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Samantha simply had to stop thinking like an idiot when it came to the good doctor.
He applied some tincture to the wound, with Felicity keeping a firm hold on the cat just in case, and then deftly wrapped a small bandage around the paw, tying it off. He gave Hercules another pat on the head before uncoiling himself and rising with easy, masculine grace.
“Well done, Miss Felicity,” he said as he helped the girl to her feet. “You make an excellent assistant.”
She touched her fingers to her lips and mouthedthank you.
“You’re welcome.”
Samantha touched her sister’s arm and looked toward the door. Felicity grimaced, circling her fist in front of her chest.
Sorry.
“It’s fine,” Samantha replied. “Take Hercules upstairs. I’ll be up soon.”
The girl hoisted the cat in her arms and shyly smiled at the doctor.
“It was a pleasure to meet you,” he said.
She dipped an endearingly lopsided curtsy and carried her beastly beast from the room.
Kendrick stared thoughtfully after her, waiting for Mrs. Johnson to close the door. Then he looked at Samantha.
“I’m assuming your sister’s condition is the reason for Lord Beath’s poor behavior to her?”
When she blinked, he turned up his hands.
“Sorry,” he said. “I am sometimes much too blunt.”
Samantha waved a hand. “It’s actually rather nice, not having to pretend. And you assume correctly. Lord Beath finds my sister-in-law’s condition distasteful.”
“That is entirely moronic.”
She choked out a surprised laugh. “I certainly wouldn’t disagree.”
“Was Miss Felicity born deaf?”
“She contracted a raging fever when she was three and lost her hearing. Her parents, who were alive at the time, kept her confined to the country. They were ashamed of her, you see.” Then she paused, embarrassed to have blurted out such private details. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”
He shrugged. “It’s because I’m a doctor. People tend to tell us everything.”
“That sounds rather awful.”
“We do learn to keep secrets.”
“Oh, uh, that’s good.”
Ninny.
“So, Lord Beath would rather she remain in the country,” he said as he finished packing up his satchel. “That’s why he took her with him after your husband’s death.”
She grimaced. Despite his matter-of-fact attitude, it was still embarrassing to reveal the family’s dirty laundry.
“I’m sorry,” he quietly said. “That must have been very difficult.”
For a long moment, they stared at each other. Samantha found herself again transfixed by his gaze. Time seemed to slow, and a sensation she’d not felt in a long time stole over her.
Peace.
