Chapter 53

Tarquin heard the clatter of voices approaching and planted himself firmly outside the hospital room, a living barrier to their advance. Not an inch closer to Elijah would they

come.

Allegra, Tarquin’s aunt, was clearly displeased, “Tarquin, the moment we heard Elijah was under the weather and admitted, we braved the snow to see him. A ‘thank you‘ is the least we’d expect. Now you are not thanking us but barring the door. What’s the meaning of this?”

Tarquin didn’t even grant her a glance, “Elijah isn’t pining for your company.”

“Nonsense! I’m your father’s sister and your aunt, and I’m related to him too! How dare you speak to me this way? Have you no regard for me or your own father?” Allegra scowled.

Tarquin raised his head at the mention of his father, “If it weren’t for my dad, do you you’d even be allowed to speak in my presence?”

think

“You… Listen to this, Dad. This is your darling grandson. Does he give a hoot about the Bradford family? He…”

“Enough! Zip it! This is a hospital, not some fish market. We’re supposed to keep the peace here. As the madam of Bradfords, you are yelling all the time and stooping low instead of acting high and mighty. That’s so inappropriate.” Gideon snapped back, silencing her.

“I…” Allegra was so taken aback by the retort that she started to cry.

down. Tarquin’s already on edge with Elijah being sick, and you’re fanning the flames

dad.”

have dared to speak to

attempted to soothe the tension before turning to Tarquin. “Look, Tarquin, your aunt here is genuinely worried about

and lit a cigarette.

fret. Elijah’s the last of the Bradfords. He’s got his

really?” Gideon inquired.

flicked ash from his cigarette, “Same

and no improvement?”

didn’t respond. Then Verity remarked, “It’s a malady of the

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20.07

therapy that regular doctors can’t

like this. Elijah is the sole male heir of our generation. He’s supposed to inherit the full weight of the Bradford legacy. But in this

was cut off by a sharp look from Gideon.

the theatrics, he decided to get straight to the point, “What do you all want? Spit it out.

knew they weren’t here out of concern for

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