The Doctor and the Libertine: The Merry Misfits of Bath - Book Five

by Hutton, Callie

  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.

  A groan from the bed where they’d placed Mrs. O’Leary drew their attention. Rayne moved to the bed and looked down at her. “I am glad to see you are awake. However, I am going to give you a bit of laudanum so you can sleep for a while. That is the best healing agent for you right now.”

  “Hurry. I am in a lot of pain.”

  Rayne gritted her teeth and moved to the cabinet where she kept the laudanum liquid. She poured a bit onto a spoon and administered it to Mrs. O’Leary.

  “I think I will call Glory from the kitchen and tell her about her new home.”

  “While you do that, I am going to go through your books and see where else I can collect money for you.” He cupped her face and gave her a soft kiss.

  She smiled, loving the ease between them. They’d come a long way since he was first brought to her. She still struggled with getting out of her betrothal to Mr. Faulkner-Jones, and once she was away from her father’s influence it seemed an easier task than when he was right in front of her, insisting that she honor the commitment he made to her fiancé.

  “I want to be more than your bookkeeper, sweetheart. But then you know that.” He stared at her for a few moments and then left the room.

  Rayne took one more look at Mrs. O’Leary who was sleeping soundly and went in search of Glory.

  She found her exactly where she thought she would be. Right alongside Mrs. Foster, watching everything the woman did. Thank goodness that Mrs. Foster was a kindly, patient woman. She’d been a godsend since Glory arrived.

  “Glory, I have good news for you.” At least Rayne hoped it would be good news for the girl. She seemed happy here, but then considering where she was before this anything would make the girl happy.

  “Wossat, ma’am?”

  “Come with me to the drawing room and we will talk about it.” Rayne held her hand out and the little girl took it. As they walked together down the corridor, Rayne thought again on how she would love to keep the girl herself, but with the life she led, and with everything in a turmoil with her life right now, Glory’s best place was with Mary Beth.

  A family in the country, with lots of fresh air, good food, a loving mother and father and a brother. All the things Rayne could not give her.

  They sat side-by-side on the settee and Rayne took Glory’s hands. “As much as I would love to keep you here with me, being a busy doctor doesn’t allow for children.”

  Glory’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “Are yer returnin' me ter the bloomin' streets, ffen?” Her chin quivered and Rayne pulled the girl to her chest.

  “No! No, no, no. I would never do that to you, Glory.” She smoothed the girls curls back from her forehead. “I have arranged for you to live with my sister.”

  “Yer 'ave a sister?”

  “Yes. I do. In fact, I have two sisters, but the one I’m speaking of is a wonderful, kind woman and you will love her. She lives in a fine house with her husband and their little boy, Thomas.”

  “I'm ter be a maid, ffen? I do learn fast. She wouldn't 'ave ter put me out.” Her eyes grew big.

  Rayne hugged her small body closer. “No, Glory. You are not to be a maid. You will be a daughter. Their daughter.”

  “I will be 'heir daugh'er?” Rayne smiled at Glory’s interesting speech. She imagined the little girl’s new tutor would have a time of it trying to understand her.

  Glory narrowed her eyes. “Woss in it for them?”

  It was so sad that Glory assumed she would be forced to work, or that if Mary Beth wanted to make her a daughter of the family that they would gain something for it.

  Of course, they would gain something in having a sweet little girl to raise.

  “The only thing they want is to make you happy and give you the life a little girl should have. You will learn to read and write and have plenty of food and clothes.”

  “Does she knah I'm a bloody rough one?”

  Rayne cringed. “You musn’t use that word, Glory.”

  She frowned. “Wha' wawd?”

  “Bloody.” Rayne whispered it, as if saying it in a soft voice didn’t make it so ugly.

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s a bad word and nice young ladies don’t use that word.”

  Glory laughed and shook her head. “So, I'm ter be a nice young lady, isit? 'oo would ever fink?”

  Two days later Edwin entered the infirmary after having placed an order for medical supplies. He was pulled in the direction of the drawing room where a lively conversation was taking place.

  “Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen.” He greeted Lady Pamela and her husband, Nick Smith, Mrs. Lizbeth Mallory, and her husband Marcus.

