Page 102 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“No,” Dr Frederick answered, with far more resolve than he had before.

There was a sudden movement, a flicker of the lamp’s flame, and Dr Frederick found his arm in Lord Jeffrey’s tight grip.

“I will take away everything you have, your life’s work,” Lord Jeffrey snapped.

“Unhand me; I had warned you about this,” Dr Frederick said, attempting to draw his hand away but finding Lord Jeffrey’s grip tight.

“You have been warned, Doctor,” Lord Jeffrey said, releasing his hand.

Dr Frederick kicked the door open and jumped out of the carriage. He mounted his horse and started riding away. He tried to think, but he couldn’t. He had never been so rattled in his life. He kicked into the horse, sending it into a flying pace.

Chapter 22

A Grand Future without Her

Dr Frederick poured water on his face again. It just made him wet and cold. It couldn’t wash away the creeping fear or reflex spasm his hand did. He was rattled, and he knew it.

I shouldn’t take his words lightly. He looked serious. But how do I handle my feelings with Helena?

Seeing Helena again that evening had reignited the dying embers in his heart. Now he just wanted another chance to see her.

But at what cost?

There were two quick knocks on the door.

“Come in, Frank.”

Mister Frank came inside the room and looked taken aback when he saw his master. Dr Frederick looked around to appraise the situation himself. He was sitting dejectedly on his reading chair, his hair and face were wet and the room was dimly lit. Mister Frank had the right to look concerned.

“Is anything the matter sir?”

Dr Frederick shook his head. Even if he said yes, there was very little Mister Frank could do. Mister Frank didn’t say anything for a while. He looked to be weighing his options: to find out what was unsettling his master or to say what brought him to the room. Dr Frederick hoped he did the latter. He did.

“Sir, while you were away, a few test animals were transferred here,” Mister Frank said.

Mister Frank then smiled. He interlocked his fingers and rested them on his lap as he stood. Mister Frank was pleased about something.

“I didn’t know you ordered monkeys. Three juvenile monkeys were brought here. I knew you wanted to use monkeys but wasn’t that meant for when your research was close to its end? Are you already so close to finishing sir?”

Dr Frederick shook his head.

“I didn’t,” Dr Frederick said, feeling very tired, “I didn’t order monkeys.”

“You didn’t. So who did?” Mister Frank asked.

Dr Frederick nodded his head.

Lord Jeffrey.

“Do not be bothered about that. Just keep them and give them water in a bowl and fruits. I’ll start work on them soon,” Dr Frederick said.

Mister Frank smiled and looked to have forgotten the unanswered question. He nodded, turned, and walked out of the room. Dr Frederick held his head between his hands and screamed with his lips closed. The sound came out as an animalistic groan.

Lord Jeffrey was serious. He could take away his research. He could, and he would.

Dr Frederick stood up from the chair. He was about to wash his face again for the fourth time since he had come back. He had gotten to the sink when it struck him.

I am being such a fool, again.