The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford
‘It was lucky I happened to have my man on duty, keeping an eye on Mr Edward,’ Amos murmured. ‘I know the young gentleman will be better in a few days, I feel it in my bones.’
Looking intently at Amos, Cecily said in a warm voice, ‘I want to thank you, Mr Finnister, for all you’ve done for my son. But I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened last night.’ She glanced from Amos to Neville. ‘Who was it that attacked Ned?’
‘We’re not sure, Aunt Cecily. The police think it was a random attack, more than likely a robbery. Edward had only loose change on him, no bank notes when he was found. They must have been in a hurry because his gold pocket watch was not taken.’ Neville shook his head. ‘The problem is the police have no leads.’
‘Why do you say they, as in…they must have been in a hurry?’ Cecily asked, staring at her nephew.
‘For obvious reasons, Aunt. Edward is unusually tall, taller than most men, and very strong. It would take several men, therefore, to overpower him, in my opinion.’
‘Yes, of course, I see what you mean.’ Taking a deep breath, she went on softly in a saddened voice, ‘You would have told me if there was any news, so I’m making the assumption there isn’t any.’
‘I’m afraid not.’ Neville touched her arm consolingly.
Cecily bit her lip, tears brimming, and she instantly stood up, walked across to the window, remained there looking out until she had recovered her equilibrium.
Returning to the chair, she said to Amos, ‘Would you be kind enough to tell me the whole story, Mr Finnister? I’m afraid I’m a little confused, perhaps because I’m so upset.’
‘It’s not surprising, Mrs Deravenel, under the circumstances. I’d be happy to fill you in, so to speak. It’s like this…From time to time, Mr Watkins and I have discussed the possibility that Mr Edward might be…well, in danger, because of the situation with the Grants. For most of his spare time he’s with Mr Will Hasling, but we decided, Mr Watkins and myself, that when he was alone he ought to have, well…a bodyguard. My man is on duty every day, but he’s not always needed. Late yesterday afternoon when Mr Edward left the office he was alone. There was no sign of Mr Hasling. My man immediately followed Mr Edward, who went to Belsize Park, and—’
‘To see Mrs Overton?’ Cecily interrupted.
Surprised though he was to hear this, Amos nodded and went on. ‘My man hung around, loitered in the vicinity. Mr Edward was at the house for about three hours, and he left soon after nine. It was very dark last night, and apparently the area was lonely, no one around, and no hansom cabs. My man realized that immediately. He was some short distance behind when Mr Edward was attacked by two very big men and—’
‘The bodyguard was outnumbered,’ Cecily said quietly.
‘That’s right, Mrs Deravenel. Once the men, three men altogether, had fled the scene, Harry Forbes, my employee, ran to Mr Edward and was relieved to find him alive. He then went in search of a policeman. Luckily he found one at the top of Primrose Hill. More help was fetched, and Mr Edward was brought here.’
Cecily nodded. ‘Thank you, Mr Finnister, now I understand.’ Glancing at Neville, resting her hand on his arm, Cecily murmured, ‘Could we go outside for a moment, I’d like to talk to you, Neville.’
‘Of course.’ He helped his aunt up out of the chair, and the two of them walked out of the waiting room and into the corridor.
Once they were alone, Cecily leaned closer to Neville, staring into his face. ‘It’s the Grants, isn’t it?’
‘I’m afraid so,’ Neville confirmed, grimacing. ‘The whole thing was handled very clumsily, badly, and so it’s most transparent. His watch was left in his suit pocket, and so was the notebook. Only bank notes were taken. To make it look like a robbery.’
‘But he never has very much money on him,’ Cecily pointed out. ‘As often as not Swinton has to pay the hansom cab out of the household petty cash when Ned comes home.’
‘It’s the Grants, there’s no question in my mind about that. Who else could it be?’
‘What are we going to do about them, Neville? They’re a menace.’
‘Reprisals. There will have to be reprisals, I think. To put them on notice that they have met their match in Ned and myself. However, I want to think things out carefully, not act in haste, or rashly. We must be subtle, and we can’t do anything that would involve us with the police. Don’t you agree?’
