-7- A Surprise Return

After the men handed the ladies into the plush carriage, they joined them and sat opposite, with their backs to the driver. Horton, Lord Stanton's driver, shook the reins gently and the horses began walking forward. Not seeing where they were going, but only where they had been was just fine, as the visions that sat before them were breathtakingly beautiful - Laura with her dewy countenance, and Lady Winter with her calm reserve, which only enhanced her radiance. Both ladies were dressed in pretty gowns, their parasols held overhead shading them from the sun's rays.

Everyone was familiar with Brighton's scenery and attractions, so they conversed while the wheels turned, bringing them ever closer to the shore. The salty air was fresh and a good breeze was keeping the air cooled. Seagulls floated in the sky overhead, their calls filling the air. What a beautiful day.

Upon their return, they were met by a flustered Bentley, who practically ran out to greet the group, as they stepped out of the carriage. Bowing toward them he turned at once to Lady Winter, exclaiming, "My lady. Please come quickly. It's your uncle. Alfred found him lying on the drawing room floor, and he is still unconscious." His agitation showing he turned abruptly, leading the way. Lady Winter let out a little cry and followed.

Lord Stanton beat them to the front door, his long legs carrying him swiftly to the drawing room. Once there, he took in the entire scene with a practiced glance. The housekeeper, Mrs. Willoughby, Alfred and Mary were all standing over the now prone gentleman, whose face was drained of color. He looked so small and vulnerable lying there.

Alfred must have picked him up and placed him on the settee. Mary was holding a now bloodstained cloth against the old man's forehead. Her worried look and unspoken words saying what everyone was thinking. He must have fallen somehow and hit his head. They all knew he was a bit shaky on his feet. The hand bell was lying on its side, and had rolled underneath a table.

Lord Stanton demanded "Did you send for the doctor?" He pulled Mary's hand away to see the full extent of Uncle Simon's injuries. The bleeding right above his left temple had almost stopped but there was a nasty gash. A bruise was forming and a lump was rising beneath his scalp. Bentley replied shakily, "Yes, my lord, Sarah is fetching him now."

By now, Lady Winter, Laura and Sir Harry had joined them, asking what happened, their concern written on their faces. Lady Laura dropped to her knees and placed her hand on the top of Uncle Simon's chest. "I feel his heart beating," she pronounced. She studied his breathing and cried, "Uncle Simon, we are here. Please open your eyes." She pleaded, frantically squeezing his frail hand. Bending her head she offered up a prayer.

Lady Winter took Laura's hand and led her to the sofa. "Take a seat my dear and let the doctor examine him," she said gently, for indeed, the doctor had arrived and stood looking down at Uncle Simon. Sarah, who now stood in the doorway, looked on and said, "I told the doctor how we found him. Will he be all right?" she asked.

The doctor asked Lord Stanton and Mrs. Willoughby to stay, and ordered everyone else from the room. "Let my patient have quiet so I may examine him." They all shuffled out of the room.

Taking seats in the foyer, everyone looked strained. Sir Harry stood almost as soon as he had taken a seat to begin pacing. "He was worried before we left," he told Lady Winter. She asked, "What are you speaking about?" Sir Harry looked aghast that he let his previous observation of the older gentleman slip.

"Lady Winter," he began, "It was an impression I had, is all. Before we left he seemed worried about something. Lord Stanton spoke with him for a few minutes. When we left he seemed relieved," he confided. "Perhaps I am wrong. Let us wait to see what Lord Stanton can tell us," he finished.

Lady Laura stood and paced about, too. Mary asked if anyone would care for tea. Lady Winter told her that would be a good idea and Mary, glad to be distracted, headed for the kitchen. The room fell quiet and they waited. What a surprising turn of events.