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Chapter Four
Minutes later, Bentleyarrived with Doctor Bells. The concern etched in Bentley’s face startled her. She recalled a similar incident. Did heworryabout her? How had she missed that? Perhaps her brother had been right when he said she focused on herself too much. Thomas had shown her so much and she feared she might never sort it all in time.
Bentley had attended her funeral. As much as she wanted to cast it all off as a nightmare, she knew better. Thomas had shown her a glimpse of her future and she feared it.
“Doctor Bells, how is Mrs. Winters? Has she delivered?” she asked sincerely, attempting to focus on the present.
Surprised, the doctor glanced at Bentley, who nodded. “Mrs. Winters unexpectedly gave birth to twins. ’Twas an early birth, and one babe was breech. The delivery was very difficult,” he answered. “They all survived. It may be touch and go for one baby, it being smaller than the other.”
“How awful. We shall have Cook make up a basket at once and send the food to them. The family must eat, and Mrs. Winters needs her rest at a time like this. Mrs. Stone, can you see to this?”
“Y... yes, m’lady,” the older woman stammered, glancing to Bentley and back to Agatha. “I will be ’appy to!” she added, her confusion giving way to delight.
“Thank you. In fact, with only three days until Christmas, there is much to do. We need to ready the house.” She sat up and turned to the physician. “I feel much better. Can you tell me how to avoid whatever occurred earlier? Seems that is the best course of action these days for me. And we have a holiday to prepare,” she quipped merrily.
“M’lady,are you sure?” Mrs. Stone asked, treading carefully.
“Of course! ’Tis Christmastide, is it not?” she demanded cheerfully.
“Yes, it is, but I have been told we never...”
“Neverusedto make a fuss,” she finished Mrs. Stone’s sentence. “I wish to make new traditions,” Agatha announced proudly.
“Doctor, she became dizzy and fell, claiming a headache. I swear I did not give her spirits, I promise,” the old woman whispered loudly to the doctor.
No, a spirit visited me,Agatha thought. Irritated at being spoken about while she was right there, she hissed, “I can hear you. I am not deaf. I have many good years ahead of me.”
Her housekeeper cackled, not in the least chastised. “I am delighted to help you, my lady.”
The doctor concluded his exam. “I believe your megrims have intensified. Hopefully, they will not continue. I will leave you laudanum in case they are severe. However, Mrs. Stone’s draughts and bedrest until tomorrow may be the best course. Your head should feel better quickly.”
“And I can go about my life. Thank you!” she replied merrily.
“Mr. Bentley mentioned your cat,” the doctor offered.
The doctor had not yet packed his bag and fled. How unusual. He usually bolted as quickly as possible, yet was not in a hurry and had engaged in conversation. “Yes, Pretty is a stray. She was nearly frozen to death but appears much better. However, I think she is... with kittens,” she finished. “They must be given a good chance to live.”
“May I?” he asked, taking out his stethoscope.
“I would appreciate it. I worry about her getting what she needs,” Agatha answered, anxiously rubbing her hands together.
Bells put the hollow wooden tube against the animal’s stomach and listened. After checking her other parts, including her gums and ears, he packed his instruments. “I am not an animal doctor, but I believe she is in fine health. In a few weeks, she will give birth to at least two kittens. I thought I saw a third one move in her belly, so be prepared,” he pronounced, smiling.
“Oh goody! I thought as much,” she said, clapping her hands. She picked up Pretty. “You are going to be a mother, little lady! And I think you will be marvelous.”
“Cook is warming milk. I will bring a dish upstairs so she can keep you company, my lady,” her housekeeper piped in.
“Thank you, Mrs. Stone. You have been so helpful.”
“I will take my leave, my lady,” the doctor rejoined.
“Thank you for everything, doctor. I truly appreciate it.” She found that she meant it.
*
Charles escorted thedoctor to the door. His own head throbbed, having experienced the biggest personality shift he had ever witnessed. What in the world had happened to Lady Wendt? Had she just complimented the new housekeeperandthe doctor? He admitted to himself, he was pleased. However, hewasbaffled at the change. Wearing a smile for the first time in a long time, he went about his duties until called for dinner. Taking his plate, he went to his room, needing time to reflect on the day.
Lady Wendt had behaved so much more like the lovely woman he recalled wanting to court as a young man. This was closer to the woman he had held in his dreams all those years ago, and far different from the woman he had known these last five years.