‘I do indeed, and I will leave it to you, Neville. You are a clever man, I know…you take after my brother, your father.’
‘Michael Robertson,’ the doctor announced as he came into the waiting room several hours later, just before noon.
He was smiling as he approached Neville, who had risen and was walking towards him.
‘Neville Watkins, Dr Robertson. I’m Mr Deravenel’s cousin. From your expression I’m encouraged to believe he has regained consciousness.’
‘Yes, indeed he has. However, he is sleeping at the moment, and we feel he must be allowed to sleep, not be disturbed for a while.’
‘I understand.’ Neville brought Cecily over to the doctor, and introduced her. ‘This is Mr Deravenel’s mother, Dr Robertson, Mrs Cecily Deravenel.’
After shaking the doctor’s hand, Cecily asked, ‘Was my son in a coma?’
‘Not a coma, no. But he was unconscious, and he still has concussion, but I can assure you he will recover from this ordeal, Mrs Deravenel. He really will.’
TWENTY-ONE
As he blinked in the dim light and slowly awakened, Edward was momentarily disoriented. Blinking again, and endeavouring to push himself up in the bed, he realized that every bone in his body ached.
Looking around the room, so white, pristine, sparsely furnished, he understood at once that he was in a hospital. Sinking back against the pillows, he tried to focus his mind and as he did so he began to remember the events of the night before. Leaving Lily’s later than he had intended, walking up from Belsize Park Gardens, looking for a hansom cab. The stranger stopping him, asking for directions, and then the unexpected attack from behind.
Lifting his arm, he gingerly touched his head, felt the bandages, then slowly let his fingers roam over his face. He knew it must be bruised, even a little bit battered, because it was sore, and hurt when he touched it. His shoulders and back ached; now he remembered those heavy blows, the way he had gone down onto his knees so quickly, had lurched forward as additional blows had landed on his head.
Who had attacked him last night? Thieves, wanting to rob him? Or had the attack been arranged by the opposition at Deravenels? He had no idea. Neither did he know who had found him, or how he had been brought to this hospital.
After a few moments, Edward managed to sit up; throwing back the bedclothes he swung his long legs to the floor. For a moment he thought he could not stand but eventually he did, instantly realizing he felt weak and slightly dizzy. He sat down heavily on the bed, wondering how to summon a nurse. He needed to ask questions, needed to know more.
Dizziness overwhelmed him, and he flopped back against the pillows, but he did not have enough strength to lift his legs back onto the bed. He was not quite certain how long he lay sprawled like this, half in and half out of the bed. Perhaps twenty minutes or more. All of a sudden he felt a waft of cool air as the door opened, and he was filled with relief. The nurse at last.
‘Good heavens, Mr Deravenel! What on earth are you doing?’ a very masculine voice exclaimed, and a split second later the owner of the voice was bending over him, looking concerned.
‘Are you all right?’ the man asked in a kindly tone.
‘Yes. Just felt a trifle dizzy…when I tried to get out of bed.’
‘I’m not surprised. Come along, let me lift your legs into the bed for you.’ As he spoke the man proceeded to get him settled properly. Once this was accomplished, he explained, ‘I’m Michael Robertson, by the way. Your doctor, Mr Deravenel.’
‘So I’ve gathered,’ Edward answered, attempting to smile. He gue
‘Am I badly hurt?’ Edward asked at last, a brow lifting.
Noting the anxiousness echoing in his patient’s voice, Dr Robertson was quick to reassure him. ‘I believe you are out of danger. You were brought in here unconscious last night. You had concussion. But you appear to be much better. How does your head feel? Any pain? Headache?’
‘No, not a headache, but my head does feel…well, sort of top heavy. And my face is sore.’
‘Were you hit in the face, Mr Deravenel?’
‘No. But the blows to my back and shoulders were very hard, and I fell forward. My face grazed the pavement. I remember being hit on the head. I obviously passed out. However, I don’t think I have any other injuries. Or do I?’
‘No, you don’t. Not as far as we can tell.’
‘So I can go home today?’
‘I don’t think so, Mr Deravenel. I need to keep you here for a few days. Under observation. Just to be on the safe side. I want to be absolutely certain we haven’t missed anything.’
