Chapter 71

Julien collapsed onto the velvet seat and allowed blackness to overtake him, secure in the knowledge that he would be well looked after by his staff, as always.

* * * *

“Julien? How ill is he? Has Hudson called for the doctor?”

Bloody hell. What was Cordelia doing in his bedchamber?

“What do you mean ‘not exactly ill’? Is he or isn’t he?”

Haranguing my staff, apparently.

“Imbibed? You mean drunk?”

Julien heard the indignation in her voice and knew he was in for a lecture. He would have covered his ears with a pillow, but that would require moving and Julien was certain if he did, his head would fall off.

“Julien!” She was right next to his bed now. “Get up at once!”

Perhaps it would be better if his head did fall off. “Have a care, Aunt.” He had to force the words past his parched tongue. “I’m not a well man.”

“That’s your own fault. Now get up at once. I have to speak to you about a most urgent matter.”