Mark of Caine Trilogy: Book One: Hidden in the Shadows (Victorian Villains) Read Online Free Page B

wimple. It would
make an ideal disguise. He folded the uniform and tucked it in leather courier
pouch that he kept with him at all times. If he was unsuccessful through
legitimate means, Tanner would resort to illegitimate means to secure his mark.
    “Dr. Rutledge will see you now,” Mrs.
Sutherland said. “If you will follow me this way.”
    The doctor sat behind a large oak desk, his
hands holding the letter and frowning. He tossed Tanner a cursory glance when
he entered, but did not rise to greet him. The office was filled with books,
rich furnishings, and the carpeting was new. Dr. Rutledge waved the letter in
Tanner’s direction.
    “What is all this? Sir Horatio Mayhew is
requesting his daughter’s release! This is news to me. Does he complain about
the treatment she’s received here?”
    Tanner folded his hands in front of him. “I
do not know the precise contents of the letter. I am only at liberty to say Sir
Horatio has had misgivings about committing his daughter. Miss Laura’s absence
has grieved Lady Mayhew and Sir Horatio would be easier in his mind if his
daughter were at home. He thanks you for the excellent care and compassion you
have shown Miss Laura, and he asks that you entrust her to my care so I may
return her to Dorset immediately.”
    “He expects me to sign my patient over to
you.”
    “He asks you to do so, yes.” Quietly unyielding. That is how to handle men like Rutledge .
    Dr. Rutledge sat back in his seat. He did
not invite Tanner to sit down. He stroked his moustache and scrutinized the man
in front of him suspiciously.
    “I confess I am not comfortable with this
proposal. Laura Mayhew is only now beginning to respond to treatment. In my
professional opinion, it would be criminal to remove her at this stage of her
recovery. I shall write Sir Mayhew to make my recommendation. Is he in Dorset?
It shouldn’t take more than a day to receive his reply. Not too much of an
inconvenience, surely, to ensure the well being of the patient?”
    Tanner shrugged. “Not too much of an
inconvenience. I am at your service, sir. May I see Miss Laura? I would like to
become reacquainted with her—with your permission, of course.”
    Dr. Rutledge wrote a message on a card of
paper and handed it to Tanner. “Give this to Mrs. Sutherland. She will arrange
to bring Laura to the solarium. You are not to upset her,” the doctor
instructed sternly. “Do not question her about her illness or her delusion. She
is still in its grip but I am confident a breakthrough is forthcoming. I will
not have you undoing all of my good work.”
    Tanner nodded a brief bow and left the
office. He found Mrs. Sutherland in the room across the hall and handed her the
card. The woman read the message and then gazed at Tanner in inquiry as though she
did not understand. Her eyes then fixed on his deformed face and she seemed to
be rendered speechless by what she saw.
    He had grown accustomed to such rudeness.
The cause of the paralysis on the left side of his face was due to his father
infecting his mother with syphilis in the early stages of her pregnancy. It had
been called a birth defect, but Tanner thought of it as a benediction. It had
marred him and directed his mind away from all things good.
    “Mrs. Sutherland,” he repeated, “will you
inform Miss Laura Mayhew that a gentleman has come from her father to see her,
and then if you could direct me to the solarium, I will wait for her there.”
    The Matron recalled her manners. “I will be
glad to, sir,” she said briskly. “If you will follow me this way, it won’t take
but a minute. Miss Laura will be so pleased to hear she has a visitor at last.
What name may I give?”
    “Tell her Mr. Tanner Caine is here to see
her and that we have a mutual friend who sends her regards. Thank you, Mrs.
Sutherland.”
    Tanner was ushered into a glass and green
enclosure, moist with vegetation, serene and refined. The conservatory was
furnished was small white tables and chairs