The Heart is Torn by Phyllis Mallett Read Free Book Online Page B

unconscious, and then tip-toed to answer the door. She was surprised to see the doctor standing behind Rose, the housemaid.
    ‘How is he this morning?’ Lampard demanded, bustling into the room.
    Beth explained, and stood while the doctor examined Henry Farrell.
    ‘So he awoke just that once, eh?’ Lampard asked.
    Beth nodded. She was feeling completely drained of emotion, and tiredness lay heavily upon her, making her feel listless and dull. She gazed at the doctor, who was looking at her keenly.
    ‘I take it that you have been awake all night,’ he said.
    Beth nodded, gaunt by her lack of sleep.
    ‘Then I suggest you take yourself off to bed and get your rest. Your father will be quite all right lying here. If he wakes he’ll soon let you know. Rose can look in on him at regular intervals. Eat a good breakfast, Beth, and then go to bed. You’ll need to be well rested when Henry recovers.’
    ‘I’ll do that,’ Beth agreed. ‘But are you sure there’s nothing you can do for Father?’
    ‘Nothing at all. I must be on my way, my dear. I’ll call in again tomorrow morning. Of course, you must let me know immediately if your father’s condition changes in any way.’
    Beth followed Lampard downstairs and saw him out. The gale seemed to have abated somewhat, but was still raging violently, buffeting the good doctor as he rode away. Returning to the sanctuary of the house, she was keenly aware of the solitude surrounding her.
    After eating a meagre breakfast, she instructed Rose in the matter of attending her father, then went wearily to her bed. Certain that she would be unable to sleep, she did so the instant her head touched the pillow, although it seemed but a moment had passed before Rose was shaking her awake.
    ‘Miss Beth, I’m sorry to wake you, but Captain Traherne is here to see you. He’s waiting in the library.’
    ‘How is my father?’
    Beth slipped out of bed and began to dress.
    ‘What is the time? Have I slept long?’
    ‘It’s past eleven, miss. You’ve been asleep about four hours. I’ve been watching the master, and there’s no change in his condition.’
    ‘Go back to the captain and inform him I’ll be down shortly.’
    Beth was excited by Adam’s return, and hastened with her toilette. She dressed in a dark blue gown, tidied her hair, then hurried downstairs to the library. She paused on the threshold of the room and stared at Jeremy Traherne, who was seated by the tall window. Adam’s father rose at her entrance and bowed gracefully.
    ‘I’m sorry to disturb you at this time but I need to talk to your father. I wasn’t happy with my conversation yesterday with Henry, and I need to press him further.’
    He paused and studied her gaunt features.
    ‘Is something wrong? You look as if you’ve suffered a bad shock.’
    ‘I thought Adam was here,’ Beth responded.
    ‘I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Adam had to return to Falmouth to safeguard Seagull .’
    Aware that Adam had not taken his father into his confidence, Beth remained silent on the subject.
    ‘Are you aware that my father suffered a fall from his horse yesterday and now lies unconscious in his bed?’ she asked.
    ‘No.’
    He sat down quickly and gazed at Beth in shock.
    ‘Do you mean to say that he went riding in that bad weather? Surely that was asking for trouble. Has the doctor seen him?’
    ‘Twice, and Lampard says there is nothing to be done for him. We can only wait for him to recover his senses.’
    ‘And you are alone in the house? Where is your brother?’
    ‘He went into town yesterday and hasn’t returned.’
    ‘This is a pretty kettle of fish. Are you aware that there is a plot afoot to ruin the Trahernes? Adam reckons Jonah Peake is behind it.’
    ‘I suspect that Peake instigates much of the trouble around here,’ Beth responded.
    ‘Has your father had trouble with Peake? I gained the impression yesterday that he is greatly perturbed over some matter, but he would not take me