Lady Elizabeth's Comet by Sheila Simonson Read Free Book Online Page B

"And I ain't sure I'd have stopped Tom."
    I could find no rejoinder to that and sat silent, thinking that Bevis was a deeper character
than I had supposed. Of course, he was five years older than when I had last seen him, however
little changed in appearance. They must have been lively years.
    "You say you nursed Tom through a bad session?"
    When I told him briefly what had happened, Bevis rose and began to pace in front of the
fire. "Tom's not paralysed, you say?"
    "No, but Charles thinks there may be some permanent nerve damage. I won't pretend
Charles didn't take a terrible risk, Bevis."
    "Let's hope it proves justified."
    On that subdued note Bevis took his leave, promising faithfully to return for dinner, and
I went up for a nap.
    * * * *
    At dinner he was his usual cheerful self. I presumed Clanross had not gone into a
decline. I didn't enquire closely. I wanted to think about other things. My nebulosity, for an
example. A pity the fog hadn't lifted.
    As he took his leave that evening Bevis said to me in low tones, "I'm staying at Brecon
until this thing's resolved."
    "What do you mean?"
    "Until I know whether your precious Wharton has landed my friend in a Bath chair. He's
dashed weak. Tom, I mean."
    "Was Charles there?"
    "Yes. Gentleman, ain't he? You keep odd acquaintances."
    "Just the ragtag and bobtail of the neighbourhood," I said modestly, "and any passing
viscounts I find on my doorstep."
    He was standing at the open door. "Some day someone will throttle you, my lady."
    "Alice, no doubt. We are making a draught."
    "Shall I call tomorrow?"
    "Join us for dinner again. Clanross's bill of fare won't suit you. I believe he advances at
Charles's direction from broth and barley water to pap, and thence to gruel, or perhaps vice
versa."
    Bevis grinned and raised my hand to his lips. "I wish you will marry me. Good
night, Elizabeth."

Chapter 6
    I thoroughly enjoyed Bevis's company, perhaps because it began to rain in an earnest
way, and my nebulosity had to await clear nights. Bevis was much more interesting to me now
than he had been when I had refused his offer of marriage five years before. I had felt twinges of
regret then. I now suffered more.
    Bevis had not lost his disarming gaiety, but he had stopped being ashamed of his brains
and his feelings. The affable idiot had grown into a charming, warmhearted man. I liked him
very much. In fact, I loved him. Did I love him enough to wish to marry him? I did not
know.
    It was probable that Bevis would not wish to marry an eccentric spinster with a
telescope, I admitted to myself a little sadly. For a woman the gap between twenty-three and
twenty-eight is absolute, an abyss. I consoled myself with the thought that his papa would
certainly prohibit my astronomical endeavours.
    Charles Wharton joined us for dinner later in the week. Bevis, looking heavy-eyed,
excused himself early. I suspected him of relieving Sims in the sickroom, though the younger
Bevis would never have done such a thing. I honoured him for it.
    Charles rose when I returned from seeing Bevis out. "Liz, will you come up to Brecon
with me tomorrow?"
    "Good heavens, why?"
    "I shall have to have a straight talk with Clanross, and I want you to hear what I
say."
    "Are you afraid of a lawsuit?"
    "He wields a great deal of power, or will in future."
    "And you feel the need of a family member to sustain you? Very well, Charles. I take it
your news are not good."
    He frowned.
    "Has it occurred to you that Clanross might prefer to hear you privately?"
    "He may prefer it. I don't. I daresay Lord Bevis will be present, in any case. He's been
there the last two calls."
    "They are close friends."
    "So I deduce."
    I said coolly, "If you wish, I'll stand your friend, Charles, but it won't be necessary, at
least not in the legal sense. The family are in your debt, whatever the verdict, and the
responsibility is mine. I called you in."
    "Thank you." I could tell he felt uncomfortable and wanted to say something