Edward was silent for a moment, and then he asked, ‘Has my mother been informed that I am here?’
‘She has indeed. She was here at the hospital, in fact, but I understand from Mr Watkins that your mother and Mrs Watkins have gone to your home to have food prepared for you. They will return with a hamper very shortly. In the meantime, your cousin is very anxious to talk to you. Are you able to see him now? Or would you prefer to wait a little longer?’
‘No, no, I’m really perfectly all right. Dr Robertson. I would like to see him. And let me thank you for looking after me so well.’
The doctor nodded, and stepped closer to Edward. Bending over him, Michael Robertson put the stethoscope in his ears and listened to Edward’s heartbeat. Then he shone a small flashlight in his eyes, and finally placed a cool hand on Edward’s forehead. He appeared pleased, well satisfied. He nodded to himself, gave Edward a brief smile and hurried out.
‘What I don’t understand is how I got here,’ Edward murmured, giving Neville a close look, frowning slightly. ‘And how did you find out? Was my wallet still on me? My name and address are in it, you know. But thieves would have taken the wallet, surely?’
‘Indeed they did,’ Neville replied swiftly, pulling the chair closer to the bed, and he lowered his voice when he added, ‘but thieves they weren’t, I’m convinced of it. However, more about all that in a moment, Ned. Since you patronize an excellent Savile Row tailor a small piece of tape with your name on it is always stitched on the reverse side of the pocket which is on the inside of your jacket. That was how you were identified by the police, who brought you to the hospital. But actually there’s another story…I mean about the way I was informed that you had been injured and were here.’
Staring up at Neville, his eyes startlingly blue in his bruised face, Edward appeared puzzled. ‘Do tell me, I’m filled with curiosity.’
A faint rueful smile flitted across Neville’s mouth. ‘With my permission, Finnister has had one of his operatives following you…keeping an eye on you. You were attacked by two heavily-built men last night. Finnister’s man was outnumbered, and there was nothing he could do to help you…except run off looking for the police. Once he had ascertained you were still alive, of course.’
‘He saw the attack, did he?’
‘From a distance. He also noticed a stranger stop you, and later he saw the same man conferring with the two bruisers…before they all made a dash for it.’ Neville shook his head. ‘Odd, don’t you think, that your father and mine, and my brother, died from fatal blows to the head.’
Edward closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them they were stark. He pushed himself up on the pillows, staring into Neville’s face. ‘Same modus operandi, is that what you’re saying?’ he muttered bleakly.
‘Yes. There is no doubt in my mind that you were attacked by men working for the Grant faction. They’re obviously having you followed, just as Finnister was. It was a good thing he took that precaution because his man reported in to him quickly, and Finnister telephoned me as soon as he knew. I, in turn, informed your mother.’
Edward remained silent, turning everything over in his mind, and at last he said softly, ‘I know you’re going to suggest that I have a proper bodyguard, several men, presumably, to look after me, and you will not receive any argument from me, Cousin. Will can now go on your staff, until he works with me at Deravenels, and you and Amos can seek out the other men.’
‘Thank you, Ned, for being so sensible. I know what a nuisance it’s going to be, but unfortunately it is necessary. I cannot permit anything to happen to you.’ Neville reached out, grasped his cousin’s hand in his and held on to it tightly. ‘We are partners, we are in this together. I promise you I will be your rock.’
‘And I will be yours, Neville, there for you should you ever need me.’ He laughed and then instantly grimaced. ‘When I move my face it hurts like hell. But I was going to say…not that you will ever need me.’
‘Ah, don’t say that, do not tempt Providence…we never know when life is going to come and hit us in the face. Catastrophe is ever present, a spectre that usually lurks behind every corner. For someone.’
Edward felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine on hearing these words, but he remained silent. The hackles rose on the back of his neck.
Neville released his cousin’s hand and sat straighter in the chair. ‘I have a good thought, Ned. It occurred to me earlier that my brother could come to London. Johnny and Will and you have often made a good threesome…you are old sparring partners.’
‘Indeed we are, and Johnny has always been so very special to me. All my life. But can you spare him?’
