Page 64 of The Duke Meets His Match

“Yes, sweetheart. Please pardon us, Emily, as I’d like a word with the doctor.”

Dr. Graves closed his bag and followed her into the hall outside the room.

“Are you the new orphanage physician, sir?” Chloe asked.

“No, miss. I was sent to treat Miss Emily and offer a second opinion on her condition.”

Chloe didn’t think the orphanage could afford the services of another doctor, and neither Mrs. Porter nor Mr. Whitleson had mentioned they would hire another physician. Was Dr. Graves providing charitable services for free? Or was Michael somehow involved? She regarded the doctor with somber curiosity as the question intrigued her.

“Are you a friend or distant family of the child?” he asked her.

Chloe nodded. “A close friend. I have grown quite attached to young Emily. What can you tell me about her condition?”

“Today was my first visit with her and, although it is too soon for a complete diagnosis, I believe the tonic the orphanage doctor has been treating her with is contributing to her decline. I recommend they cease the tonic and give her my medicine instead. She also needs to get outside. Being cooped up inside this old building is not conducive to anyone’s good health, let alone a sickly child. I understand physical activity causes her shortness of breath, but I do believe fresh air will do her lungs wonders.”

“Emily would love to go outside,” Chloe said. How many times had Emily mentioned hearing the other children playing outside with longing in her voice?

“I will leave strict instructions for her care, and I shall return each day to check on the child. I understand there might be a conflict with the orphanage physician, but I’m confident if my treatment is followed, Emily will see the benefits.”

Chloe wanted to kiss the man’s shoes. “If funds are an issue, I will personally contribute what I can.”

“There’s no need. His Grace has more than generously paid for my services in advance.”

Even though the thought had crossed her mind, she wanted confirmation. “His Grace? You mean the Duke of Cameron?”

“He seeks to keep his donations anonymous, but I suspected you already knew the truth after you saw me at his home.”

Michael had visited the child once, only once, and he’d suddenly become Emily’s benefactor. Why? Was it because of her?

“You said donations. Is there more?” she asked.

Dr. Graves smiled. “You are intelligent to catch my choice of wording. The duke has also made a sizeable donation to the orphanage to benefit all the children.”

Chloe’s emotions warred between shock, confusion, and gratitude. She loved Michael with all her heart. He was far from the coldhearted duke she’d initially believed. He was caring and generous. He did nothing to suffer the demons of his past.

Unlike her.

Too quickly, the old bitter feelings of unworthiness rose in her chest. She didn’t deserve to be Michael’s duchess. She knew why he’d changed his mind about marriage. He thought he was a danger to her because of his condition, not because of her past, but it didn’t stop her old feelings of shamefulness from arising. She dropped her lashes quickly to hide the hurt from the doctor.

Dr. Graves turned to glance inside the room. “I’m afraid Emily is fast asleep. The medicine makes her drowsy.”

“Thank you,” Chloe said. “I shall sit with her until she wakes.”

Dr. Graves handed her a paper. “If you ensure that the staff follows these instructions, I believe the child will improve. I shall return tomorrow.” The doctor hurried down the hall, leaving Chloe alone with her thoughts.

…

Michael woke late with a pounding headache and wanted nothing more than to barricade himself in his study for the remainder of the day. But first, he knew he needed to check on Henry. He hadn’t seen the young man since the debacle at Lady Huntingdon’s gathering. He should ensure, at the very least, that Henry had not succumbed to the same urge and drunk himself into a stupor last night.

Michael opened his bedchamber door and surprised his staff when he summoned his valet. He bathed, shaved, and changed, and was on his second cup of coffee in the dining room when Hodges stepped inside.

“Lord Sefton is here to see you, Your Grace.”

Michael was surprised. He wouldn’t have to run around town inquiring about Henry’s whereabouts after all. “Send him in.”

Henry’s eyes were bloodshot and his fair hair messed as if he’d run his fingers through it repeatedly. His normally neat attire was rumpled and his cravat loosely tied.

“Did you spend the entire evening drinking whisky at White’s?” Michael asked.