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“Can you hear me, my lord? Stay calm, breathe slowly,” I instructed, looking into his panicked eyes. The man nodded but still was breathing quite irregularly. I looked at the marquess as well as the gathering crowd. “I cannot examine him here, we must take him home—”
“My home is closer. You will tend to him there!” Lord Monthermer said before calling for his carriage, and I glanced back up at him.
You will tend to him.
The five words refused to me yesterday were given freely today. I always wished for the best with all of my patients, that did not change, but I could not deny there was a greater spark of…determination in me.
And also…hope that I’d be able to see her.
11
Verity
May 15, 1813
What is it to like or to love?
Who is it that measures the portions of either?
Is it akin to a tether, bound hereinabove?
Like lovebirds who found themselves in a strange world?
Afraid, taken from their heaven.
But such the only thoroughfare to their beloved.
“Should you not be resting?”
I closed my journal immediately, turning back to the only person who ever entered without warning or permission.
“If I rest any longer, Hathor, the bed and I shall become one,” I replied as she outstretched her hands to give me a cup of tea. “Thank you. May I ask why you brought tea instead of a maid?”
“I was forced to do so because apparently there is a plague.” She huffed as she sat on my bed.
“A plague? In London? Yes, I do see why the maids are preoccupied.” I chuckled, blowing on my tea as she let out an even deeper sigh, which was why I was sure she was being dramatic and there was no actual cause for concern. Besides, no one had mentioned anything when my supper was brought up.
“There is no other explanation for why everyone is suddenly turning up ill left and right. How are we supposed to enjoy the season if everyone is collapsing?” she grumbled.
“I was merely tired this morning, Hathor, no need for you to—”
“Not just you! First Clementina. Silva has been rather unwell and unable to accompany me as of late. Yesterday Lord Wyndham’s son collapsed in the middle of the royal menagerie. Then you—”
“Once again, I am perfectly well,” I interrupted before taking another sip of the tea. It was much sweeter than the ones prepared this morning.
“And as if that were not enough Lord Hardinge collapsed during our walk this afternoon.”
“Truly? Is he all right? What was the matter?”
“We do not know, and he has yet to recover even still.” She let out another sigh and fell back on the bed. “Thank goodness Mr. Parwens and Dr. Darrington were nearby or father would have injured himself trying to bring Lord Hardinge back home with us. Now the whole house is running to aid Dr. Darrington.”
I coughed against my teacup. “I beg your pardon?”
“Father insisted that Lord Hardinge be brought back here for Dr. Darrington to treat him. Mama of course sent me off but I—”
“Is he here? In the house? At this very moment?”
“Who? Lord Hardinge? Yes. Are you not listening to me? Dr. Darrington is tending to him in the guest room downstairs.”
I could not believe the words coming out of her mouth. Just this morning, on the very bed she now lay upon airing out her grievances, I had made…a bet? An oath? I was not sure, but I clearly stated in my mind that if Dr. Darrington somehow managed to arrive this very day, I would not…I would not deny my feelings. And this evening he was here.
How was it possible for him to be here?
This could not be. Such things said in jest did not happen in truth. Never had I ever requested anything and had it appear before me within hours. I was so stunned that I was not sure what to say. But as Hathor explained the events that had led to this moment my eyes drifted to the floor beneath my feet.
He was here.
Just a few steps below me, he was here.
My heart began to pound fast, so much so that the room felt as though it were no longer steady. Carefully I placed the tea on the desk behind me before rising and throwing myself upon the bed.
“Are you all right?” Hathor asked from beside me.
“I am unsure.”
“Was it the tea?”
“No.”
“Then should I call Dr. Darrington—”
“Certainly not.” For that would make me feel far worse.
“What has come over everyone lately?” She shook her head at me as she rose from the bed. “Soon, I’ll end up being some sort of nurse.”
“Wouldn’t the logical outcome be you unwell, rather than becoming a nurse?” I asked.
“I do not get ill, as sickness does not look good on me. Now please hurry up and gather your senses so tomorrow you will be of more use. I shall come to check on you once more should you need anything. Mama will be preoccupied with our other guests.”
