Dr Hewlett stood. “There’s not much to tell, I’m afraid. It seems the last few doses of laudanum were particularly potent. When he grew restless, thrashed and mumbled, I fed his dependency with a less concentrated dose.”
Hudson stepped closer to the bed. “Do you think we might wean him off it completely?”
“Yes, but it will take time and a concerted effort.” Dr Hewlett’s expression turned grave. “I do not wish to speak out of turn, but I suspect the gentleman might have an ulterior motive for keeping your father sedated.”
“You speak of the dandified fop I threw out earlier?”
“Indeed.” The doctor pursed his lips. “I do have other patients to consider but fear what will happen should I leave your father unattended.”
“I cannot see Justin staying away,” Claudia said, trying to concentrate on the conversation but she had caught Hudson’s unique scent lingering on her clothes. “The man is desperate to control what happens here.”
“Too desperate,” Hudson added. “What I cannot understand is why Terence permits it.”
Perhaps Terence was simply hoping their father would die. Perhaps he was too interested in fleecing Mrs Fanshaw, too concerned with paying his debts.
Hudson rubbed his chin and stared in thoughtful contemplation.
“I can stay for another twelve hours, until noon tomorrow,” Dr Hewlett said. “The only other option is to move your father somewhere else.”
Claudia had a sudden epiphany. “Could we not move him to Russell Square?”
“And have my family accuse me of wanting him dead? Should anything untoward happen to him, they will lay the blame at my door.”
Claudia considered the fact that Terence or Selina might threaten Hudson, might resort to blackmail. But how could they? In disposing of the body and ferrying Hudson to Portsmouth, both were guilty of aiding and abetting a supposed criminal.
“You have powerful friends,” Claudia said. Two of which had seats in the House of Lords. “I think we should move your father tonight. Dr Hewlett can attend him in Russell Square.”
Hudson arched a brow. “My mother will raise an objection.”
“Is she not asleep in bed? I doubt she’ll learn of it until morning.” Claudia shrugged. “Besides, what can she do? Dr Hewlett will testify that he considers the patient at risk if he remains here.”
“If asked, that would be my expert opinion,” the doctor agreed.
Hudson paced back and forth for a moment before saying with some determination, “You’re right. We will move him to Russell Square. Should my mother dismiss Simmonds for assisting a heathen, I shall offer him employment.” He turned to the doctor. “But I must question if my father is well enough to be moved.”
“In the interests of the patient’s safety, I fear there is no other option.”
Hudson nodded. “Then I’ll fetch Simmonds to assist us.”
They didn’t need Simmonds’ help or that of the doctor. Alfred Lockhart was so frail and thin, Hudson was able to carry him in his arms and place him in the carriage. Simmonds brought blankets and packed a small valise.
As they crammed into Hudson’s conveyance, Simmonds loitered at the carriage window. “Your offer, sir, to come and work in your household should the mistress turf me out without references. I wonder if I might join your staff regardless.”
The poor man shuffled nervously while awaiting an answer. How he had the strength and patience to serve Hester Lockhart, one would never know.
“Climb in, Simmonds,” Hudson said, sporting a huge grin. “I’m sure we can make room for one more.”
Chapter Nineteen
With his father settled into a bedchamber, and an extra bed moved into the room for Dr Hewlett, Lockhart advised his staff of the current arrangements and then went in search of Claudia. He was both disappointed and relieved not to have found her in the master bedchamber.
Despite a desperate need to sleep, his hunger for her could not be abated. Never had he known such an all-consuming desire. Never had he met a woman capable of hugging his heart while she hugged his cock.
But his admiration for her ran deeper than these lustful urges.
I don’t want this to end.
He’d meant every word he’d said in the carriage. This love affair meant more to him than clearing his name. If she would agree to board the next ship to India, he would leave with her in a heartbeat. But she had problems at Falaura Glen, a sister to consider. He’d come home to find a murdering blackguard, and with suspicions regarding his father’s illness, he had no option but to sort out this damnable mess.