The Lord and the Banshee (Read by Candlelight #13) - Gillian St. Kevern Page 0,12

a fine man, though no doubt more accustomed to dealing with stubborn working folk than people of leisure. He probably has a dim view of my ability to rest and thus exaggerates my case to ensure those around me keep me in check.”

Pip breathed out. “Sounds very like a certain doctor we both know. I’ll write to Harriet—”

“I’ll write to Harriet,” Thomas interposed. “You go downstairs and tell Connaught that his concern is very much appreciated, and that if he will forgive the imposition, I should like to remain his guest until I feel recovered enough to return to London.”

“At once. I’m not sorry to have a few days more of your company. Julian, while I’m gone, tell Lord Cross what you told me of the banshee last night.” Pip went on his errand with an air of relief.

He’d not given the banshee a second thought. Thomas eased himself into an armchair. “What’s this about the banshee?”

Julian didn’t move. “You lied to father.” His voice wavered. “You lied to father and you still smell wrong.” His eyes widened. “You lied to me.”

Damn, curse and blast Julian’s nose. “Sit down.” He waited until Julian perched on the edge of Cross’s bed. “I lied.”

Julian sucked in a breath. “Why?”

Cross pressed his hands flat across his legs. “I saw Mereweather the day before yesterday. I’m sick. If your father knew how sick, it would upset him.”

Julian did not take his eyes off Cross. “Is he sending you to a sanitarium?”

“No. I’m not going away.” Cross paused. “Your father can’t know about this, not until we’ve got this situation with the banshee sorted out. He’s too apt to forget about his own safety when those he cares about are at risk.”

Julian’s forehead creased. “You’re at risk?”

He would have to know. “Yes. I am.”

“But—”

“We can worry about me later. The priority is your father. I will not let anything happen to him, but I’ll need your help.”

Julian still frowned, but he nodded. “What do you want me to do?”

Cross let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. “We’re going to investigate this banshee. If there is an actual threat to your father, we will eliminate it. Whatever it takes, we’re going to keep him safe.”

Julian tilted his head, his amber eyes thoughtful. “Have you considered that the biggest threat to father isn’t the banshee, but father himself? He’s not going to run away from the banshee, even if it’s dangerous. He’d look at his death as unfortunate, but an unprecedented chance to communicate with us from beyond the grave.”

Dammit. Julian’s statement was entirely accurate. “Which is why we will not let that happen.” Cross took a deep breath, summoning all his strength. “We must protect Pip for his own good.”

“And your health?” Julian’s gaze rested on Cross, waiting.

Too perceptive for his own good. “It won’t come to that, but if it did… Your father has many, many years of active life ahead of him. I do not. He is our priority.”

Julian took a moment to digest Cross’s words. “He won’t like this.”

“You’re not going to tell him.” Cross paused. “Do I have your cooperation?”

Julian stood. “Yes—if only to make sure that in your efforts to protect father you don’t overdo things.” He tilted his head. “What was that smile?”

Cross shook his head, his grin rueful. “Pip and I have raised a fine son. Come on. Let’s start our investigation.”

As Julian walked from the room, Cross paused by his suitcase. The cigar case was still inside. He took the case, placing it in his pocket. Just because he had it, did not mean he would use it… But it would not hurt to have the heart on hand, just in case.

7

The early afternoon sun gave the garden a holiday feel. Roses of all colours waved in the breeze beneath a vivid cerulean sky, while the grass embodied Ireland’s reputation for vivid green. Thomas and Julian strolled down the gravel path that ran parallel to the edge of the house.

Thomas realised that Julian was waiting for him to speak. “I beg your pardon?”

“What are we looking for?”

“I want to see the place where the falling masonry almost hit your father.” Thomas leaned on his walking stick. “On that note, where is he?”

“Everyone’s in the library.” Julian stuck his hands in his coat pocket and sauntered ahead. “I suggested there might be a mention of the banshee in the castle records. Father took up the suggestion at once, and Mrs O’Flaherty offered to show everyone the