When the Heavens Fall

by Gilbert, Morris

  “I think, Lord Withington, you will have to understand that disease is not at any doctor’s beck and call.” Perry’s voice was harsh and had a gravel-like quality to it. He ran his thumb over his thick, choppy lips and attempted to make himself look as amiable as possible, for like Dr. Chadburn he understood that Lord Withington was not a man to be trifled with. “I understand your anxiety for your son, but you must learn to be patient, sir.”

  Lord Withington put his steady gaze upon Perry and said in a voice that was somehow ominous even though the tone was pleasant enough, “Dr. Perry, I have brought my son, Leslie, to you because he was ill. He has been here now for three weeks and he has grown progressively worse. I am not a doctor, sir, but I do know my son, and I fear for him. He is a sick young man.”

  “I am sure Dr. Perry is doing his best,” Chadburn said quickly. “Disease is a deceitful thing. If you would just be patient—”

  “I have been patient, Dr. Chadburn. The treatments have not been effective. I have met with your chief physicians more than once, and it is obvious that they have not the foggiest idea what is wrong with Leslie, therefore I intend to take a step I feel is important.”

  Alarm ran across Dr. Perry’s blunt features. “What do you mean, my lord? We have the finest physicians in England.”

  “That may well be, but my son is not getting any better. I have a nephew, the only son of my brother, and he became very ill, and all the medical attention my brother got for him was useless. He grew worse and was at the point of death. At that time my brother took the boy to Dr. Phineas Teague. I believe you know the man.”

  Instantly Dr. Perry’s face grew red. “I know him, my lord, but I could not recommend him.”

  “And why is that, Dr. Perry?”

  “He has no respect for the forerunners and founders of the medical profession.”

  “That may well be, as I have said I am not an expert at this, but as soon as my nephew came under Dr. Teague’s care along with his young associate, Mr. Colin Winslow, they almost at once brought him back to health.” A smile touched Withington’s face. “It was a miracle, sir, a notable miracle! I thank the Lord for it. I also thank the Lord that Dr. Teague and Mr. Winslow were used as his instrument for the healing process.”

  Instantly Perry snarled, “Winslow is not a physician, my lord!”

  “I am not aware of the different categories you have set up. All I know is that my nephew was restored to health, while you have not been able to do the same for my son. Therefore, I am going to take Leslie to these two men.”

  “Colin Winslow is a worse rebel than his mentor, Dr. Teague! He could kill your son!”

  “I am not interested in a piece of paper that speaks of a man’s qualifications,” Lord Withington said. His voice had a thread of steel running through it.“ I have talked to some of my friends who have had the same symptoms as my son, and several of them have gone to Dr. Teague and his associate. They all say Mr. Winslow, as young as he is, was successful at treating his patients.”

  “It is very dangerous, I must warn you! Your son could suffer dreadfully if you put him in the hands of these two men! They have no respect for the great physicians of history. Why, they both had the gall to say Galen, the greatest of all physicians in history, was wrong on many counts!”

  “Who is Galen? Is he practicing now?”

  “Why, no, sir, he is not. He has been dead for many years. But his treatments are used by every reputable physician in the world.”

  Lord Withington said disdainfully, “Yes, the physicians that treated my nephew followed this authority, and the poor boy nearly died. It was only after Dr. Teague and Mr. Winslow treated him that he lived. My mind is made up. I thank you for your help and I will pay your fees, but I intend to see that my son sees Dr. Teague and his associate.”

  As soon as the door closed behind Lord Withington, Regis Perry unloosed a string of oaths such as John Chadburn had never heard. He waited until Perry had run down, then said, “If I were you, Dr. Perry, I would not take on Lord Withington as an enemy. He is a powerful man, so you should tread very carefully.”

  Perry’s face grew as red as a furnace, but he clapped his meaty lips together, for he well knew that Chadburn was right. He filed the incident in his mind and made a vow that moment that he would do whatever was needed to bring about the downfall of Dr. Phineas Teague and his associate Colin Winslow no matter what the cost!

