Page 15 of The Marquess of Secrets

Lydia nodded, pulling the blanket closer about her shoulders.

“Then I will instruct Sister Monica to bring you elderflower water with two drops of laudanum. The elderflower will ease your sore throat, and the laudanum will help you relax and sleep.” He paused. “You’ve no issues with laudanum?”

Did he think her a drug fiend?

Annoyance made her bristle, but considering the marks on her arm, what else was the man to think?

“No issues.”

“Very well. Rest. I will check on you tomorrow.”

Doctor Damian barely stepped away from her when a clamor rose nearby.

A man yelled, “Coppers! Leg it, or they’ll take ye away!”

Police? Here?

Panic settled deep inside her, causing her skin to prickle. Grabbing her bundle, Lydia stood, as did others who could manage it.

Doctor Damian strode toward a man in a bowler hat, wearing an outrageous plaid suit. He stood near one of the nuns. Lydia inched closer to hear what the commotion was about.

The surrounding crowd buzzed with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

One woman standing next to her said, “Well, that’s it. Mark my words, this place will be shut down and all of us ‘auled off to the nick.”

Dear God. No.

Fear gripped Lydia, her insides twisting in a knot.

“This is Doctor Damian,” the nun declared. “You speak to him.”

The copper had a weasel face and a long nose. Already Lydia did not like the look of him.

“Detective Constable Willis, with the Metropolitan Police. I’m investigating a pharmaceutical theft from St. Thomas Hospital. One of the suspects has done a runner, and I’m checking various places the young lady might be hiding.”

Lydia’s heart banged against her ribcage in alarm.

St. Thomas. It is where she trained.

Where she worked—with John Huntsford.

“Before we go any further, do you have an identification card?” Doctor Damian asked, his tone cold and officious.

DC Willis handed one over.

“This card says G Division, in King’s Cross. Aren't you a little off your track?”

The detective sniffed. “This case has been given top priority, and because of it, all divisions are taking on this case. I am seeking a nurse by the name of Lydia Chesterton. Has anyone with that name straggled in here recently? Young and pretty she is, with golden hair. She’s wanted for questioning.”

Lydia gasped. They were looking for her.

Damn Huntsford, he must have gone through with his miserable scheme and pointed the finger at her.

Doctor Damian handed the card to the copper. “No one with that name here, though who is to say we are given the correct names?”

“Then you won’t object to me having a look for myself for anyone fitting the description.”

The crowd grew restless, the murmurs became louder. There were probably more people than her down here hiding from society.