by Kit Morgan
Sarah laughed. For the first time since Doc left, her spirits lifted. “Very true. We would have the worst breath.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I’ll go have Mrs. Shibley make some more.” She got up and hurried to the door. “She’ll be completely undone at the notion of what we plan to do!”
Sarah put her hands to her mouth to keep from laughing. For one, she wasn’t sure if she’d fall into a horrible coughing fit. She didn’t think so, but one couldn’t be too careful. The children at the orphanage were always coughing and sniffling. She was surprised she wasn’t doing the same half the time. But then she did consume a fair amount of her herbs in the form of tea.
She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on what she could do should her fever return. Unfortunately, her mind would only go one place. Doc. Maybe if she ate enough garlic toast, he’d go away too. But it was highly unlikely.
Chapter 13
“You know, this is really quite tasty,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, it is,” Sarah agreed. Elizabeth brought back not only a fresh plate of garlic toast, but a book on botany. They’d been reading and munching toast for the last two hours. Sarah enjoyed the book so much, she asked to take it home with her. Elizabeth wholeheartedly agreed. The best part was, the tome got her mind off of Doc for a few hours. Now maybe she could get some sleep. “You should probably dress for dinner,” she told Elizabeth.
“Yes, I suppose I should. Oh, um, I almost forgot to mention, my parents invited your parents to dine with us this evening.”
Sarah put a hand over her eyes and groaned. “Has my mother been here all day?”
“No, she left this afternoon. I’ve not seen her since.”
Sarah’s hand fell to her lap. “That’s a relief. I suppose she’ll come check on me later.”
Elizabeth gave her a weak smile. “If you were my daughter, I would be worried about you too.”
“Thank you. I needed to be reminded of that. I love my mother, it’s just that she gets upset so easily.”
“Will she be upset when you tell her about Dr. Waller?”
“Doc?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, when you tell her you’re in love with him.”
Sarah closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She didn’t even want to picture the explosion. “I’ll not be telling her anything about Mr. Waller.”
Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes. “Well you can’t very well hide it. Every time I speak his name your eyes light up, your face turns pink, and you start to fidget.”
Sarah’s mouth dropped open. “I do?”
“Yes. Every time.”
“I … I had no idea. It’s that obvious?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Sarah ran a hand through her hair. It fell in loose wisps around her face and down her neck. What a sight she must be. Doc had seen her that afternoon and not thought twice about it. Once again, she smiled at the thought. Unfortunately, she also thought about his stoic behavior. That morning he’d made her feel like a damsel being rescued from some high tower where she’d been held prisoner by a dastardly villain. But who was the villain in this story? Her own cowardice at not being able to admit she was falling in love with him? Did the bonds of society have her tied so tightly?
Either way, she faced spinsterhood. Her mother would rather see her unwed than married to a lowly, country doctor. But, what did she want? Wouldn’t it be, as Elizabeth said, better to marry a poor man you were in love with than no man at all? Wasn’t love more important?
She shoved the thought aside and looked at Elizabeth. “You’ll come see me after dinner?”
“Of course, I will. Your mother will also,” she added as an afterthought.
“Yes, I know. It’s probably best I return home tomorrow. Other than feeling tired, I don’t think I’m bad off. This garlic really helps. That and the tea.”
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “That stuff. Ew.”
“Be glad you’re not sick, or I’d make you drink some,” Sarah teased. “Now go dress for dinner or you’ll be late.”
Elizabeth set the book of botany on the bed and with a heavy sigh, left the room. Sarah could tell she was having a good time. She hoped her mother didn’t ruin the Chambers’ dinner. She could be a force to be reckoned with when she wanted to be. Sarah cringed to think of her reaction if she told Mother her feelings for Doc. “I would never hear the end of it.”
She tossed back the coverlet, swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. She wasn’t as wobbly as she expected and took a few steps toward the vanity. “Well, I seem to be on the mend.” She went to it and sat. Her reflection in the mirror wasn’t bad. Her color looked good, but she had dark smudges under her eyes.
