Tea with Austen (Romance Café Collection #38)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

GEORGE IS SUMMONED

The sound of hastening footsteps echoed across the expansive courtyard, as Fredricks drew to a stop next to George Livingston and, with a flourish only a butler could manage, furnished him with a note.

George read the note quickly, as first surprise, and then shock, reflected in his eyes. He was vaguely aware that his best friend’s sister, Lady Arabella Fitzgerald, watched him, her shrewd gaze would miss nothing.

George rose quickly, addressing his butler. “Fredricks, have my horse saddled and waiting by the front entrance, I depart for Livingston Manor at once.” With a nod, his butler hurried to comply. George turned to face the party gathered in front of him. “Apologies, I’m afraid I must depart at once; my father has fallen ill and has requested my presence. Please, remain and finish the party without me.” He allowed a ghost of a smile to touch his lips and then strode from the room, his thoughts already on his father and the journey ahead.

It was no secret that he had a difficult relationship with his father, which was part of the reason that he now found himself in residence at Ingleside Lodge, the smaller estate of his late mother. This had been his mother’s haven, a sanctuary away from the bitterness of her marriage.

His mother had lived here, had been happy here, for as long as he could remember, only ever returning to his father’s estate when society and social graces dictated it, hosting events and playing the role of perfect family.

Only a few miles from his father’s sprawling estate, George had intended to remain at Ingleside Lodge throughout the festive season, in an attempt to reconnect with his father. To try and make amends for having turned his back on his father’s wealth and privilege to instead study law at university. George knew that his father considered it unforgivable, despite George’s desire to make his own way in life.

It didn’t hurt that it was situated next door to his best friend’s familial estate, or that his sister, Arabella, still lived there. George had hoped…well, it was of no consequence now. His father was ill, that had to take priority.

The journey didn’t take long, his father’s butler meeting him in the entranceway and taking charge of George’s horse.

“Thank you,” George handed over the reins, “he’s in his room I assume?” At the butler’s nod, George strode off in the direction of his father’s chambers. Sparing only the merest of glances towards the bed, more out of curiosity than any real interest, George instead focuses on the man in the corner. While presentable enough, his suit wasn’t tailor made, and his entire countenance spoke of work not wealth.

“George Livingston? Doctor Fischer, thank you for coming so quickly. Your father has been asking for you for several days now, in his more lucid moments that is. As you can see, today is not a lucid day.” The doctor shook his head gravely.

“I see,” George sighed, “just what exactly is his affliction doctor?”

“Pneumonia, I’m very sorry to have to tell you, but his time left is severely limited. Already the infection has spread throughout. He has only days at best, hours at worst I’m afraid. I would advise, if your father is a man of God, that you summon the local parish priest at once”.

The man lying in his father’s bed was a mere shadow of the man that George had spent most of his life trying to avoid, trying not to be like in any way imaginable. George wasn’t sure what he had expected to feel, but this nothingness wasn’t surprising. It was hard to feel pity for a man you had despised your entire life.