“I might have mentioned that he is to volunteer for the physical examination,” Martin continued. “After the fair.”
Edith shook her head slightly. “Nay, but it is nice to ken.”
“Aye.” Martin nodded, his gaze wavering slightly. “But he has fallen slightly ill, and he might nae be available for the examination after the village fair.”
“Och,” Edith murmured.
She briefly considered Violet. Perhaps this was an opportunity to have her volunteer at last. It would give the lass a chance to be around Martin as well.
“If he is truly unwell, then he should see ye,” she said.
Martin nodded. “He will.” His gaze flitted across her face as he continued, “I have considered the situation, and I think ye can do the examination earlier than planned.”
Edith’s eyes widened. “Now?” Her voice rose slightly in disbelief.
“In about an hour,” Martin replied. “On a real patient.”
Edith stilled. She had spent the last few days preparing for the examination. She had practiced extensively with Violet, holding the poor lass hostage to her anxiety and the nearly obsessive need to perfect every step. And yet, now that she was faced with the real deal, she could not help but doubt her own abilities.
She looked at Martin.
Perhaps he isnae certain of what he means.
“A real examination?” she asked quietly.
He nodded. “Aye. But only if ye think ye are ready.”
Edith panicked inwardly.
’Tis happening. ’Tis truly happening.
“If ye arenae,” Martin added, as though he could read her thoughts. “We can wait until later when I?—”
“Nay,” she blurted, her breathing heavier than it had been moments ago.
The past few days of waiting had been dreadful, and if she had to wait any longer, she thought she might lose her mind to worry.
“Nay,” she stammered. “I shall… I suppose I am ready.” Her fingers curled tighter into her skirt.
Ye can do this, Edith.
“Are ye certain?” Martin asked, his eyes narrowing slightly in worry. “I can postpone it if ye wish. I only thought to bring the opportunity to yer notice.”
Edith inhaled slowly. She was not yet ready to start practicing officially, but as unnerving as it was, the prospect of examining an actual patient before her final lesson was more exciting than she could let go of.
I wouldnae be any more prepared in a few days.
She nodded slowly, a small, brave smile spreading across her face. “I am ready. Truly,” she said.
Martin’s face broke into a smile of his own.
They went ahead then, following the rest of the corridor until they arrived at the healer’s chamber.
The fair was still hours from reaching its height. The castle grew quieter as it slowly emptied, and yet Edith found herself strangely content working beside Martin.
She helped him set up the chamber for the examination, following instructions as she had done during the previous lessons.
A few days ago, a physical examination had felt like a step closer to the life she truly wanted. And now, she felt as though she could almost touch that life.