She spied a brush and studied her hair in the mirror. “What a mess!” She set about removing the pins from her hair and then brushed it out. The least she could do was tidy herself.
That done she checked the armoire for a fresh dressing gown. Thankfully she found one, put it on, then went to the washstand and washed her face. Her ablutions made her feel better and she returned to bed refreshed.
She’d just picked up the book of botany when her mother burst through the door. “Sarah! The most exciting news!”
Sarah dropped the book. “What?” Why was her mother acting so … happy?
Her mother made a beeline for the bed. “Look at you, why, even when you’re sick you’re beautiful.”
Sarah’s brows rose with suspicion. “Mother, what have you been up to?”
Her mother sat on the bed and took her hand in her own. “Oswald has proposed!”
“What?!” Good heavens, he proposed to Elizabeth? She told her that afternoon she was going to avoid him for a time. “What are you talking about?”
“You heard me, he proposed! You know what this means?”
“I don’t believe it,” she muttered. She gave her attention back to her mother. “Of course, Oswald has displayed interest of late. Still, I didn’t think he would propose so soon.”
“Neither did we, but he has! Isn’t it wonderful?”
“No, I don’t think so, Mother. Elizabeth doesn’t know her own mind yet, let alone …”
“Elizabeth? Who said anything about Elizabeth? I’m talking about you!”
Sarah felt the blood drain from her face. “What did you say?”
“He proposed to you! Well, not exactly, but we accepted on your behalf.”
Sarah felt her throat constrict. She couldn’t speak! All she managed was a strangled squeak of despair.
“Yes, I know you’re overwhelmed. What woman wouldn’t be with a proposal from Oswald Petite?”
Sarah fell against the pillows. She felt faint again. Like her mother said, who wouldn’t after a proposal from Oswald? That idiot.
“Your father and I will meet with Mr. and Mrs. Petite to discuss the details just as soon as we can.”
Sarah raised her head, one side of her mouth curled upward at odd angle. “Don’t!”
“What? Why not?”
Sarah sat up. “Because he didn’t propose! Don’t you think I would know if he did?”
Her mother squeezed her hands. “Oh, but my dear, he did propose. To us. He asked for your hand in marriage and of course we said yes.”
“You say yes to giving your blessing, Mother. Not accept a proposal for the bride!”
“Oh, you poor dear. You’re not feeling well. Don’t worry, you’ll see the sense in it in the morning.”
“I will never see the sense! And I’m going to tell Oswald.”
“Don’t you dare,” her mother said. “Your father and I have been going through a lot to make this happen and you’re not going to spoil it!”
Sarah’s eyes flicked every which way as her mouth turned into a gaping hole. What had her parents done? A better question was, what had Oswald done and why? It was obvious he was interested in Elizabeth, not her. Okay, so maybe he was a little interested in her a couple of weeks ago, but that passed soon enough. What could have
made him change his mind?
Sarah pulled a pillow out from behind her and covered her head with it.
“Now, now dear. Calm down. There’s nothing to be upset about. Your father and I are handling everything.”
“Yes, that’s what I’m afraid of!” She pulled the pillow off and glanced around the room. “I have got to get out of here.”
“You’ll do no such thing. Mr. Chambers received a note from Dr. Campbell of Edinburgh, that famous physician who teaches at the university? He’s coming to see you himself. What would he think if he came all this way and you weren’t here?”
Sarah rubbed her eyes with her hands. This was ridiculous. How was she going to convince her mother that she wanted nothing to do with Oswald?
“I believe Elizabeth wants to say good night,” her mother said. “I’ll leave you until the morning. I want to be here when the doctor arrives.” She looked Sarah over. “You seem no worse for wear at the moment. How do you feel?”
