“I have had news from the Prince Regent of your exploits with the traitors to our country and I would like to congratulate you on your work. I also learned you helped save the gentleman who lives in this house.”
“Merely doing my duty.”
“Believe me when I say this, my son. I know you think I was always too hard on my children, but now that I have lost one, I’m compelled to try to do better with the survivors. Please bear with me as I learn to change my ways.”
Stunned at words he never thought he’d hear, Laurence could only nod. “I need to speak with Miss Hale and would like to speak to her father as well before we go. May I join you at home later?”
“You should come as soon as you can. Your mother will want to see you.”
Laurence opened the door and allowed his father to pass through ahead of him. Hetty stood near the table in the foyer as if she’d been waiting for them to come out.
John Hale came up the hallway just as the butler allowed the earl to exit the premises.
“Who was that?” John asked Hetty.
“The Earl of Aylesbury,” Hetty said.
“An earl? Here? Why?”
“May I see your father for a moment, Miss Hale? I’d like to check on how he’s doing.” Laurence ignored John. He had nothing to say to him and certainly didn’t owe him an explanation why his own father had turned up.
“I think he’s asleep. Maybe tomorrow would be better. I will tell him in the morning that you came by.”
She seemed angry with him and he didn’t know why. He needed to get her away from her brother long enough to find out why. “May I have a word with you before I go?”
“Not without a chaperone,” John said.
“Don’t be ridiculous, John.” Hetty stepped forward. “Would you like to return to the parlor?”
“No. We can speak on the porch as I need to be on my way if I cannot have a moment with your father.”
Hetty moved to the door. The butler opened it and once they were outside, Hetty walked out toward the street. “Come out here. Hopefully, John won’t follow.”
“I want to apologize for my father coming by here. He needed to give me some news, but he didn’t need to interfere with your family while your own father is ill.”
“What kind of news did he bring? I imagine it wasn’t good since most people don’t rush to a stranger’s home to impart happy information.”
“Sadly, you’re right. My brother, Robert, the heir, has died and my other brother, Thomas, may not survive.” Laurence held back the emotions that threatened to roil over him.
“Oh, that is terrible. I’m so sorry. This has to be a terrible blow.” She reached out and touched his arm.
He placed his hand over hers. As soon as he did, he remembered her problem he promised to help her with. “As soon as I bury my brother, we need to meet at the laboratory in Oxford and see if we can resolve your symptoms from the lightning strike.”
Tears fell down Hetty’s cheeks.
“What? What did I say to upset you?”
“Nothing.” She wiped her eyes. “You just heard your brother is dead and yet you’re concerned about me and a condition I’ve learned to live with instead of grieving for him. It’s selfless of you and moved me.”
“But you seemed angry before we came out here.” He smiled. “Not at John, but at me.”
“I wasn’t mad. I merely wondered why you’d never told us that your father is an earl.” She raised her hand to her hair. “Not that it matters. It just seems odd that you never said so.”
“Since I’m the third son, I was never going to inherit so I decided long ago to make my own way in the world. It became easier to let that part of my life fall to the wayside. I enjoy being a lecturer and doing some work for the government. It’s satisfying for me.”
“Thank you for telling me. You don’t owe me any explanations and I’m grateful you shared with me.”
“We are friends, aren’t we?” Laurence ached to hold her. To have her comfort him as he grieved, but knew he had no right to ask.
“Of course we are.”
Was that a shadow that passed over her countenance? Did she doubt his amity toward her?
How he wished he could reach out and touch her beautiful face.
Before he knew it, he followed his instincts and cupped her left cheek with his palm. He ran the pad of his thumb against her jawline.
“Laurence…”
Before she could say what she meant to say, her brother stalked out the door and over to them. “Come inside, Hetty. Mother needs you.”
With a backward look at him with what Laurence hoped was regret, she followed John into the house.
Wishing he had time to see where the conversation would have gone, but knowing he needed to go to his mother and surviving brother, Laurence walked to the closest corner to hail a hansom cab.
Miss Hester Hale and her charms would have to wait for another day.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The next two weeks passed slowly as Hetty’s father rested and healed. They stayed in London since he wasn’t well enough to travel back to Oxford.
Some man who indicated he was Laurence’s superior came and talked to her father for a long time. Her father later told them that they wanted to know why he’d been so involved with the men Laurence had rounded up. Hetty was relieved to learn there would be no charges against her father due to his naivety in trusting these prominent men of society. It seemed Laurence’s report had helped in that respect as he’d described Mr. Hale as a scientist who believed everyone loved science as he did and wouldn’t plan to use it to betray King and country.
Laurence’s superior also spoke to Hetty on the way out and complimented her on her assistance. She’d been terrified that Laurence had been in trouble because of her actions. The visitor assured her Laurence had told him about her following along without permission, but that her abilities in mimicry saved the day. His superior even offered her a position if she wanted it, but she was sure he was making a jest.
