Chapter 31

"Good heavens!"

Marguerite hurried outside, followed by Matthew.

When they entered Goddard's chamber, the old man had been laid down in his bed, two servants standing at the bedside. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn to allow sunlight into the room while the sheer curtains were left closed to soften the sun's rays.

The very sight of the unconscious Goddard brought Matthew up short. It wasn't until he saw Goddard in close quarters that he realized that the man looked much older and frail. Matthew wasn't aware of it before because most of the time he met his employer at night, but in the daylight he noticed that his employer's complexion was dull and lifeless, and his skin had turned bluish gray. Matthew didn't know for certain what was ailing the tireless man, but he guessed after all these years, Goddard's heavy drinking and damaging lifestyle finally took a toll on his health.

Within minutes the doctor arrived, and they waited outside during the examination. As the minutes ticked