Chapter 168

“Family is supposed to help one another,” Octavia said quietly. “Whatever Simon has done in the past does not make him undeserving of kindness. If we don’t offer Simon the help he needs, who will?”

Eugenia looked back at her. “I have never questioned your judgement before, Mother. But I hope you know what you’re doing.”

She turned and left the solar before Octavia could answer.

Merissa just stood there awkwardly, the letter from her mother still resting in her hands. The room had grown uncomfortably quiet after Eugenia stormed out, and she glanced at Octavia, uncertain whether she ought to speak.

Octavia was still staring at the closed door, the lines of worry on her face deepening. She had wanted to do a kindness for Simon, nothing more. Yet she knew Eugenia was right about one thing: when Draven discovered the arrangement, he would not take it well.

She could only hope that, by then, she might find a way to make him understand.

– – –

The private infirmary where Adam Dawson was being held was a long ways away from Caldor, decent looking from the outside.

Its pale stone exterior, neatly trimmed hedges, and orderly grounds gave the establishment a sense of prestige.

Sebastian couldn’t care less about how it looked. He was there for one reason. Adam Dawson.

He entered through the main doors and removed his hat as a worker approached to inquire about his business.

Sebastian gave Adam’s name and explained that he wished to speak with him. The servant asked him to wait, then disappeared down a corridor, leaving Sebastian in the entrance hall with ample opportunity to observe his surroundings.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man arrived. His shirt was slightly wrinkled, his waistcoat fastened properly. His haughty manner showed in the look he leveled on Sebastian.

“I understand you have come to see Mr Adam Dawson,” the man said.

“I have.” Sebastian replied. HeHe assumed the man was the establishment’s steward.

The man resumed his questioning.

“May I ask your name and your connection to him?”

“Sebastian Reaver. I am an acquaintance.”

The man’s eyes narrowed slightly. “An acquaintance of Mr Dawson’s?”

“Indeed.”

“I am afraid you may have been misinformed about our arrangements, Mr Reaver. Mr Dawson does not receive visitors without prior approval. His wife and sons are the only persons ordinarily permitted to see him. I am sure you appreciate that we must take precautions concerning the welfare of our patients. Mr Dawson’s circumstances require particular consideration, and we cannot admit every person who claims an acquaintance with him.”

Sebastian regarded the steward calmly. He had anticipated resistance, particularly from the man responsible for maintaining the infirmary’s rules.

John Ravenshire had been paying for Adam’s accommodation and treatment, and Sebastian doubted that such a generous arrangement had been made without instructions concerning the patient’s visitors.

The steward was unlikely to risk displeasing his benefactor for the sake of a stranger’s request.

“I appreciate the need for caution,” Sebastian replied, face blank. “However, my business with Mr Dawson is important, and I would prefer not to discuss its particulars in the entrance hall.”

“Perhaps you might explain its nature to me. If there is a legitimate reason for your visit, I can determine whether an exception is warranted.”

“I could explain it, but I doubt the explanation would change your position.”

“Then I am afraid there is little more I can do for you.”

Sebastian’s lip quirked. It was his first real show of emotion since arriving.

He reached inside his coat and withdrew a coin pouch. It clinked noisily when he placed it in the steward’s hand.

“I shall repeat myself only once,” he said, his voice low enough that the nearby workers would not hear. “I wish to see Mr Dawson. When our conversation is concluded, he will leave this establishment with me.”

The steward looked down at the pouch. His fingers closed around it almost instinctively. The pouch felt heavy. A quick look inside showed it was quite a lot of money, too much to refuse or overlook. More than he would have ever made in a year.

“Sir, I must remind you that Mr Dawson’s care is paid for by a gentleman whose wishes we are obliged to respect.”

“Then I suggest you consider how you might explain his departure to that gentleman. I am certain you can find a reasonable account of what has occurred, should you decide that this visit is worth permitting.”

The steward looked up sharply.

Sebastian could almost see the steward weighing the risks and considering his options.

There was the risk of displeasing Ravenshire, the consequences of refusing a man who had arrived prepared to pay for his cooperation, and the explanation that might be offered if Adam’s departure became an inconvenience.

At last, the steward slipped the pouch into his pocket, a decision already made.

“I cannot guarantee that Mr Dawson will agree to accompany you,” he said.

“I understand. In the end, whether Mr Dawson chooses to leave with me is a matter for him to decide. I have no intention of forcing him.”

“Very well. I shall arrange for you to speak with him, though I must insist that the visit be conducted without unnecessary disturbance to the other patients.”

“Of course.”

The steward motioned for Sebastian to follow him. They passed through a hallway where several doors stood closed. Sebastian noticed that the steward took care to avoid the busier passages, choosing a deserted route towards the rear of the building.

“Mr Dawson has been with us for some time,” the steward remarked as they walked. “His condition requires regular assistance, and we have endeavoured to make his stay as comfortable as possible.”

“I see.”

“He receives appropriate meals, attendance, and such treatment as the physicians deem suitable. His needs are not neglected.”

“I am glad to hear it.” Sebastian couldn’t tell what prompted the man’s rambling. A guilty conscience perhaps, or a need to reassure him that the facility wasn’t entirely corrupt.

Sebastian didn’t care either way.

They stopped outside a closed door.

“Mr Dawson is in his room,” the steward said. “I shall inform him that you have come. Given his condition, we will need to assist him if he is to be moved elsewhere.”