Page 76 of Prescription for Sin

“Indeed.” Arthur’s features hardened. “Though I suspect he’s also sending you a message. Submit to his wishes or watch Emma’s life crumble.”

“I won’t let that happen. We must accelerate our plans.”

Arthur studied him thoughtfully. “Are you prepared for the consequences?”

“Whatever it takes.” Everett met his brother-in-law’s gaze steadily. “I am ready. I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this, but if he’s determined to make this a public battle…”

“Then perhaps it’s time to give him one,” Arthur finished. His lips curved in a predatory smile. “Leave it with me. I’ll need a day or two to set certain pieces in motion. In the meantime…” He clasped Everett’s shoulder. “Keep gathering evidence. Every scrap of proof you can find. When we move, it must be decisive.”

Everett nodded, his fury gradually transforming into cold determination. His father had chosen this battlefield, thinking to use public scandal as a weapon. He would soon learn that a blade could cut both ways.

As he left Westminster, he felt lighter somehow. He’d chosen deception once to protect Emma. Now, perhaps, the truth would prove a better shield.

Emma pressed her stethoscope against the child’s chest, forcing herself to focus on the raspy breaths rather than her own turbulent thoughts. “Deep breath for me, sweetheart.”

The girl complied, though the effort triggered another coughing spell.

“The fever’s down,” Emma told the anxious mother. “But her lungs are still congested. Continue with the steam treatments. Keep her warm and give her plenty of willow bark tea.”

“Miss Brown,” Bessy, a senior nurse, called out from behind her. “Lady Salisbury is here to see you.”

The girl’s mother’s eyes gaped open. Emma smiled despite her apprehension—Alexi’s unannounced visits usually brought significant news—and discharged her patient.

When, at last, she entered her small office, her sister’s silk skirts seemed absurdly out of place among the hospital’s plain furnishings.

“Alexi? What’s happened?”

Alexi approached and gripped her hands.

“There’s to be a hearing. Tomorrow, at Westminster. Arthur says it’s about London Water Works.”

Emma released her sister’s hands and sank into her chair while Alexi paced. “You’ve worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to see justice brought to those who died because of this disease. Let us head to London today.”

Justice for London Water Works but perhaps sacrifice for Everett if one believed in his innocence. She believed he’d fallen victim to his father’s machinations, but he would not intentionally hurt anyone. Did that make him culpable or innocent?

“Have you corresponded with your husband at all?”

Husband. The word rang hollow. Emma’s hand absentmindedly went to his mother’s ring hanging hidden beneath her collar.

“He’s written numerous times, but I hadn’t responded.”

“You’re still wearing his ring.” Alexi’s statement felt like an accusation, a declaration of sort.

Yes. She was still hopelessly in love with him.

“Emma.” Alexi’s soft voice jolted her away from her reveries. “You’ve always had a strong sense of justice. Remember when you were twelve and discovered the cook was feeding your porridge to the chickens instead of the starving children in the village like you’d asked? You refused to speak to her for three months, even after Father explained she had been giving them fresh bread instead. You’d decided she was wrong, and that was that.” Alexi’s gentle smile took the sting from the memory. “Sometimes, dear sister, there can be more than one right way to help.”

“Perhaps the chickens would have preferred fresh bread,” Emma said with a sheepish smile. “But you see, this is different. Just as I wanted the village children to have a choice in what they ate, I wish Everett had given me a choice, too. He decided for both of us, Alexi.” Her fingers twisted the ring. “He chose what he thought was best for me, just as I once chose porridge for those children. I suppose there’s some irony in that.”

Alexi nodded. “I understand, sister. But consider this. When faced with a sick patient, you examine all possible causes before deciding on treatment. We both know what seems entirely right at first glance isn’t always the whole truth. So, I ask you now as a physician who makes decisions for patients every day. If he’d told you everything from the start, would you have been able to see past your first reaction? To consider all sides of the matter?”

Emma met Alexi’s eyes. “I would have fought openly,” she admitted. “Challenged his father directly.”

Alexi touched her hand gently. “I believe Everett knew that. He chose to sacrifice your trust to protect your work, which is a significant part of your happiness, your identity. And he made it from love, not manipulation.”

Emma sat pondering her words, turning Everett’s ring between her fingers. The gold caught the last rays of sunset, warming against her skin like a living thing.

She’d been so certain of everything when she left London. So righteous in her anger over his deceptions. Now, however, with this hearing looming, all her certainties seemed to blur.