Edith gave the doctor a bow of her head. It was odd to have such a polite, formal introduction while being half-naked and drenched. But to his credit, the doctor’s stare didn’t linger on her legs. He seemed happy for whatever reason.
“Fantastic. Fantastic.” Dr. York bowed. “Dr. Winkworth, I’m happy to make your acquaintance, and I’m pleased we’re colleagues.”
Not really.
“Please carry on doing whatever you were doing with Perry before my interruption.”
“Actually, I want to go home,” Perry said. “I’ve just had a seizure.”
Dr. York’s face changed instantly, becoming serious. “A seizure? How long did it last? Was there stiffness involved or spasms? What triggered it?” He patted his jacket and trousers.
“I don’t know.” Perry nodded at the pool. “I jumped into the water, and after I came out, I had the seizure.”
“Why did you jump into the pool?” Dr. York fished out a notepad and a pencil from his pocket.
“My friends tossed me into the pool as a jest,” Edith said. “Perry helped me get out. I’m not fond of water. He was very kind.”
“Very kind,” Dr. York repeated under his breath, writing on the notepad.
“May I escort you home?” Perry asked.
Home? Now? Absolutely not. She needed to get dry, dressed, and composed before returning home. Or rather, sneaking into her bedroom without waking up her parents.
“I don’t want to go home. My friend, Daphne, is here.”
His dark eyebrows formed a deep V. “Yourfrienddid nothing to help you. She encouraged that man to toss you in the water.”
Yes, that was something she’d discuss with Daphne. “I know, but we came together.”
“You could have died,” he insisted.
“I’ll give her a piece of my mind, but I should seek her.” Her voice trembled. Lying in a letter was one thing, but lying to his face was quite another. “I don’t want to go home in this state.” That was likely the first true thing she’d told him in years.
Perry opened his mouth, but Dr. York cut him off.
“I have a fantastic idea as usual. Why doesn’t Dr. Winkworth come to Perry’s house? As a physician, miss, you should know you might catch a cold unless you change into dry clothes. Perry will be more than happy to provide assistance, won’t you, Perry?”
“Of course.” Perry kept frowning. “Where are your clothes?”
“Over there at the card table.” She made her way across the room with Perry protecting her from the crowd like a gargoyle and Dr. York muttering something she didn’t catch.
The table where she’d played cards with Neville, Valentine, and Daphne was empty, and her shoes and clothes had disappeared as well.
She shivered, trying to cover more of her legs. “I don’t have any idea where my clothes or friends could be.”
“I should have offered you my jacket earlier.” Dr. York handed her his jacket. “Perry’s is wet as well. So, will you come with us, miss? We promise to be gentlemen.”
Perry’s frown was so deep she wondered if it’d leave a permanent crease on his brow.
Well, she needed to get dry and change, and going to Perry’s house was better than going home half naked and dishevelled. Not to mention she was angry with Daphne for how she’d behaved.
Also, she had no doubt Perry would be a gentleman.
