He had no desire to correct her … or lie. They had enjoyed numerous conversations — and several stolen kisses — under the willow tree. “I am relieved. For a moment, I thought you were trying to call off our engagement, and I would have had to object.”
“Like Lady Catherine?” Her eyes glinted mischievously.
“I can be persuasive.”
She hummed. “I believe that. But I will spare you the effort. I would be the worst fool to deny myself more of your kisses.”
A pony and cart rambled down the lane, turning down the path to Longbourn.
Elizabeth popped up to her feet. “That is Dr. Sculthorpe! Fluffy, white whiskers and a jolly, round face. It is him! He has not changed at all.”
Darcy followed her to the house, trying not to resent the doctor’s poor timing when he was their best, and last, recourse.
Mr. Bennet waved from the door, meeting his friend by the cart. “Sculthorpe, my good fellow! It has been a long time.”
“Too long!”
“I hope you had a pleasant trip. Are you well?”
The doctor’s cheeks shone like freshly picked and polished apples. “There will be time enough to catch up, Bennet. Where is this daughter of yours?” His eyes landed on Elizabeth as Mr. Bennet introduced Darcy to the physician.
Sculthorpe bowed elegantly. “The forgotten betrothed. I am glad you are here, sir, as I shall require your assistance.” He clucked his tongue, his stomach bobbing up and down as he chuckled. “Ah, Lizzy, you must have hit your head very hard to forget such a fine gentleman. Fear not, dear girl, we will soon put you right.”
Darcy liked him immediately, but experience (and his own nature) made him cautious. “Where did you attend medical school?” he asked.
“The University of Edinburgh, many moons ago. And a stint at St. Bart’s.”
“Highly regarded institutions,” Darcy owned. “Have you enjoyed a burgeoning practice since?”
The doctor’s stomach shook again. Up down up down up down. “Perhaps not as burgeoning as my peers.” He fell in beside Darcy, following Mr. Bennet inside the house, adding, “While I believe much experience is to be gained from a regular medical practice, I admit to a weakness of curiosity. A good deal of my time is spent pursuing the reasons behind popularly accepted treatments.” He stopped outside the door. “You see, Mr. Darcy, just as you are skeptical about me — and justifiably so — I do not so easily trust common methods unless they can be proved scientifically. My investigations and findings have put me in high demand at the universities that invite me to present lectures. But, alas, I am an old man, and find it more comfortable to settle at Cambridge and continue my experiments from my nearby residence. As you can understand, this does not allow much time for me to attend to patients.”
Darcy had one more question, then he would be satisfied. “What is your opinion on Bichar’s Law of Symmetry?”
The same twinkle Darcy had often observed in Mr.Bennet appeared in Dr. Sculthorpe’s eyes. He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Hogwash. Trite twaddle. A pretty theory which defies all common sense. Do you know, Mr. Darcy, how Bichat perished?”
“No.”
“Of a head injury.”
Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth had turned to listen in the entrance. They both gasped, as did Darcy.
The doctor continued, “And yet doctors continue to spread his nonsense, bashing their patients over the heads and collecting a fee for their exertion when any mean-spirited drunk would perform the service free of charge.“
Darcy could not contain his laugh. This man was marvelous.
“I am grateful to have avoided such a painful outcome. Mr. Darcy would not let Mr. Jones near me once he suggested the treatment,” said Elizabeth.
Smile reaching his eyes, Dr. Sculthorpe smacked Mr. Bennet on the shoulder. “I see you are to be blessed with a son-in-law with an active, highly functioning mind. I applaud Lizzy’s choice and your good sense being willing to part with her for such a gentleman.”
Darcy bowed his head. “I apologize for my distrust, but this has been difficult enough on Elizabeth. I am desperate for her to remember me, but I will not compromise her welfare.”
Dr. Sculthorpe greeted the Bennets assembled inthe drawing room. Mary and Kitty curtsied prettily, uttering the usual pleasantries.
Mrs. Bennet curtsied deeply, her manners calm and pleasant, a lady completely at ease in the world. “Dr. Sculthorpe, we hope you will stay with us as long as Cambridge can spare you. I am certain Mr. Darcy will enjoy your conversation as much as Mr. Bennet, and I have had the decanter in his study topped off in the expectation you will keep the gentlemen company and help my Lizzy. Hill will carry your things to the guest room with our new footman,” she gushed. Nary a word referencing her nerves or the vexation of housing another guest. Not one anxious comment about her unmarried daughters or Elizabeth’s injury.
Lydia slipped in behind them, floating into the room with a vacant smile, followed by the rest of their party.
After introductions, Dr. Sculthorpe commented on Mrs. Bennet. “I do say, your nerves have experienced a remarkable improvement.”
