He dashed out of the library and ran to the kitchen where he suspected Standish would have taken the messenger for refreshment. And, indeed, it wasso.
“Standish, please order my horse, I must go immediately to London. My brother is veryill.”
“Yes, YourGrace.”
John turned to the messenger. “My man, please inform Sir Casper that I shall be leaving immediately for London, and I will contact him when Iarrive.”
“Yes,sir.”
“And I’m ashamed to say I don’t know London that well. Can you tell me how I might find Brook’sWay?”
“It’s quite central. If you give me a pen and paper I will draw you a roughmap.”
“Thank you. And I shall be right back.” He turned to cook. “Pen and paper if youplease.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” sheanswered.
John left the kitchen and ran upstairs to his room and threw a few things into a saddle bag. Then he went to Aunt Clarissa’s room and burstinside.
“I’m sorry Aunt, but I must leave for London urgently. Simon is seriously ill. Please inform Miss Susan andElizabeth.”
“Will you be gone long?” Clarissaasked.
“I have no idea. I must assess the situation and make whatever arrangements arenecessary.”
“Is there anything you need me to dohere?”
“Just manage the household and deal with any situations that might arise. I trust your judgmentcompletely.”
John left and returned to the messenger in thekitchen.
The man was waiting for him. “Are you leaving soon,Sir?”
“Rightaway.”
“Then let us ride together and I will take you directly to Sir Casper. No need for amap.”
“Your horse is nottired?”
“It’s not been that long of a trip. We will befine.”
“Excellent. Then one moment and I’ll be rightback.”
John went to the library and took some money from his desk and hurried back to themessenger.
“I’m ready. Areyou?”
“Iam.”
“Then, let’sgo.”
* * *
Susan was pickingup the toys in the school room just before Elizabeth was to have her morningsnack.
“Hello, my dears,” Clarissa said peekinginside.
“Oh, Clarissa, hello,” Susanreplied.