Sarah laughed. “You haven’t seen me since I became ill and you’re just now asking? For Heaven’s sake, Mother, you’re more excited about Oswald’s proposal than you have concern about my health.”
Her mother’s face fell, but only for a moment. “That’s not true, I’ve been here most of the day.”
All right, she had her there. “I appreciate you being here. I know how upsetting it is when sickness befalls a person.”
Her mother leaned toward her, her eyes full of concern. “Oswald would take good care of you, Sarah. I know he would. You can’t ask for a better match.”
The practical side of her agreed, despite the man’s lack of personality. The impractical side, her heart, said the entire idea was ludicrous. Which should she listen to? “I appreciate you trying to give me a better life, both you and Father. I’m also well aware of the fact that if I don’t marry soon, chances are I never will.”
“I can’t bear the thought of you being alone, my dear.” She patted one of Sarah’s hands. “Not that I mind having you take care of us in our old age either. But I do want the best for you. Oswald Petite is it.”
Weary, she nodded. She was suddenly tired and wanted nothing more than to sleep. “I’d like to rest, Mother. If you don’t mind?”
“Of course not, my dear.” She kissed Sarah on the cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She then got up and left the room.
As soon as her mother was gone, Sarah put her face in her hands and, instead of crying, groaned. She didn’t know whether to be sad, angry, or shocked. Maybe she was all three and that’s why the tears wouldn’t come. “Oh, Doc, what am I going to do?” She looked out the window at the night sky. “More importantly, what am I going to do about you?”
The next morning Sarah got up, dressed, and readied herself for the day. She didn’t sleep much, her mother’s announcement still heavy on her mind. Was the woman so desperate for social status she’d ignore Sarah’s wants? Or did she really want the absolute best for her, saw an opportunity, and took it without question? Sometimes it was hard to tell. But wealth and position were something her parents wanted for Molly. They worked hard to get invitations to the best balls and parties during the season. Molly, like Sarah, was picky when it came to suitors and turned many of them down her first season. Unfortunately, she never saw her second. Perhaps if she married then and had a home of her own, she never would have got sick. True, Molly came down with a fever first. But at that time of year, many people were retreating to the country for the summer. If she’d
married, Molly would have been there too.
A knock sounded at the door and Elizabeth poked her head in. “You’re up,” she said in surprise.
“Yes, I plan on going home today.”
Elizabeth slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. “I wanted to come see you last night, but your mother said you were tired.”
“I was.” She went to the bed and straightened the coverlet. “I still am.” She turned to Elizabeth. “I’m sure you’ve heard.”
“Heard what?”
Sarah quickly turned away. “My mother … she…”
“You didn’t tell her about Dr. Waller did you?”
Sarah shook her head and glanced over her shoulder. “No.” Good grief! Elizabeth didn’t know about Oswald’s proposal? Should she tell her? Then again, she didn’t plan on staying engaged to Oswald. She’d be alone before she married someone she didn’t love or particularly care to be in a room with for more than an hour.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Elizabeth asked.
“Better than yesterday.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth said disappointed. “That’s too bad.”
Sarah put a hand to her chest and tried not to laugh. “Why is that?”
“Because Dr. Campbell is coming to the house this morning to see you. My parents are very excited. They’ve invited several friends.”
Sarah put a fist against her forehead. Leave it to those of her class to turn a doctor’s visit into a social affair. “I’m sure they are. But I’m afraid they’re going to be deeply disappointed. I feel much better.”
“What a shame,” Elizabeth said and gave her a bright smile. “But I’m glad you do.”
“Thank you. Now I’d best gather my things.”
“Do you have to? I enjoy having you here.”
Sarah went to her and gave her a hug. “And I’ve enjoyed being here. Without my mother it’s been nothing but peace and quiet. Until last night, that is.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I do. There are things I need to discuss with my parents. The sooner the better.”
“But will you stay and let Dr. Campbell, or rather, his assistant examine you?”
