Matthew is in the room across from Declan’s. He is stepping out to go to an early breakfast when he sees the valet leaving Declan’s room. “Good morning. Is my grandson ordering breakfast?”
“No, sir, he's having a private breakfast with his fiancé this morning.”
“Is that right?” Matthew smiles and nods. “Thank you.”
He waits for the valet to disappear and decides he may have to resort to his alternate plan. Knocking on the door, he waits for Declan to open it before groaning and swaying on his feet. “Declan?” he calls.
“Grandfather!” he shouts for help and catches him before he hits the floor.
Matthew spends the next few hours being cared for by Declan and the Doctor. “Dr. Bradley, is it serious?” Declan asks softly.
“May I speak frankly?” Elliot asks.
“Of course,” Declan wrings his hands together.
“You must keep the excitement to a minimum. I don't want him under stress. It may be his heart, though I couldn't hear the obvious signs. He's old, Declan. It's not surprising that his health is starting to fade a little.”
“What can I do?” Declan runs a hand over his face in worry.
“You can get married and take that stress off his mind. It's the one thing he won't stop talking about,” Dr. Bradley says, snapping his case shut.
A knock sounds at the door, and Declan is surprised to see Lady Hubbard with Reagan and her maid. “We heard about Matthew, is there anything we can do?” Reagan says as she glances past him to the bed.
“Thank you, I think perhaps we should postpone the wedding until he's able to...”
“No!” Matthew shouts, sitting up and grasping his chest. Declan runs over to his side. “I'll see you married before I join your Father!”
Declan stammers, “Don’t say that!”
London moves over to help the doctor calm the patient. Elliot looks over at her, thankful for the help, and does a double take. She bites her lip to keep from grinning.
“Take it easy, Mr. Sheridan,” London says in his ear. “Everything is going to be okay,” she promises.
Matthew lays back and stares at her with a look of surprise. Elliot pushes him back and covers him with a blanket. London keeps her head down and returns to Reagan and Lady Hubbard.
“Clearly, there is only one solution,” Lady Hubbard says with a grim smile. “We move the wedding up to this evening.”
“What?” Everyone shouts at once, and Matthew has to stifle a laugh.
“Perfect,” Matthew says. “Declan? Sit with me,” he calls weakly. London stares at him with a sinking heart.
“Don't worry about a thing. I will take care of everything.” Mrs. Hubbard promises. “Everyone is already here. It's simply two days earlier. We are going to go prepare, you rest, Matthew. The wedding will be at seven p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. Mouse!” she snaps!
“Yes, Mrs. Hubbard,” London hurries to the door to open it, and Reagan storms out, followed by the mistress. They leave, and Matthew doesn't miss the look on Elliot's face as he snarls, “Did she just call her mouse?”
Declan sits heavily in a chair and stares at his grandfather. “Should he be up and out of bed so soon, Dr. Bradley?”
“As long as he feels up to it, I’d say yes.”
“Will you stay for the wedding to make sure he’s well? I will send a driver for your wife,” Declan offers.
“Absolutely.”
“I’m going to rest now,” Matthew says. “Dr. Bradley will keep me company while you go see to your business.”
“I’m not leaving you now. The business can wait. That’s twice in one week that I’ve almost lost you. You’re stuck with me for the time being.”
Matthew sighs and pats his pocket. “Could you get my spectacles from my room, Declan?”
“Of course,” he hurries from the room and Matthew sits up and snaps at the Doctor.
“Tell me about the Mouse,” he demands.
“Don’t call her that,” Elliot snaps before he can stop himself. “London deserves better than that.”
“London?” he smiles. “I agree with you. Elliot, sit with me and get rid of Declan so we can talk.”
“Yes, Sir,” Elliot says and smiles as he walks to the door to intercept Declan. “Your Grandfather is resting, which is the perfect medicine for him. Go have breakfast. We can’t have you getting sick on your wedding day.”
“I... okay, if you’re sure he’s okay.”
“I’ll stay with him. Go eat,” Elliot takes the glasses and slowly closes the door making sure Declan gets on the elevator.
“Now, Dr. Elliot Bradley, tell me what you know,” Matthew throws the covers back and strides to the table to pour some hot tea.
“You old codger! You faked it!” Elliot shouts.
“I did what needed to be done. Now sit down,” Matthew demands. Elliot accepts a hot cup of tea and listens to Matthew explain about the fire.
“London is a longtime friend. We asked her to come live with us, but she's too proud. Matthew, London is no ordinary maid. Once the Taylor family were known all over the world. Her father is Christopher Taylor.”
Matthew slowly lowers his cup to the tray, genuinely shocked. “You're telling me the Mouse is the daughter of the Earl of Ironhand, from England?”
“Yes,” Elliot stares at him, observing his reaction carefully.
“What is she doing working as a maid? Where is her family? Why is she dressed like that?” he demands.
“That isn't for me to tell you. I will only say that she deserves better than the hand that she's been dealt. Lord Sheridan, London, has a brilliant mind, especially with finances. She's doubled my portfolio in the short time I've let her manage it.”
Matthew’s crinkled eyes narrow as he thinks about the past.
“I remember a story about the