The papers were full of articles about the schemes of Hammond, Roundtree and Talbot. They were all to be tried for treason for stealing secret documents as well as the attempt to steal her father’s new lens for the spyglass.
Hammond and Talbot were also charged with the destruction they’d wrought on the laboratory as well as the physical harm they’d caused to Mr. Johnson and Hetty’s father.
She was grateful that it had never come out publically that Henry Hammond was courting her since that surely would have gotten the people who wrote for the newspapers even more excited. Being the subject of satire was not something she ever wanted to happen to her.
The papers also covered the funeral of Laurence’s brother. The story told of the reckless actions of several young men of the ton who raced to tragic consequences. Laurence’s other brother continued to survive, but still was in danger of not recovering.
At the breakfast table a few days after the funeral, John held an article describing the condition of Laurence’s surviving brother. He tapped it against the side of the table. “I guess this changes my opinion of Fortescue and his suitability to court you. He’s one breath away from being Viscount.”
“You’re so superficial. I cannot believe you would suddenly find him acceptable once you learned his father is an earl.” She picked up her piece of bread.
“I didn’t even realize you were interested in young Mr. Fortescue,” her father said.
“Father, we’ve all known forever that Hetty is in love with him. Always has been. In fact, I’ve long been worried she was going to make a scandal of herself over him.”
“I was as surprised as you to learn of his connection with the Earl of Aylesbury. I knew the family name of the Earl was Fortescue, but surmised Mr. Laurence Fortescue was of a lesser branch.” Hetty’s father rubbed his chin. “This is interesting though. If his remaining brother, the new Viscount, were to succumb to his injuries, our young man will become the heir.”
“I cannot believe you both think more of him now that he’s disclosed his family connection.” Hetty’s hair whipped her cheek as she turned her head quickly in her father’s direction. “And you sound like a ghoul as you speculate about a poor injured man’s death. Don’t forget, he has loved ones and a wife who would miss him. In fact, I think I know Laurence well enough to know he’s not going to want to lose another brother.”
“Don’t you speak to me that way, young woman. I beg you to remember I am your father and you will speak to me with respect.”
“This entire conversation is meaningless anyway. Mr. Laurence Fortescue has no interest in me and even if he ever had, first you didn’t think he was good enough and now, his own family would look at me as not an ideal choice for him. You even thought to wed me to Henry Hammond over Laurence Fortescue. I hope you see now who was the better man.” Hetty tossed her serviette to the table and pushed her chair back as she knew her father’s temper wouldn’t allow him to ignore her tone or her words.
“If you insist on this impertinence, you best leave this company.”
Hetty rose and left the room, her knees shaking as she went.
She walked out the front door, bypassing the butler.
Determined to forget the terrible way her brother and father were acting about Laurence’s possible changed circumstances, she decided to take a short stroll down the street. The sky was gray and overcast. A large dark cloud hung heavy with the promise of a storm.
Realizing she needed to return to the house to have her maid accompany her, Hetty spun on her heel before she'd gone far.
To her surprise, Laurence stood on the porch. Oddly, he held a length of blue ribbon in his hand.
"What's this?" she asked as she stepped onto the stoop beside him.
"Oh, hello. I didn’t expect to find you out of doors. I was coming to inquire if you wanted to see if we can try to recreate the incident that caused your magnetism and higher body temperature. I know we said we'd meet at the laboratories in Oxford, but I hope you'll forgive me for calling here. I needed to remove myself from a house full of sorrow."
"There's no need to apologize. As you said when you were last here, we’re friends and it's always a pleasure to meet friends." He was so handsome, her heart beat faster even though he was clearly sad and still mourning his brother.
Laurence inclined his head.
“How is your brother?” she asked.
“The doctor says he’ll live, but he’ll never walk again. Chances are, he’ll never sire a child either, but we have had some good news.”
“What news?” How dreadful that the man would never walk again.
“My sister-in-law, his wife, is with child so now all I need to do is pray she makes it to her confinement some seven months in the future and has a son to be Thomas’ heir. That will free me to continue to live as I like.”
Hetty admired him even more for the way he didn’t covet a title. Especially one he’d obtain as a result of such tragedy.
“I’ll pray for her health and a hale son as well.”
“Thank you. You have no inkling just how much I need to maintain the life I’ve chosen for myself.”
She was disappointed at his words since she was sure that meant he’d decided to go on living as he had been. An unwed man in rooms at the university.
Hetty decided to change the subject. Nodding at the ribbon in his hand, she said, "I don't really desire to experience a second lightning strike, but if you think it's the way to reverse what was done to me, I'll try it."
"You did say you'd gotten used to it and that's clearly the safest course of action. Doing nothing is the best plan. The least risky as well. You might not be as lucky this time."
His face registered concern, but she yearned to hear him say he didn't want her to do it. "Whatever you think I should do, I will." Please let him beg her not to.
"In the time I've gotten to know you, I've realized you're a strong woman with her own ideas and need to be respected. I would never impose my wishes upon you so the decision must rest with you."
