Page 109 of Lord Ravenscroft Is Not a Gentleman

Oliver’s licence had successfully been reinstated, but it had taken over a year. Then he’d finished his studies in alienism. Since then, he’d found one drama after the other to keep him busy.

“You can’t find a leather bag that matches your Italian leather shoes?” she asked.

“Your stethoscope is out of fashion?” Perry asked.

Oliver lowered his hand. “Very funny. Shall I remind you that, if you’re conquering your personal fears, it’s thanks to me?Fears must be mastered, that’s my motto.” He fished out a few pieces of paper from his pocket. “Here’s the problem. How can I choose?” He put the cards on the low table.

Edith leant over. Each calling card had a different style and colour, and the writings ‘Dr. Oliver York Physician and Alienist’ shone with distinctive types of characters and colours. On the back, the motto ‘fears must be mastered’ was embossed.

“If I choose the wrong one,” Oliver said, “no one will take me seriously.”

“I don’t think the card is the problem,” Perry said.

Edith poked him with her elbow. “Be nice.” She picked up the blue card with the characters in gold. “I like this one.”

Oliver took it. “Yes, I—” As he turned it around, the sharp edge cut his fingertip, and a ruby drop of blood trickled down his finger. He paled. “Blood…”

“It’s just a paper cut—Oliver!” Edith wasn’t fast enough to catch him before he fainted and slumped out of the armchair.

“I can’t believe it.” Perry held him up and slapped his cheek. “Oliver.”

“He’s scared of blood. He’s a doctor.”

“So much for his motto.” Perry laid his friend on the sofa.

“But he’s right. He helped us.” She checked his pulse.

Perry kissed her lightly on the lips. “He did, but it was you who conquered all my fears.”