bedside.”

“I arrived ten minutes ago.” Justin tugged at the sleeves of his maroon coat and gave a mocking snort. “I must admit, I’m surprised to see you here, surprised my aunt permitted another visit.”

“Your aunt is a foolish woman with no power over me,” Hudson retorted. He glanced at his father’s sunken cheeks as he lay asleep in the bed. “Dr Hewlett has come to examine the patient.”

“Then I’m afraid I must object,” Justin snapped, though his tone lacked conviction. “How do we know this fellow is a doctor? How do we know you’re not going to drag the poor man from his bed and commit him to an asylum?”

Dr Hewlett placed his leather case carefully on the bed. “I was apprenticed to Mr Bartholomew Hunt at Guy’s Hospital for five years. I am a Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries and as such am qualified to attend this patient.”

Justin’s jaw quivered, and he snapped his mouth shut.

Selina move

d closer to the bed. “As you can see from the assortment of bottles on the side table, doctor, my husband has tried many things to cure his father’s ailments.” The raven-haired beauty locked eyes with Hudson and moistened her lips.

Jealousy roiled in Claudia’s stomach.

Dr Hewlett moved to examine the bottles. His nose twitched, and his brows wiggled as he sniffed and tried to determine the ingredients. “Remind me of the gentleman’s symptoms.”

Selina repeated the list of ailments.

“And he’s often delirious,” Justin added, gesticulating his frustration with a dandified wave. “Says ridiculous things during bouts of paranoia.”

Dr Hewlett turned to Hudson. “That could be attributed to the excessive use of laudanum.”

“It’s not,” Justin protested, shaking his head so vigorously a lock of golden hair flopped over his brow. “He’s been like that for years. Muttering and mumbling to himself like an imbecile. All poppycock, of course.” He approached Selina and placed a comforting hand on her back. “I honestly don’t know how we’ve coped.”

The lady shuffled uncomfortably, and a blush stained her cheeks. When Justin failed to move his hand, she edged left, forcing his arm to flop to his side as limp as a fish.

“It has been a terrible strain that has impacted our lives to an immeasurable degree,” Selina said, somewhat desperate to incite pity. It did not stop her eyes widening as she feasted on the breadth of Hudson’s chest.

Justin nodded. “We’re at the theatre tonight for the first time in months.”

Selina squirmed. “Only because it’s the last time Mr Maverick is to play Solinus in The Comedy of Errors.”

With tales of wild mishaps, mistaken identities, madness and infidelity, perhaps the Lockhart family found similarities to their own lives while watching the play.

“But I intend to return after supper,” Selina added.

“There is no need,” Hudson said. “Dr Hewlett will remain here tonight.”

Thankfully, the doctor made no objection.

“That’s outrageous.” Justin’s cheeks ballooned. “You cannot come home, storm in here and expect to take over.”

“As the eldest son, I can do as I damn well please. What’s wrong, Justin? Afraid my father might change his will?”

Saliva bubbled between the fop’s lips as he attempted to control his temper. “Tell him, Selina. Tell him we’ll not allow him to ride roughshod over us, to undermine our authority.”

Selina batted her lashes and fixed a hungry gaze on Hudson. “There’s no need for hostility. We can all work together to serve your father’s needs.” Her sibilant voice slipped across the room like teasing fingers eager to stroke Hudson Lockhart into submission.