Read Online My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Hazel Statham - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Hazel Statham
Ads: Link
have a private conversation with you.”
“Of course I am well enough to receive him,” Robert replied irritably. “I don’t need coddling. If I can but rid myself of this infernal pain in my head, I will be fine.”
At that moment Hills announced the doctor ’s arrival and ushered him into the room, effectively cutting short any further discourse on the subject of Patterson. He was a small, thin featured individual with birdlike movements and a great show of concern for the most esteemed English duke. Hills acted as interpreter and the doctor made a great show of examining his patient who bore his ministrations with what fortitude he could muster.
Never before in his long career, had the doctor been called upon to tend such an eminent personage. It was a poor area and his patients mainly consisted of farmers and their families, therefore he felt it a great honor to have been summoned and made much ado over his examination, fussing until the duke felt he could bear it no longer.
However, when the medic made known his intentions of bloodletting, he was left in no doubt that it would certainly find no favor with the invalid. The duke, in dangerously quiet tones, ordered Hills to inform him that if he so much as attempted it he would find his services immediately dispensed with, without any payment.
Hills being aware of the consequences of incurring his employer’s wrath, attempted to defuse the situation and took the doctor to one side. “Perhaps another remedy could be found?” he suggested. “One that does not require his grace to be cupped?”
Shrugging his shoulders, but mindful that he should not lose his fee, the doctor produced yet another ominous looking phial with the instructions that he was to be called immediately should there be the slightest deterioration of his patient ’s condition.
Being ushered out of the room some few minutes later this estimable individual avowed his intention of returning later in the day and in the meantime ordered that the revered duke must stay abed, not so much as attempting to put his feet to the floor or he would not vouch for the consequences.
Mentally consigning his tormentor to the devil and with mounting irritation at his own continued weakness, the duke instructed Hills to seek out the coachman to find out how long it would take to complete the repairs. He did not intend to remain inactive for any longer than was necessary when so much was at stake.
The thought that they were within reach of Harry constantly gnawed at Jane’s consciousness but her anxiety for Robert also weighed heavily, the depth of it taking her quite by surprise. Beginning to despair of her charge, she tried to soothe his mood. “I assure you, sir, the delay will not alter the course of things. Indeed, to attempt to travel in your condition would cause more problems than it would resolve .”
For her troubles, she was rewarded with a wan smile. “Poor girl, am I driving you to distraction?” he asked, contrition heavy in his voice and he took her hand as she put a compress to his brow. “I fear it is now your turn to administer to me. However, I will do my best not to be nauseous. I would not wish it on you.”
“ For that I am grateful, sir,” she responded, smiling, relieved that at last he seemed calmer. “I do not have your fortitude when presented with such a situation. Now do you think you would try to eat something before Sgt. Patterson arrives, though I suspect not the gruel that the good doctor prescribed?”
He grinned ruefully. “Most definitely not the gruel. I require something far more substantial. Perhaps I can persuade you to procure some ham and eggs for me from the kitchen. Better still, if you would but allow it, I could rise and order my own.”
“ That you will not, sir,” she said rising to the bait, as he knew she would. “I will place the order myself.”
Then as she gained the door, he called to her, “Jane…”
Pausing, she glanced over her
“Of course I am well enough to receive him,” Robert replied irritably. “I don’t need coddling. If I can but rid myself of this infernal pain in my head, I will be fine.”
At that moment Hills announced the doctor ’s arrival and ushered him into the room, effectively cutting short any further discourse on the subject of Patterson. He was a small, thin featured individual with birdlike movements and a great show of concern for the most esteemed English duke. Hills acted as interpreter and the doctor made a great show of examining his patient who bore his ministrations with what fortitude he could muster.
Never before in his long career, had the doctor been called upon to tend such an eminent personage. It was a poor area and his patients mainly consisted of farmers and their families, therefore he felt it a great honor to have been summoned and made much ado over his examination, fussing until the duke felt he could bear it no longer.
However, when the medic made known his intentions of bloodletting, he was left in no doubt that it would certainly find no favor with the invalid. The duke, in dangerously quiet tones, ordered Hills to inform him that if he so much as attempted it he would find his services immediately dispensed with, without any payment.
Hills being aware of the consequences of incurring his employer’s wrath, attempted to defuse the situation and took the doctor to one side. “Perhaps another remedy could be found?” he suggested. “One that does not require his grace to be cupped?”
Shrugging his shoulders, but mindful that he should not lose his fee, the doctor produced yet another ominous looking phial with the instructions that he was to be called immediately should there be the slightest deterioration of his patient ’s condition.
Being ushered out of the room some few minutes later this estimable individual avowed his intention of returning later in the day and in the meantime ordered that the revered duke must stay abed, not so much as attempting to put his feet to the floor or he would not vouch for the consequences.
Mentally consigning his tormentor to the devil and with mounting irritation at his own continued weakness, the duke instructed Hills to seek out the coachman to find out how long it would take to complete the repairs. He did not intend to remain inactive for any longer than was necessary when so much was at stake.
The thought that they were within reach of Harry constantly gnawed at Jane’s consciousness but her anxiety for Robert also weighed heavily, the depth of it taking her quite by surprise. Beginning to despair of her charge, she tried to soothe his mood. “I assure you, sir, the delay will not alter the course of things. Indeed, to attempt to travel in your condition would cause more problems than it would resolve .”
For her troubles, she was rewarded with a wan smile. “Poor girl, am I driving you to distraction?” he asked, contrition heavy in his voice and he took her hand as she put a compress to his brow. “I fear it is now your turn to administer to me. However, I will do my best not to be nauseous. I would not wish it on you.”
“ For that I am grateful, sir,” she responded, smiling, relieved that at last he seemed calmer. “I do not have your fortitude when presented with such a situation. Now do you think you would try to eat something before Sgt. Patterson arrives, though I suspect not the gruel that the good doctor prescribed?”
He grinned ruefully. “Most definitely not the gruel. I require something far more substantial. Perhaps I can persuade you to procure some ham and eggs for me from the kitchen. Better still, if you would but allow it, I could rise and order my own.”
“ That you will not, sir,” she said rising to the bait, as he knew she would. “I will place the order myself.”
Then as she gained the door, he called to her, “Jane…”
Pausing, she glanced over her
Similar Books
