After breakfast on Thursday morning, Julia went as usual to her great uncle’s room to enquire how he was and to read him the Morning Post. As she entered, it was with some surprise to find Wyatt in attendance and neither man seemed pleased to see her.
‘Well, Miss, what is it, what is it?’
Her great uncle seemed tetchier than ever, with a high colour in his cheeks. The look she received from Wyatt was positively malevolent. Julia offered to withdraw as she had only come to read the newspaper and if it was inconvenient then she would return later.
‘No, no. Stay now that you’re here.’
Her great uncle shuffled some papers before him and told Wyatt, ‘Remember what I said and don’t let any damn fool tell you different. Remember it well. Now go,’ and he gestured violently towards the door.
Wyatt inclined his head and sloped past Julia. His hand on the door handle, he smiled slyly at her then said, ‘You will not be going riding today, Miss?’
‘No, Wyatt. As I told you yesterday, I will not be going out again until Friday.’
The men looked at one another and then Wyatt withdrew. Julia noticed her great uncle was breathing heavily and appeared agitated. He waved her away as she went over to him and told her to sit and commence reading.
On the third page, the announcement she read caused her throat to constrict and set her heart pounding.
‘Earl’s heir tragically killed in carriage accident. Viscount Illingham, heir to the Earl of Rosyth, was killed instantly when his curricle overturned on the London road near Dorking. The Viscount’s widow had only recently given birth to a third daughter. The new heir is now the deceased’s brother, the Honourable Philip Alexander Justin Stratton, who is an equerry to Her Majesty Queen Charlotte.’
Here, Julia broke off. Feeling her great uncle’s eyes fixed upon her, she struggled to compose herself.
‘Are you quite well, Julia?’
It was the first time she could remember her great uncle addressing her by her Christian name, and that in itself added to her confusion as he leaned forward, peering at her distressed state. His hand reached out for the bell on his desk and he rang it loudly. Mrs Knight promptly answered the summons and entered.
Mr Farraday barked, ‘Brandy, quickly now!’
Mrs Knight lifted the decanter from the dresser, poured a tumbler full and the next thing Julia knew the fiery liquid was running down her throat, causing her to cough and splutter.
‘Easy now,’ said Great Uncle Thomas solicitously. ‘That’s the best cognac you’re taking down. Just sit quietly.’
Julia was only too conscious of Mrs Knight staring anxiously at her, and murmured that she really was feeling very much better. After assuring the good lady that she would rest for a while, Mrs Knight departed, leaving her alone with her great uncle.
Silence reigned, his eyes never leaving her face. Finally, to ease the situation, Julia explained.
‘I knew Philip Stratton at Court and it was a shock to read of his brother’s death. Philip is a fine person.’ Here she faltered. ‘I did not mean to be so overcome. I’m sorry. I’ll continue reading.’
‘No. That’s enough for today. Go and rest. You’ve obviously had a shock. I intended speaking to you, but not now. I suggest quite strongly that tonight you take a sleeping draught to help you sleep and I will speak to Knight to arrange it. There could be some activity tonight, noises and such like. Take no notice. On no account get up or light candles.
‘Now off you go and I will speak to you tomorrow. Remember what I have just said.’
He stood up slowly and once again Julia felt surprised at how tall he was.
Julia bobbed him a curtsy and, somewhat taken aback, left the room. Mrs Knight immediately pounced on her and she led Julia to the housekeeper’s room where Molly was instructed to bring tea.
Mrs Knight bowed her head gravely when Julia explained the circumstances of her upset. Julia sipped some hot tea and then inquired innocently into her great uncle’s comments on possible activity in the night ahead and the offer of a sleeping draught. Mrs Knight visibly stiffened.
Looking around as if expecting to be overheard, she stated in a low voice, ‘Sometimes travellers from abroad pass through in the night, depending on the tide, and the sound of hoof beats and carriages could be disturbing. Still, do not worry. I’m sure there is no reason at all why we should be disturbed, and really, Mr Farraday’s advice is wise so why not take advantage of it?’
Julia decided to say no more on the subject except that she felt much better and as she was a good sleeper she would not require the sleeping draught. Her thoughts, however, were in turmoil for it would appear there was going to be a smuggler’s run tonight unless she was very much mistaken. Her great uncle must think her a complete fool if she hadn’t interpreted his warning. And now the housekeeper was also alluding to it.
A tingle of fear ran down her spine though her face wore a smile and she graciously asked, ‘Please excuse me, Mrs Knight, for I must go and write a letter of condolence to the new Viscount Illingham.’