  “Not a bad old pile of bricks is it, Colin?”

  Colin had arrived with Teague at Withington, the home of Lord Withington. They had been driving for what seemed like hours through lands that belonged to Withington, and now the driver halted the carriage in front of the imposing structure.

  “It is more than a pile of bricks isn’t it, Dr. Teague?”

  Indeed Withington was most impressive. Colin stared at it, fascinated by the size. He studied the immense front lawn, which was decorated with fountains, as well as hedges carved into fantastic states. Great gargoyles crowned the structure, which was composed of white towers that seemed to rise to the sky. “It’s a huge place, Doctor.”

  “I never look at these places without thinking that they are nothing more than monuments to man’s pride. Who would want a house with fifty bedrooms? Come, boy, let’s see what Lord Withington wants. I pray we can give it to him! He is a good man to have on one’s side.”

  Colin leaped to the ground and waited as his companion came down slowly. They stood in a huge courtyard, a place of perfect symmetry, with delicate carvings everywhere. It seemed the stone leaves in the stone trees came to life.

  “Shut your mouth, boy, before you swallow a bug,” Phineas Teague grunted. “It’s just a house, bigger than most, but when Lord Withington, dies, he will leave it here, just as a peasant will leave his thatched roof behind. Come along now.”

  The two moved forward and climbed the steps, and as they reached the top, a massive door swung open. A tall servant in livery stood before them, saying, “May I help you, sirs?”

  “I am Dr. Teague and this is Mr. Winslow. Lord Withington has asked us to call.”

  “Of course, sir. He mentioned that you would be coming. Would you step inside please?’

  The two went inside and were led down a wide hallway and then entered a massive room with a high ceiling and large windows, which allowed the summer sunbeams to illuminate the place. Carpets were everywhere, so thick they seemed to reach to Colin’s ankles, and beautiful paintings adorned the walls.

  Rich velvet curtains were pulled back from the windows, revealing beautiful, exquisitely carved furniture. Colin was still looking around when a man entered from the right. Colin turned to face him and saw that Lord Withington was a tall, somewhat imposing man. There was an aura of power about him, an attitude of an expectation of total obedience that Colin had noticed in other men of influence.

  “Dr. Teague, I believe.”

  “Yes, and this is my associate, Mr. Colin Winslow.”

  “You gentlemen are welcome to my home. I am glad you could come so quickly.”

  “We came as soon as we got your message. I assumed it was important. Do you have a problem we can help you with?”

  “Indeed I do. Gentlemen, would you sit down?” Lord Withington turned to the servant, saying, “Wilkins, bring the gentlemen something to drink.” He added, “We can have a meal later, but I can have something brought now if you like.”

  “Not at all, my lord. We are anxious to be of what help we can.” Teague answered.

  “Good.” Withington waited until the two were seated and the servant had left before he said, “I have one son, gentlemen. Leslie is nineteen years old, and he has been ill for more than a month. I fear he’s growing steadily worse.”

  “What has been done, my lord?”

  “I have had him examined by five physicians, but none of them seem to be able to help him.” Worry lines appeared between Withington’s eyes, and he seemed less assured. “No physician has been able to find what is the cause
or the cure for my boy. I have a brother, Sir Winfred Farley. I believe you know him, Dr. Teague.”

  “I do indeed, sir. I attended his son in his sickness.”

  “That is what my brother tells me. He spoke so highly of you and Mr. Winslow that I sent for you at once. I fear I have wasted time with other physicians. They talk a great deal, saying things that no man could understand unless they have studied medicine for a lifetime!” Withington said with frustration.

  “I fear my profession hides behind difficult sentences and obscurities in language,” Dr. Teague agreed. “I assure you I will tell you nothing but the simplest truth.”

  “That is what I have been told by my brother.”

  “What are your son’s symptoms, my lord?”

