Chapter 22
After dropping his friend at Darcy House, Charles continued to Hurst House and was admitted by a footman who took his hat and greatcoat. Knowing he had another long day ahead of him tomorrow, he headed for the stairs, eager for his bed.
Henry Hurst intercepted him in the hall. “Is that you, Charles?” he said, peering at him in disbelief.
Grinning, Charles nodded. “It’s me, Henry. I’m back.”
“Are you, by Jove? I knew you would figure it out.” Hurst embraced him and clapped his shoulders. “How did it happen? Thunder? Lightning? Come into my study and tell me everything.”
“No, nothing so spectacular, but I must get some sleep. Come upstairs, and I’ll give you the short version.”
“Is Henderson not with you?” Henry inquired as they ascended the stairs.
“I left him at Netherfield. Darcy will send his coachman to retrieve him and Hobbs in the morning.” Once behind closed doors, he untied his cravat, unbuttoned his shirt, and collapsed into a chair. “Of course, everything I tell you must be held in the strictest confidence.”
Once Henry had agreed, he continued, “Lydia Bennet got herself into a bit of a scrape, but Darcy and I worked it all out with Mr Bennet. She’ll be attending Miss Huntington’s, if the lady will agree to take her.”
Henry narrowed his eyes. “It that how you switched back?”
Though overcome with exhaustion, Charles threw back his head and laughed heartily. “It was a handshake, Henry. A simple handshake.”
Henry groaned in annoyance. “That’s the dullest thing I’ve ever heard. I thought the gods would’ve demanded something far more fantastical.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you were right about one thing; we hadn’t tried it before.
” Thinking of his pending obligations, he rose and stripped off his coat.
“I’ve got much to do tomorrow. I plan to meet with Miss Huntington in the morning, and I’ve put off my pressing business matters far too long, so I must get some sleep. ”
“Ring for Winters if you need his assistance.”
“I’ll shift for myself tonight and ring him in the morning.”
Henry grumbled irritably as he left the chamber. “A trifling handshake. What a sham.”
Although relieved that Henry had accepted his abbreviated report, Charles knew his restoration had held far more significance, but at the moment, he hadn’t the stamina to concentrate on the possibilities. He disrobed, crawled into his bed, and fell into a contented asleep.