Dr. Bennett arrived twenty minutes later, soaked and clearly irritated by the call. He examined Arthur in the study while Mrs. Gordon hovered near the door, her face etched with worry.

“It’s another panic episode,” the doctor said finally. “His blood pressure is elevated and he’s dealing with severe exhaustion.”

Arthur looked away, refusing to acknowledge the diagnosis.

“I’ve told you before—you cannot continue like this,” the doctor warned.

“I pay you for treatment, not for lectures,” Arthur countered.

“You pay me very well, so you get both, whether you like it or not,” the doctor said with a sigh.