  The three men talked about the young man’s symptoms and finally Lord Withington said, “I am anxious for you to see my boy. It seems almost hopeless. Day by day he loses strength and weight. My wife and I are terribly afraid.”

  “That is natural, sir,” Teague said gently. He could be a harsh man at times, but toward those who were suffering from illness or had a family member in danger he could be a totally different man. He voice became softer as he said, “I think it might be best that we see the young man before we make any decisions.”

  “Would you like for me to write down what I have told you, Dr. Teague?”

  “Oh, no. My assistant here has a memory that is phenomenal. He can remember anything and quote you back word for word everything that you have said.”

  Lord Withington set his gaze on Colin, who felt the power of it. “That is a very fine and unique gift for a physician.”

  “I trust that we will be able to help your son,” Colin said quickly. He felt an instant liking for the man. He had known other powerful men of influence who were arrogant, but he saw little of that in this man. “We will do the very best we can, sir,” he added quietly.

  “Leslie is probably asleep at the moment, but I would like for you to meet the rest of my family.”

  Lord Withington spoke to the servant, saying, “Ask my wife and daughter to come in, Wilkins.”

  Colin was studying the face of Sir Withington and he saw there pain, fear, and helplessness. His thought was that no matter how powerful a man is, when death faces him he is the same as the poorest peasant in England. He and Teague rose as two women entered the room.

  “This is my wife, Lady Withington, and this is my daughter, Lady Benton. This is Dr. Teague and his associate, Mr. Winslow.”

  Lady Withington was in her early forties. She was an attractive woman with a wealth of brown hair and warm brown eyes. At the moment you could see the fear, but Colin saw an attractive, gentle spirit. “I welcome you, gentlemen, and I hope you will be able to help my son.”

  Lady Benton was a young woman who Colin saw was no more than twenty-five. There was much of her father in her, and little of her mother. She stepped forward and extended her hand. Dr. Teague took it at once, bending over it with a polite kiss.

  “I am so happy you are here, Dr. Teague. We are very worried about Leslie.”

  Colin did not expect her to speak to him since he was a mere assistant, but Lady Benton came at once and extended her hand. Colin followed Dr. Teague’s example. He bent over it awkwardly and touched the back of her hand with his lips. When he straightened up he saw that she was watching him in a strange manner. There was something different about this woman. Her eyes were dark, and her skin was flawless. There was an exotic richness in her lips that most women did not have. Her figure was clearly discernible in the orchid-colored dress she wore. “We welcome both of you, and I pray you will be able to help my poor brother.”

  At that moment refreshments were brought in, and they all sat down while a serving maid passed small drinks and sandwiches around. “I thought you would be hungry after your long journey,” Lady Withington said

  Colin did not join in the talk, but he listened avidly. Lord Withington said, “I must warn you, I have had a difference of opinion with men that may give you some problems.”

  “I am used to that.” Teague smiled. “No doubt it was with Dr. Perry.”

  “Yes, you were expecting it then?”

  “We have crossed swords before. Our methods differ completely.”

  “Well, I am glad to hear that, because their methods were absolutely no help! But I would not want to run you into danger in your professional life.”

  “We are healers,” Teague said. He took a bite of a cucumber sandwich, and chewing around it he said, “We will do what we must for our patients, and the College must do as it pleases.”

  Lady Withington’s voice was laced with fear. “I beg you, sir, save my son. You were able to save our nephew Simon, and I pray that you will have that same success with Leslie.”

  “Mother, I am sure these gentlemen will do everything in their power,” Lady Benton said. Colin saw her eyes fixed on him rather than Teague, which disturbed him. After all, Teague was the physician while he was merely an assistant. Her gaze had something in it that made him uncomfortable.

  Finally Lord Withington said, “Wilkins tells me that my son is still sleeping, and you must be tired. Wilkins, show these gentlemen to their rooms.”

  Lady Benton smiled. “Before you take a rest, Mr. Winslow, I would like to hear more of your treatment of my cousin Simon.”

