Mrs. Johnson's face drained of all color. Her hand trembled in Edward Beaumont's grasp.
"I haven't heard that name in years," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Before she could say more, a violent coughing fit seized her. Her frail body shook with each harsh cough, and crimson droplets spattered the handkerchief she pressed to her lips.
I rushed to her side, forgetting everything else. "Mrs. Johnson, your medicine—"
Cameron pushed past me. "Evelyn! Breathe, darling, just breathe."
Mr. Beaumont stepped back, face etched with concern. "I apologize. I didn't mean to cause distress."
The coughing continued, growing more violent. Mrs. Johnson's eyes were wide with panic as she struggled for air. Cameron supported her while I retrieved her medication from the side table and handed it to him.
"Call Dr. Watson," Cameron barked at one of the maids. "Tell him it's an emergency!"
Caleb Beaumont exchanged a look with his father. "Perhaps we should continue this another time."
