Page 84 of A Provincial Peer

Dr. Jenner eyed him in silence for a moment, then said, “How far do you intend to travel today?”

“I am on my way back to Farwell Hall in Leyfield.”

The doctor grunted. “I daresay that is significantly farther than anyone else in this line needs to go. I shall treat you first, and then you may be on your way.”

Benedict knew better than to disagree. “I am most grateful.”

The physician offered him the first smile Benedict had seen from the gentleman. “As am I, my lord. To have a member of the nobility look beyond the Harley Street naysayers’ scoffs and show such confidence in my abilities is heartening, to say the least.”

“If this procedure is as successful as you claim, I can tell you without reservation that you will soon be hearing from far more members of the nobility,” Benedict said.

Dr. Jenner gestured him inside. “I shall look forward to it.”

Chapter 28

By the time Benedict arrived back at Farwell Hall, his parents had retired for the night.

And so, when he entered the breakfast room the next morning, his father immediately lowered the newspaper he was reading and gave him his full attention. “What news, Benedict? Were you able to unravel any more of Rowe’s threads of deception?”

“Most of them.” Benedict poured himself a cup of drinking chocolate and claimed two pieces of toast from the offerings on the sideboard. Taking the chair beside his father, he sorted through his thoughts. “It would seem that the Blytons were as unaware of Rowe’s underhanded dealings as we were.”

“Did you enlighten them?”

“I did not. And I think that once you understand their situation better, you will agree with my decision.”

His father eyed him thoughtfully. “I am anxious to hear what you discovered.”

“It was a day filled with unpleasant reminders of how devastating smallpox can be.”

“It certainly started that way,” his father said grimly.

“Was Mr. May able to take care of the burial yesterday?”

“He was. I hope his sister will understand the need for expediency.”

“More than you could possibly imagine,” Benedict said, and he proceeded to tell his father about the Blytons’ situation and their account of Rowe’s aid.

When Benedict finished, his father leaned back in this chair. “I wish Rowe had been forthright with us.”

“As do I,” Benedict said. “But even if he had contemplated telling us of his sister’s plight at the beginning, my guess is that he changed his mind when the additional money Mr. Blyton was able to exact for the flour began to arrive. I would surmise that he began by skimming that amount off the deposits he made in the estate bank account, and when he realized that he could take more without either of us realizing it, the temptation became too great.”

“Rowe’s personal bookkeeping corroborates your theory. The amount he deposited diminished over the months.”

“Have you received confirmation of our lack of funds from the bank?”

“Not yet.” His father released a tense breath. “We must do everything in our power to reclaim the money, Benedict. If we do not, the consequences could be ruinous.”

There was a rustle of fabric, and both gentlemen looked to the doorway as Benedict’s mother walked in. They stood.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said. “I am glad to see you returned safely, Benedict. Did all go well with your trip?”

“Well enough,” he said, “but now that you are here, I would like to tell you of a singular experience that occurred in Berkeley on my way home.”

“In Berkeley, you say?” his father said. “Isn’t that where Dr. Edward Jenner hails from?”

“It is, and I went out of my way to meet him.”

“Who is Dr. Edward Jenner?” his mother asked.