  The invitation was more of a command, and after the others had left the room, Colin stood before Lady Benton awkwardly. He’d had little experience with women, and this was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He knew that she was married to a nobleman, for she was “Lady” Benton. “Come, it’s so beautiful outside. I love this time of the year. Let me show you my roses.”

  “Certainly, Lady Benton.”

  Colin followed her outside through an intricate isle of hedges until they came to a beautiful rose garden. He stopped and exclaimed, “Look at the colors! I’ve never seen such colors in flowers.”

  “My mother is a great lover of flowers, much more than I. I just enjoy them, but she loves them. Shall we sit?”

  Colin waited until Lady Benton seated herself on the stone bench, then he seated himself beside her. It was a small bench, barely wide enough for the two of them. Colin was intensely aware of the pressure of her arm against his. She turned to face him and a smile crept across her lips. “I am surprised to see you are so young. No one told me this.”

  “Yes, my lady. I am nineteen.”

  “And yet Dr. Teague places such trust in you. I can see it in the way he spoke of you.”

  “I have been very fortunate, my lady, to study under Dr. Teague.”

  “Tell me about yourself.”

  “Myself? Why, there is not much to tell.”

  “Oh come now! A handsome young physician such as yourself must have a great deal to say.”

  Colin was awkwardly speechless for a moment, for there was a lingering smile on Lady Benton’s lips, which was reflected in her eyes. At her insistence he told her a little of his life. When he was finished he noticed she was watching him in a peculiar way.

  “Most of the doctors I’ve know have been older men. That’s why I was surprised to meet a young handsome doctor such as yourself.”

  “My lady, I am not a physician.”

  Lady Benton only smiled. There was a sensuous turn to her mouth that fascinated Colin, and at the same time made him very nervous.

  “Mr. Winslow, the physician has such an intimate relationship with his patients. I suppose you grow accustomed to such intimacy with your female patients.” She laughed because she saw Colin’s face redden. “Well, I did not think there was a man in England with a blush left in him! I like you for it, sir! I would guess that some of your female patients must have shown you signs of their favor.”

  Colin could not think of a single word to reply. He felt like an idiot sitting there. She saw his awkwardness. Suddenly she reached over and covered his hand with hers. “I like you, Mr. Winslow! It’s refreshing to find a truly in
nocent man in our country. You must tell me more about yourself—I am truly fascinated.”

  Colin stuttered a little, then asked a question that had been on his mind. “Is your husband here, my lady?”

  “Oh, no. I lost my husband more than a year ago. He was Aaron Caldwell, the Right Honorable Viscount Benton. He died in a riding accident.”

  ‘”I’m very sorry for your loss, my lady.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Winslow. It was a hard loss, but time does heal all wounds. One must go on with life.” She smiled and said, “Now, tell me of some of your victories in your practice.”

  When Colin entered his room he found Dr. Teague standing there waiting for him. “Do I have the wrong room, Dr. Teague?”

  “No, this is your room. I wanted to get a report of your meeting with Lady Benton.”

  “Why, she merely wanted to know of the treatment for her brother.”

  Teague had piercing eyes, which he now fixed on Colin. He had a face like a bird, with a beak of a nose. Right now those eyes seemed to pin Colin on a board, as he himself had pinned butterflies and other insects.

  “That is the first lie you have ever told me, Colin Winslow. I am sorry to see such dishonesty in you.”

  Colin dropped his head. “I—I don’t know what else to say, Doctor.”

  “Well I do.” Teague said abruptly. “I am not a man of God, but I remember a sermon I heard when I was younger. It stayed in my mind for some reason all these years. It is very simple. I don’t know where it is in the English Bible, but it says, ‘Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.’”

  Colin straightened and moved his head slightly from side to side. “Yes, Dr. Teague, that’s in the book of First Corinthians. But, sir, a woman like that would not be looking with favor at a poor physician, if that is what you are afraid of. She wouldn’t be interested in any man without a title.”