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“Mrs. O’Leary, do you own a boarding house?” If this truly was the woman who sold any number of women from her boarding house, including their friend, Lizbeth Mallory, into brothels, Rayne would find it hard to do her duty as a doctor.
“No. I did own a boarding house, but I was forced to sell it.”
The pain in the woman’s voice reminded Rayne that she was a patient. As a doctor, sworn to heal the suffering regardless of who they were, she needed to focus on helping her.
“I am going to place a cloth over your face. It contains chloroform which will make you sleep. When you awaken, the procedure will be finished.”
“Just do it. I am in a lot of pain.” Her snappish tone could be from her suffering but considering who she was and what she’d done to destroy so many young girls’ lives, Rayne was hard pressed to f
eel sympathy.
She reached out for the cloth and bottle of chloroform that Miss Kincaid held and doused the linen with the liquid. “Turn your head to the side so I can place the cloth over your face.”
Once the woman was asleep, Rayne began to remove the bullet. “This bullet is right next to her spine,” she said as she prodded the wound with a pair of forceps. She looked over at Edwin. “She might never walk again.”
Edwin snorted. “Serves the bitch right.”
Instead of chastising him, Rayne smiled and nodded. “Not very professional of me to agree, but I do.”
She worked diligently, removing the bullet, cleaning the wound, sewing it up, placing honey over it and bandaging her up. The last part with Edwin’s and Miss Kincaid’s help since Rayne was unable move the woman by herself.
“Thank goodness you were here, Edwin. I don’t think Miss Kincaid and I could have moved Mrs. O’Leary.” Rayne spoke over her shoulder as she washed her hands. She grinned at him. “Well, that’s why I have you.”
Edwin walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Do you have me?” His voice was low and gravelly.
Luckily, Miss Kincaid had left the room to bring the supplies to the kitchen to clean.
The warmth from his body heated her to the point where she felt the need to remove her clothes. Feel skin to skin contact. She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. When she thought of removing clothes and skin to skin it had nothing to do with cooling off, and more to do with succumbing to the passion they’d been dancing around for days.
“For now.”
Edwin backed up and leaned against the sink, crossing his arms over his chest, so he could see her face. “You have me for as long as you wish. If I had my way, you would have me forever.”
“I cannot think about that now.” She shook off her wet hands and took the towel he held out. He really was the best assistant.
“Dr. Stevens, a letter has arrived for you from the post.” Walter held out the missive and she smiled as she looked down. “It’s from my sister.”
“The one you are hoping will take Glory?”
“Yes.” Rayne sliced it open and began to read. Happiness filled her as she read Mary Beth’s words.
Dearest Sister,
Dean and I would love to take the little girl and raise her. And Glory is such a wonderful name! I am currently packing for the three of us to travel to Bath and retrieve our new daughter. Dean has already contacted our solicitor to see about adoption.
You may expect to see us in about a week’s time from when you receive this letter.
Love, Mary Beth
Rayne folded the note and tucked it into her pocket. “They are delighted to have a daughter and will be here in about a week’s time.”
“I am very happy for Glory. She will have a wonderful life as I am sure your sister is as sweet as you are.”
“Sweet?” She laughed. “You think I’m sweet? Do you not remember I was the one who confiscated your friends’ flasks and threw them out?”
“Do you mean you threw out Manchester and Brennan or their flasks?”
“Both.” As a doctor she could not afford to be sweet. She had to make difficult decisions all the time. But it warmed her to know that Edwin thought that of her.
