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Chapter 22

John knockedon the door and Simon’s attendant openedit.

“Your Grace, he’s been asking foryou.”

“Thank you,Gracen.”

John led the way into theroom.

The room was dimly lit, with the draperies mostly drawn shut. Simon was sitting up in the large four-poster bed, a breakfast tray across his lap. He looked up as Johnapproached.

“John, as you can see, I’m still in the land of theliving.”

“Yes, Simon. And you look a great deal better. You have morecolor.”

“My sight is a little sensitive to light, so I have the curtains mostlyclosed.”

“But can you see who I’ve brought with me?” Johnasked.

Susan stepped forward with Elizabeth standing in front ofher.

“Hello, Simon. I’m very glad to see you are improving,” Susan saidsoftly.

“Hello, Susan. Thank you. And that must be the little Elizabeth. My, how much she looks like her mother,” Simonsaid.

“Yes, she does,” John said, but without his usual wince at the reference toAnnabel.

“Hello, Uncle Simon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Elizabeth said as she stepped forward and held out herhand.

Simon chuckled as he took her hand. “What a polite young lady you are, MissElizabeth.”

Elizabeth curtsied. “Thank you, Uncle. Do you like toread?”

“I do, occasionally, but not right now. My eyesight is still impaired alittle.”

“Later then. I would be happy to find you any type of book you’d like,” Elizabeth insisted. “I’m learning to read right now, and I can’t wait until I can read all the books in Father’slibrary.”

“Mostambitious.”

“And if anyone could do it, it would be her,” Susansaid.

Simon laid his head against the bed. “Susan, it’s really good to see you. I fear we did not part well when we last met in London. And for that, I am truly sorry. It was my faultentirely.”

“Not entirely,” Susan added. “I was taken by surprise at seeing you and I was less thangracious.”

“Ah…” he said and briefly closed hiseyes.

“Are you tiring?” Johnasked.

“A little. But it is so good to see you all. I won’t want you to leave justyet.”

“And how is the charming Miss Cresswell?” Susanasked.

Simon smiled a little sadly. “I’m afraid we parted company a few months ago. She found—how shall I say this politely—a more prosperous and generous companion that better suited her lavishtastes.”

Susan nodded but did not wish tocomment.

John stepped forward. “Simon, I know you’re still recovering, but I’d like you to think about what you wish to do when you recover. I know we’ve been estranged, but I’d greatly like us to reconcile if at all possible. Think about how I might help you and we can discuss it furtherlater.”