The medic cleared his throat. ‘Well, er, on admission, we administered a purgative as we do with all patients. He has been prescribed shock treatment—cold showers—to help bring him out of this state of mind. However, he has refused to eat, forcing the need for restraint so we can feed him via tube. And we’ve given him laudanum, of course.’
Tears sprang to Serena’s eyes as she noted the bruises around Edward’s wrists, and even across his chest. Hair matted with bile stuck to his cheeks and neck. How could they leave him in such a state? He probably felt as though he’d suffered torture. An ache swelled in Serena’s chest. ‘We must get him out of here, Papa, Mr Moncrief.’
‘I daresay,’ agreed Papa, and the young man nodded, concern clearly etched on his face.
‘I want it to be over.’ Edward continued sobbing.
Serena lifted his chin once again, so she could look straight into his eyes.
‘I don’t think so, darling. You haven’t married me yet.’
Edward blinked and focused on her, although his eyelids drooped and dark rings surrounded them. ‘What?’
‘You said you wanted to marry me.’ She dabbed at his tear-stained cheeks with her handkerchief.
‘But you said no.’ His eyes searched hers.
‘I’m sorry, my love, I didn’t know my own mind then.’
‘But I am cursed.’
‘No, Edward.’ Serena blinked back her own tears. ‘You are only unwell. And I don’t see how that should keep us apart. My mother had the dropsy, and my father suffers from rheumatism, and I still love them. Why shouldn’t I love you?’
His lips trembled again. ‘You love me?’
‘I think it began that night when we toured the house together. Do you remember?’ She lifted his cold hand and pressed it to her lips, her tears running over her cheeks and onto his fingers.
‘How could I forget?’
A throat-clearing echoed in the room, as Papa drew her attention back to their situation, and lack of privacy.
Serena pulled away from Edward, straightening and mopping at her face. ‘We need to take him home.’
Mr Moncrief turned to the medic. ‘You heard the lady. This man has a wedding to prepare.’
‘I beg pardon, but Mr King is in no condition to go anywhere,’ the medic protested.
‘Mr King is here against his own, his fiancee’s and most of his family’s will. In fact, I think you will find he is here under fraudulent circumstances. I suspect my signature was forged on the report to the magistrate.’
‘Go before the magistrate and prove it. A patient must not be removed without him signing the authority.’
Mr Moncrief’s brow darkened. ‘Oh, I’ll prove it. But if you do not release this man immediately, the whole of Sydney will learn of the injustices being administered in the name of medicine here.’
The medic smirked. ‘Your threats do not intimidate me, sir’
‘Perhaps they should.’ All eyes swerved to Edward, whose lips twitched into a half smile. ‘Do you know who this man is?’
The man shrugged.
‘This is Mr Caleb Moncrief of the Sydney Herald, and yes, he has the power to cause you very much trouble.’
32
Getting Edward out of the asylum was easier once they’d unleashed the threat of notoriety. Mr Moncrief demanded trousers for his friend and removed his own coat to cover Edward’s bare torso. He pushed the chair as far as he could before he and Papa half assisted, half carried Edward between them. Edward’s head lolled, and his legs crumpled several times.
Before they reached the front door, Papa’s strength waned and he had to let go and rest against the wall, while coughs shook his weakened frame.
‘I’m sorry, Papa.’ Serena laid a hand on his arm. ‘This has been too much for you, hasn’t it?’
Recovering his breath, Papa shook his head. ‘Don’t worry about me, pet. Let’s get this young man to safety.’
‘Too much laudanum,’ Mr Moncrief grunted as he bore the brunt of Edward’s weight and they continued.
Finally, they seated him in the carriage, although keeping him upright presented a challenge.
‘I’m afraid you must allow Ed to lean on you, Mr Bellingham.’
But one glance at Papa’s pale face told them he would have trouble keeping himself upright.
‘I’ll do it,’ Serena offered without hesitation.
It was the only solution. Mr Moncrief needed his arms free to drive. Serena remembered the night she fell asleep against Edward’s shoulder. He had not complained about that. The least she could do was return the favour. She climbed up next to him and Mr Moncrief let him go. Edward slumped against her, hardly conscious, his head heavy on her shoulder, while Papa rode in the front with Mr Moncrief. The pungent smell of bile met her nose, but she forced herself to ignore it. ‘What will we do with him?’ Serena worried her lip.
‘If the situation at Aleron is as you said, I don’t think it wise to take him home as yet. We’ll take him to my place.’
‘I’m not sure that is suitable, Mr Moncrief. How will you care for him when you must work?’
‘She’s right,’ Edward murmured, coming around a little. ‘Better take me home.’
‘All is well, old man.’ Mr Moncrief grinned over his shoulder. ‘I got myself leg-shackled two years ago. I wanted you to stand up with me, but I could not get past Mrs Jones.’ His eyes flickered with disappointment, but then he shifted his gaze to Serena. ‘I think you and my wife will get along rather well, Miss Bellingham. And she is more than capable of nursing Ed.’
An oath spluttered from Edward’s lips and he raised his head a little. ‘My sister. She never mentioned it.’
‘Not surprising.’ Mr Moncrief shrugged. ‘She told me you never wanted to see me again.’
Edward groaned. ‘I should have known. She told me you wanted to ruin me once you knew about the curse. And I never questioned her.’ He groaned again. ‘What a fool I have been. I wish I had been there on your wedding day. Congratulations.’
‘We also’—and this time he winked—‘have a recent addition.’
Edward swore again, then erupted in
