But Aiden could tell from Wyeth’s tone that he didn’t think exceptions were made. How fortunate he and Finn were to have been given over to Ettie Trewlove.

“I always imagined his heir had a charmed life,” Finn said.

Wyeth snorted. “When he gave me attention, which was rare, it was usually to find fault or to reiterate how I was falling short of his expectations. He was the better cricket player, the better yachtsman, the more skilled horseman. The better shot. It was as though we were always in competition. And when I did best him, he would get angry and somehow find fault with my achievement. It got to the point where I no longer cared if I pleased him.”

Footsteps sounded, increasing in volume as someone descended the stairs. With a somberness hovering around him, Graves walked into the parlor. The men stood while Lady Elverton remained seated. Aiden wasn’t certain what message Graves communicated to Wyeth, but the young man moved aside, and Graves joined the countess on the sofa, taking her hand. “As we feared, Lord Elverton has suffered apoplexy. Quite severely. A good bit of his body has gone numb. He seems to have lost his ability to speak. I fear, dear lady, that he is presently bedridden, and I do not hold out much hope that situation will change.”

With very little expression revealed, the countess nodded sagely, as though she’d expected his dire words. “How long? How long will he suffer?”

“It’s difficult to tell. It could be as short as a few hours or as long as several years.”

As unkind as it was, Aiden hoped for years. He wanted the man to have nothing else to do but ponder his actions and live with the unhappiness he’d brought others.

“Is there no treatment?” Wyeth asked.

Graves shifted his attention over to the viscount. “I fear not, my lord. You could hire a nurse to see to him, move his limbs about so the muscles don’t atrophy on the off chance he gains the ability to use them again.”

“No,” the countess said. “We’ll have no need to hire a nurse. He is my husband and I shall tend to him. His valet can handle the unpleasant tasks such as washing him up and keeping him tidy. I’ll increase his salary.”

“Extreme patience is required to attend to the needs of an invalid,” the doctor told her kindly.

“Tending to any of my husband’s needs has always required significant patience.”

“Lady Elverton—”

She patted his hand gently. “Do not worry yourself, Doctor. I won’t slip arsenic into his food. I will do naught to hasten his demise.”

He nodded. “How are you feeling, my lady?”