Read Online Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney - Free Book Online Page B

with several keys. “The key with a red thread tied on it. Leave the bottle out. I’m thinking we’ll all be in need of some by the time you’re done.”
    â€œYou are a jewel of a cook, Mrs. Simond.” Daniel caught the key and opened the cabinet. Inside were several bottles of the kinds of alcohol used in cooking. He poured some brandy in a cup, then added water to reduce the kick.
    â€œDrink slowly,” he said as he placed the cup in the footman’s shaking left hand. “You may not like the taste, but it should help you relax and numb the pain a little.”
    â€œThank you, my lord.” Lester sipped, made a face, then sipped more.
    By the time he’d finished, Suzie was back from the laundry room. She carried two faded but clean old quilts and a worn shawl that would be a good size for a sling. She was a clever girl.
    After spreading the folded quilts out on the cold floor, she offered Lester a folded handkerchief. “This is clean if you want to bite on it.”
    His face was pale and beaded with sweat, but he nodded and accepted the handkerchief. Daniel helped him from the chair, then lowered him down onto the quilts. “This will look strange, but it works, and your shoulder will be fixed in just a few moments.”
    He pulled off his shoes, glad he hadn’t worn boots, then sat on the floor on Lester’s right side and set the sole of his foot against his patient’s ribs. As he clasped Lester’s hand, he said, “I’m going to slowly pull your arm up and back until the bone snaps back into the socket. Suzie, talk to him about anything that will distract him.”
    Suzie obeyed, standing where Lester could see her easily as she chatted about the fine weather and Mrs. Simond’s wonderful pies and what a splendid mouser Badger was. Her comments were humorous, which helped hold Lester’s attention as Daniel carefully raised the arm and manipulated the humerus back into place.
    He felt a distinct clunk when the bone slipped back into the shoulder socket. Lester exhaled and spat out the folded handkerchief, which showed teeth marks. “I could use that cup of tea now, Suzie. And maybe add some brandy, if Mrs. Simond doesn’t object.” Despite his jaunty words, his face was pale and beaded with sweat.
    Mrs. Simond finished shaping her dough and wiped her hands clean. “I wager we could all use some of that tea with brandy!”
    Suzie poured four cups from the pot that had been steeping. Fixing Lester’s shoulder had been so quick that the tea hadn’t even cooled.
    Daniel helped Lester to his feet, then guided him back into his chair. As he fashioned a sling to support the arm, he said, “Your shoulder will hurt for a while and you’ll need to wear this sling. Only light duties around the household. I’ll give you a dose of laudanum so you’ll sleep well tonight.” He draped Lester’s coat over the young man’s shoulders for warmth. “In a few days, when your shoulder is feeling better, I’ll show you some simple exercises to keep the joint from getting stiff.”
    As Suzie handed him a cup of tea, she asked shyly, “How can a lord be a surgeon, sir? I’ve never heard of such a thing!”
    Daniel realized that all three of the others were studying him with varying degrees of amazement. He hesitated, realizing that he’d surely be asked this question again in the future. “Being a lord is an accident of birth. A very unexpected one in my case.” He took a deep swallow of tea. “Medicine is my true calling.”
    As the words resonated within him, he recognized how invigorated he felt after behaving like a doctor for the first time in days. Ever since learning of his inheritance, his life had been turned upside down. Kirkland and Laurel had been invaluable in helping him come to terms with his new status and responsibilities, but medicine kept him sane and gave