Sarah did her best not to think about Doc. She was well aware he would accompany the famous Scottish physician. She clasped her hands in front of her and went to the window. She needed to settle things with Mother, straighten out this mess about Oswald and move on. But that still left Doc. Should she tell him how she felt, or leave it be? Would he scoff at her? Disappear? She didn’t know.
She took a deep breath and faced Elizabeth. “I’m hungry, has breakfast been laid out yet?”
“Just now. But…”
“But what?”
“Oswald plans to call this morning. He wants to be here when the doctor arrives.”
Sarah put her fist against her forehead again and tapped it a few times. “I don’t think I can handle Oswald before breakfast. Perhaps if I eat fast?”
Elizabeth giggled before she got an odd look on her face. “Do you smell that?”
“What? I’m afraid my nose is stuffed up.”
“I don’t know.” She sniffed the air. “There’s an odd odor in here.”
Sarah looked at the bed. People, when sick, sweated. “Oh dear, I think it’s me. The sooner I get home the better.”
Elizabeth glanced at the bed and nodded in understanding. “You poor dear. Maybe you should skip breakfast and just go?”
“And let your parents bear the brunt of Dr. Campbell’s upset schedule? No, I won’t do that to them. The doctor has a great reputation and I admit, I would like to meet him. But I’ve also have heard that he’s,” she made a face, “abrupt?”
“Yes, I’ve heard that too. He went to treat Cicely Miller when she had a cold last month and yelled at the chambermaid several times. Scared the poor girl to death.”
“But the doctor did treat Cicely, right?”
“Yes, he did. Though I think she wanted to be seen by his assistant. Cicely mentioned to me at the ball that she thought Dr. Waller was handsome.”
A flicker of jealousy ignited in Sarah’s heart. Cicely Miller wouldn’t think Doc was so handsome if she knew his bank account had nothing in it. “I don’t want to think about any of it. I just want something in my stomach.”
“Me too,” Elizabeth agreed. Together they left the bedroom and went downstairs. Sarah hoped and prayed they were the only ones at breakfast. She didn’t wan
t her hosts getting a whiff of the sickness that clung to her skin. How embarrassing.
In the morning room (yes, they were alone) she fixed a plate, sat at the table and briefly wondered what Doc would think of her current state. Would he wrinkle his nose and turn away or treat her with indifference?
In a little while, she was going to find out.
Chapter 14
“Where’s the patient?” Dr. Campbell bellowed in his Scottish brogue as Randall, the butler, took his hat and cloak. “I’ll take care of this and be on my way.” He blew his nose into a handkerchief, coughed a few times, and then handed it to Randall. The butler pinched the hankie between two fingers and held it away with a look of distaste. With a roll of his eyes, he left the foyer to discard of it.
“We can’t tell you how honored we are to have you here, Dr. Campbell,” Mrs. Chambers gushed.
“Yes, weel, the quicker I see the lass the better. Where is she?”
Randall reappeared, took Doc’s hat and cloak and flicked his eyes upward.
Doc wanted to groan. Great. Did everyone know? Were his affections that obvious? He gave him a curt nod in return and headed for the staircase. “She’s this way.”
“Not so fast,” came a voice from the drawing room. Oswald sauntered into the foyer, a satisfied smile on his face. “Well, if it isn’t the famous doctor?”
“Aye, who are ye?” Dr. Campbell asked.
“Oswald Petite, at your service.” He gave the doctor a slight bow. “I’m so glad you could come and see to Miss Clemmons. She was in a horrible state yesterday, I can tell you that. Why you weren’t sent for earlier I have no idea. But your so-called assistant said you were ill.”
Dr. Campbell wrinkled his nose, whipped out another handkerchief from the pocket of his frock coat, and sneezed into it. “Yes, weel, it’s the sinuses ye ken. Painful state of affairs. Waller!”
“Yes, doctor?” He joined him and smiled at Oswald.
“Get upstairs and start the examination.”
