Chapter 19
The sheering was completedand John was conferring with Standish in the library about a staff issue when a horseman rode up, got off his horse, and strode up to the front door andknocked.
“Excuse me, Your Grace. I must answer thedoor.”
“Yes,” Johnsaid.
Standish left and returned a moment later. “Your Grace, it’s a messenger from London. He says he needs to speak with youurgently.”
“Show himin.”
The burley rider came inside with the hat in his hand. “The Duke of Lennox?” The manasked.
“Iam.”
“Sir, I have a message from a gentleman by the name of Sir CasperReynolds.”
“I know no one of thatname.”
“Here Sir, he asked me to deliver this to you and asked me to wait for aresponse.”
“Very well,” John said. “You may sit if you like while Iread.”
“Thank you, sir, it’s been a longride.”
John looked up. Standish was still at the door. “Standish, offer the man somerefreshment.”
“Your Grace,” he said, nodding, and gestured for the man to followhim.
J0hn opened the letter. Itread:
30 October,1830
Sir CasperReynolds
No. 10 Brook’sWay
London
Your Grace,
You don’t know me, but I am a neighbor of your brother, Simon. It was recently brought to my attention by his closest neighbor, a lady, that he is seriously ill. This neighbor asked if I could look in on him, and in doing so, found him to be feverish and nearlydelusional.
I took it upon myself to call my doctor to attend to him, as I was told your brother did not have the resources to call one forhimself.
My doctor informs me that he has contracted a severe fever and needs serious and immediate attention and monitoring. In one of his calmer moments your brother mentioned you, and I am taking it upon myself to inform you of thesituation.
It appears he has no one else he can turn to at this desperate time and I implore you to do what you can to helphim.
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any furtherassistance.
Sincerely,
Sir CasperReynolds
P.S. Your brother’s address is number 6 Brook’sWay.
John was shocked.He instantly regretted not having made more of an effort to locate his brother previously. But this was no time for regret. He must actimmediately.