Unhappy at his failure to declare his concerns for her in terms of him having affections for her, but afraid of what would happen to her with a second strike, Hetty shook her head. "I can't do it. As you said, it's too risky."
Holding her hand out for the ribbon, she smiled when he handed it to her. "It's a fine strip of fabric to be sure." Glancing down, she noticed a metal key already tied to one end.
She backed up, confused. If he was against her doing this, why come so prepared? Was he really wanting her to risk her safety in the name of science? Why couldn't he wait until they returned to Oxford?
Suspicious of his appearance at the first sign of a storm, Hetty stumbled backward down the steps just as the sky opened and the rain fell.
A large crack of lightning to her right startled her. She leapt to the side to avoid it and, with the key still in her hand, tried to return to the safety of the porch.
Laurence reached out for her, but before he could help her up, another crack of lightning hit beside Hetty. She fell to the ground with a squeal.
The last thing she saw was Laurence falling as well.
Laurence leapt off the porch as soon as Hetty hit the grass. He couldn’t believe she’d almost been struck by lightning again. At least he hoped it wasn’t a true strike, but only a concussive blow.
She lay so still, it terrified him. Was she breathing?
Ignoring the rain sluicing over his shoulders and face, he leaned close and almost placed his cheek on her breast. The rise and fall of her chest alerted him that she was alive. Thank God. He didn’t know what he’d have done if she were gone.
Pulling her into his arms, he whispered, “Hetty, come back to me. Please wake up.”
Rain continued to fall. Laurence glanced over his shoulder to judge the distance they’d fallen. He was going to have to carry her to shelter, but wasn’t sure how he’d rise still holding her.
Luckily, he was able to stretch one arm to the edge of the porch and use that for support. It was vital to get her out of the weather.
The fact that she hadn’t stirred was worrisome.
Once he was on his feet, he moved as quickly as he could. Sliding through the mud, he almost lost his footing, but was able to maintain control long enough to make it to the front door.
With his hands full carrying her, he used his booted foot to knock on the door.
It opened almost immediately.
The butler stepped to the side and Laurence carried her into the foyer.
She remained still and unmoving. His heart almost stopped. Would she ever wake? Had the worst happened? A second strike was a risk and that lightning had landed so very close to where she stood, it could very well have gotten her. Had he lost her forever?
“Where can I place her? She fell off the porch at the same time a lightning bolt came down.”
“Into the parlor, sir. I’ll send someone for the doctor.” The butler bustled over to open the door to the parlor.
“Bring some coverlets. She needs to be made warm. Her clothing is soaked through.”
Laurence placed her on the closest settee and, ignoring his own wet garments, knelt beside her. He patted her cheek lightly with his open palm, hoping to wake her. “Hetty. Hetty.”
Finally, she opened her eyes and stared at him for a moment as if lost.
“Did you get struck again?”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. I’m not sure. The ground shook, but I didn’t feel the same sensation as the last time.”
“How do you feel right now?”
“Dizzy and my head hurts.”
“How about your skin? Do you still have the sensation of being hotter than normal?” He placed a hand on her arm.
Hetty burst into tears, startling him.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“It can’t be nothing. Something is upsetting you for you
to be weeping. Tell me.”
The butler returned with several coverlets. He assisted Laurence with tucking them around Hetty. “I haven’t taken the time to alert the master and mistress that Miss Hale is in distress. I shall retire to do so now.”
“Can you wait another few minutes? She’s still not quite awake and may want to be more coherent when her parents come in.”
The butler bowed and retreated, but didn’t respond to Laurence’s request.
Turning back to Hetty, Laurence was surprised to see her still crying. She was sitting upright now, but tears streamed down her face unchecked.
“You must tell me what’s wrong.”
“It’s merely that you look upon me as some scientific experiment. You don’t care about me as a person. All you want to know about is how I am in regard to your desires to learn all you can about people like me who have been struck by lightning. It’s as if I am invisible to you.”
“Is that really what you believe I think?” he asked.
“Isn’t it? I’m worried about being found with my gown in disarray and soaking wet while alone in male company. Not a word about me or my safety has ever been uttered. I hit my head out there and it’s aching badly, but you’re not concerned about that. All you want to know is how you can write this up for the scientific journals.”
He could scarce take in what she was saying. Of course, he was concerned about her safety. Hadn’t he just said so outside when he said it was too risky to recreate the experiment?
Determined to set Hetty right about how he admired her, Laurence ignored his wet breeches and coat and perched on the edge of the seat across from her. “May I be direct?”
“Of course.” She waved her hand in the air as if she didn’t care about what he had to say. He could tell she did because she tensed as she agreed to allow him to speak.
“You are somewhat correct.” He held up his hand at the expression on her face. “Somewhat, I said.”
“Go on.” Hetty nodded, but appeared to still be distressed.
“As you’re aware, I met you many years ago when you were quite young and I continued to think of you as a child—“
Lightning Strikes Twice (The Heart of a Hero Book 4) Page 23