‘Yes, I think so. The managers of the northern offices have all been well trained. By us both. Anyway, my brother needs a change. It will do him good to be here in London…and I am sure we can find a place for him later. At Deravenels.’
‘Again, if you can spare him,’ Edward responded, laughter sparkling in his bright blue eyes. Johnny Watkins was close to his heart.
‘We will have to retaliate, you know,’ Neville announced.
Edward stared at the other man. ‘How?’
‘I don’t know. Yet. Don’t you worry about it. Something will come to me. In due time. There’s no hurry.’
There was a sudden sharp knock on the door, and it opened swiftly, with a burst. And before Edward could catch his breath his mother and Nan, his brothers and sister were rushing into the room, followed by Will Hasling.
Neville jumped up, and went to his aunt, led her forward to the bed, while his wife, Nan, shushed the children, just as Margaret was doing. ‘George, do calm down,’ Meg told her younger brother, hanging onto his hand. Richard, of course, was silent and worried. His genuine concern shadowed those blue-grey eyes. He could not bear that his adored Ned was hurt.
Cecily clutched her son’s hand. ‘Ned, oh Ned, your head. Your poor bruised face. You took such a beating.’ She shook her head, and she, who was usually so controlled, discovered her eyes were filling with tears.
‘Not too much damage done, Mother. The doctor says I’m perfectly fine. Please try not to worry. I’ll be up and out of here very quickly,’ Ned told her, and then looked over at Richard, beckoned for him to come forward. ‘I’m alive and well, Little Fish. I do promise you.’
For the first time that day Richard smiled, and ran to the bedside, took hold of Ned’s other hand. ‘Mama told us you were set upon by thieves, Ned.’
‘Were you frightened?’ George asked. He had wriggled free of Meg’s grasp and was now standing next to Richard by the bed.
‘No, he wasn’t! Of course he wasn’t!’ Richard exclaimed, glancing over his shoulder at his brother. ‘Ned is never afraid, are you, Ned?’
‘I didn’t have time to be, as
Meg joined her brothers, and gazing down at Ned, she asked, ‘Is there anything you need, other than the food Mama and Aunt Nan have brought?’
‘To come home to your loving care, Meg darling. But Dr Robertson has suggested I stay here. Overnight. Just to be sure that…my old noggin is in working condition.’
‘Is there some problem with your head injuries?’ his mother asked, her voice rising, alarm flaring on her face.
‘No, Mother. It’s just a precaution. You know very well how hospitals are.’ Turning his head, his eyes met Will’s, and he said, ‘Thanks for coming, old chap. And what’s that you’re carrying?’
‘A picnic, Ned. Swinton’s put together quite a lavish spread, at least so I’m told. I asked the ward nurse if she could find a small table, so I can unpack it, and she was happy to oblige. Oh, here she is now.’
Later that afternoon, after they had had their merry picnic, everyone left except for Neville and Will Hasling. They wanted to stay with Edward because there were important matters to discuss, and also because the police were coming to ask Edward a few questions. Neville felt they should be with him during the police interview.
Neville had just finished explaining everything in detail to Will, and asked him to join his staff, when Dr Robertson entered the room. He was accompanied by a uniformed policeman and a detective.
Once they had all been introduced, the plainclothes policeman stepped forward, and asked, ‘Would you mind telling us exactly what happened to you, Mr Deravenel, please? We do have a police report from the local constable on the beat in Belsize Park, but that’s about it. Nothing much at all, sir.’
‘Of course, Inspector Laidlaw, I’m glad to do so,’ Ned answered. ‘I’d been visiting a friend in Belsize Park Gardens, in the late afternoon. I did stay for supper, and I was therefore longer than I’d planned. I left about nine o’clock, and walked up to the main road, seeking transportation. The problem was there were no hansom cabs around. I was surprised. However, there was nothing much I could do about it, and I decided to walk. I was heading for Primrose Hill, where I thought I would probably find a hansom. I was stopped at one point by a pedestrian, who asked me directions to Hampstead. It was when I was speaking with him that I was struck from behind. First across the shoulders and then on my head. I fell forward. And passed out. That’s all I know, Inspector. Until I woke up here today.’