The Complete Ravenscar Trilogy: The Ravenscar Dynasty, Heirs of Ravenscar, Being Elizabeth. Barbara Taylor Bradford

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      ‘What I don’t understand is how I got here,’ Edward murmured, giving Neville a close look, frowning slightly. ‘And how did you find out? Was my wallet still on me? My name and address are in it, you know. But thieves would have taken the wallet, surely?’

      ‘Indeed they did,’ Neville replied swiftly, pulling the chair closer to the bed, and he lowered his voice when he added, ‘but thieves they weren’t, I’m convinced of it. However, more about all that in a moment, Ned. Since you patronize an excellent Savile Row tailor a small piece of tape with your name on it is always stitched on the reverse side of the pocket which is on the inside of your jacket. That was how you were identified by the police, who brought you to the hospital. But actually there’s another story…I mean about the way I was informed that you had been injured and were here.’

      Staring up at Neville, his eyes startlingly blue in his bruised face, Edward appeared puzzled. ‘Do tell me, I’m filled with curiosity.’

      A faint rueful smile flitted across Neville’s mouth. ‘With my permission, Finnister has had one of his operatives following you…keeping an eye on you. You were attacked by two heavily-built men last night. Finnister’s man was outnumbered, and there was nothing he could do to help you…except run off looking for the police. Once he had ascertained you were still alive, of course.’

      ‘He saw the attack, did he?’

      ‘From a distance. He also noticed a stranger stop you, and later he saw the same man conferring with the two bruisers…before they all made a dash for it.’ Neville shook his head. ‘Odd, don’t you think, that your father and mine, and my brother, died from fatal blows to the head.’

      Edward closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them they were stark. He pushed himself up on the pillows, staring into Neville’s face. ‘Same modus operandi, is that what you’re saying?’ he muttered bleakly.

      ‘Yes. There is no doubt in my mind that you were attacked by men working for the Grant faction. They’re obviously having you followed, just as Finnister was. It was a good thing he took that precaution because his man reported in to him quickly, and Finnister telephoned me as soon as he knew. I, in turn, informed your mother.’

      Edward remained silent, turning everything over in his mind, and at last he said softly, ‘I know you’re going to suggest that I have a proper bodyguard, several men, presumably, to look after me, and you will not receive any argument from me, Cousin. Will can now go on your staff, until he works with me at Deravenels, and you and Amos can seek out the other men.’

      ‘Thank you, Ned, for being so sensible. I know what a nuisance it’s going to be, but unfortunately it is necessary. I cannot permit anything to happen to you.’ Neville reached out, grasped his cousin’s hand in his and held on to it tightly. ‘We are partners, we are in this together. I promise you I will be your rock.’

      ‘And I will be yours, Neville, there for you should you ever need me.’ He laughed and then instantly grimaced. ‘When I move my face it hurts like hell. But I was going to say…not that you will ever need me.’

      ‘Ah, don’t say that, do not tempt Providence…we never know when life is going to come and hit us in the face. Catastrophe is ever present, a spectre that usually lurks behind every corner. For someone.’

      Edward felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine on hearing these words, but he remained silent. The hackles rose on the back of his neck.

      Neville released his cousin’s hand and sat straighter in the chair. ‘I have a good thought, Ned. It occurred to me earlier that my brother could come to London. Johnny and Will and you have often made a good threesome…you are old sparring partners.’

      ‘Indeed we are, and Johnny has always been so very special to me. All my life. But can you spare him?’

      ‘Yes, I think so. The managers of the northern offices have all been well trained. By us both. Anyway, my brother needs a change. It will do him good to be here in London…and I am sure we can find a place for him later. At Deravenels.’

      ‘Again, if you can spare him,’ Edward responded, laughter sparkling in his bright blue eyes. Johnny Watkins was close to his heart.

      ‘We will have to retaliate, you know,’ Neville announced.

      Edward stared at the other man. ‘How?’

      ‘I don’t know. Yet. Don’t you worry about it. Something will come to me. In due time. There’s no hurry.’

      There was a sudden sharp knock on the door, and it opened swiftly, with a burst. And before Edward could catch his breath his mother and Nan, his brothers and sister were rushing into the room, followed by Will Hasling.

      Neville jumped up, and went to his aunt, led her forward to the bed, while his wife, Nan, shushed the children, just as Margaret was doing. ‘George, do calm down,’ Meg told her younger brother, hanging onto his hand. Richard, of course, was silent and worried. His genuine concern shadowed those blue-grey eyes. He could not bear that his adored Ned was hurt.

      Cecily clutched her son’s hand. СКАЧАТЬ