Alexander-Fyn-Sanguinarian

other snatched the spectacles from his face.
    The morning sunlight, though not terribly bright, caused him to squeeze his eyes tightly shut. Only after several seconds was he able to open them, and only a slit. The sleek muscles of his face contracted as if he were in pain. His entire body tensed, becoming rigid, almost brittle. The contrast between Raven now and the man she saw lounging easily in his chair or walking with a loose swing of his arms in the semidarkness of Castle Haven was marked. Bright light was Sanguinarian 173
    literally painful to him and yet he endured it for her.
    “It is about Mrs. Brackett that I must speak to you. She is not here.
    She is on her way to Castle Haven.”
    Evangeline frowned. “That’s not possible. Mrs. Brackett would never go back to that place. She is going to London with me this day.”
    “She is ill,” he said simply. “She took very ill quite suddenly.
    Rory found her an hour ago while you were still inside. She was sweating and ready to faint. She had spots on her face. He did not know what do so he put her in a carriage and took her to the castle for Munk to look after her. They will be there now. There is no doctor in the area and Munk is very good at herb lore and such.”
    For a long moment Evangeline looked at him. He remained rigidly uncomfortable, his face showing no other emotion than his physical discomfort. She could not tell if he was lying. She looked up and down the street which was just coming to life with early morning business. Those who saw his lordship crossed the dusty road to avoid crossing his path. “Shall I take you to her?” he asked.
    “I don’t believe you. Leave me alone, my lord, I have a busy day ahead.”
    An hour later Evangeline and the coachman stood eyeing each other suspiciously across the courtyard of the Ravenscroft Inn. The rear of the carriage was piled high with baggage and postal sacks while several passengers waited impatiently inside. Evangeline had been into every shop in the small village and questioned everyone she came across as to the whereabouts of Mrs. Brackett. Everyone remembered the loquacious woman, but no one had seen her that morning.
    Finally the coachman approached her, pulling off his cap and looking about him for Raven who he feared might materialize from nowhere. “Sorry, Miss, but I really must be on me way. There’s others to consider besides you, Miss, if you don’t mind me saying.”
    He glanced over at the carriage and Evangeline followed his eyes, knowing she could hold them up no longer.

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    “Yes, I suppose you had better go,” she admitted.
    “Go back inside, Miss, and wait there. There’ll be another coach this afternoon about four o’clock.”
    Evangeline watched the coach leave with growing despair. With no other choice, she entered the inn and found Raven waiting for her.
    “Shall I take you to the castle, my dear?” he asked.
    “I suppose you had better, but if I find out you have been lying, my lord, I will not be responsible for what I do.”
    “Trust me, Evangeline.” He reached out a hand to her. She stepped back, refusing to allow him to touch her.
    “I’m afraid that’s the problem, my lord. I do not trust you, not one little bit.”
    Raven sighed and stood up. “My carriage is waiting in the street.”
    “Yes, I saw it.”
    “Will you come?”
    “I have no choice.”

    * * * *

    The moment they entered Castle Haven, Munk rushed toward Raven. He took her to one side, though Evangeline had no trouble hearing their conversation. “How is she?” Raven asked.
    “Not good, my lord, it is the scarlet fever. Rory was correct.”
    With a gasp Evangeline ran toward them. “You are talking about Mrs. Brackett, aren’t you?”
    Raven took her shoulders. “Please, Evangeline, you must not worry. Rest assured, my dear girl, your Mrs. Brackett is in good hands.”
    “We must get a doctor. Send for a doctor,” she cried.
    Munk addressed her. “There is no need for a doctor, Miss Rutledge. I know the woman has scarlet fever because I lost my own family to the illness as a child, and in the interim I have learned how to nurse people through it.”

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    “She could die!” Evangeline felt utter despair.
    “She could, but she will not die in my hands,” Munk said with such steadfast belief that Evangeline felt heartened.
    Raven touched her arm gently. “My dear, Munk learned from bitter experience how to nurse a patient with scarlet