  He knew Rayne had been expecting them—at least the two ladies anyway—since Mrs. O’Leary had asked the day before if Rayne could summon them so she could offer her apologies for what she’d done to them.

  Although Lady Pamela had not been sold to a brothel, she had uncovered the sinister goings-on at the boarding house where she and Lizbeth lived and had turned to Nick to help her rescue Lizbeth once she’d been kidnapped.

  Before she asked for Nick’s help, Lady Pamela had been run over by a carriage in the street which had been done to silence her. Both women had reason to thoroughly dislike Rayne’s patient.

  Marcus and Nick had rescued Lizbeth from the brothel, and the entire incident ended with two happily married couples. However, too many young ladies did not have a happy ending to their tale.

  Rayne stood and walked over to him. “I didn’t realize it, but perhaps I should have anticipated that Marcus and Nick would come with their wives. I am glad you are here in case things get a bit heated with them.”

  “I doubt either one of the men would strike Mrs. O’Leary, but I understand your concerns.”

  “It might be a better idea if only Pamela and Lizbeth speak with Mrs. O’Leary,” Rayne said.

  “No.” Nick Smith, in his usual abrupt—man from the streets—manner wrapped his arm protectively around Lady Pamela’s shoulder. “I will not have my wife face that demon woman alone.”

  “You do realize she is unable to move?” Rayne added.

  “At all?” Lizbeth asked.

  Rayne shrugged her shoulders. “Since she’d been shot, she’s been unable to move her legs. I cannot be certain at this time if this is permanent or temporary. However, with my training and experience, given where the bullet landed, I predict that she will never walk again.”

  “What will become of her?” Lady Pamela asked.

  “Who cares, sweetheart? Nothing is too horrid for that woman,” Nick answered, giving her a squeeze.

  Rayne smiled no doubt amused at the possessiveness of Nick’s manner with his wife. One of the hardest and most ruthless men in Bath and the man was so besotted with his wife that it caused knowing smiles—well-hidden—everywhere they went.

  “I have been in touch with other doctors who agree with me that she will unlikely recover from the gunshot wound. Once she is stable enough to leave here, she will be sent to an asylum to live out the rest of her days.”

  A hush fell over the room. Being sent to an asylum was, in most cases, worse than prison. Most of the asylums were horrible places for those who had no families to care
for them and were dependent on the government. There were even rumors of the insane being chained to the walls. Rayne shivered every time she thought about it.

  It was a somber group that left the drawing room and entered the infirmary. Mrs. O’Leary was still on her stomach since it pained her too much to lie on her back. She was still receiving the laudanum, but in smaller doses so she didn’t add addiction to her list of woes.

  “Is that you, Miss Davenport? And Lady Pamela? I am so happy to see you.”

  The two women looked at each other. “Why are you happy to see us?” Lizbeth said.

  “Because I want to tell you how sorry I am for what I did to you.”

  Nick stepped up closer to Pamela. “Is that the only reason you dragged our wives here? To garner sympathy? Because if that’s the case, we will all leave now.”

  “No. Wait. I have more to say.”

  Marcus crossed his arms over his chest. “Say it. My wife gave birth only a little over a week ago and needs her rest. In fact, I didn’t approve of her coming here at all, but she insisted.”

  “I am happy to hear that you have a new baby.” When no one responded, she continued. “There is a man at the hat factory where Lizbeth—excuse me, Mrs. Mallory—worked. His name is Basil. He’s the one who connived with me to see the girls fired so they had nowhere to go.” She grimaced. “I never told the police about him, so you can turn him in.”

  “Is that all?” Nick was apparently losing patience with the entire meeting.

  “I know you cannot forgive me, but I do want to remind you that you both ended up quite happy.” The woman had the nerve to look smug. As if all her deviousness had paid off in a wonderful way, completely forgetting about all the women who had not enjoyed happy endings.

  Edwin grabbed Nick’s arms as he looked as though he was going to throttle the woman.

  Marcus pulled Lizbeth next to him. “We’ve had enough. I feel as though we’ve done our Christian duty by allowing this woman to speak with our wives.” He looked directly at Mrs. O’Leary. “My Christian duty ends here, however. I have no sympathy for you and what you are facing for the rest of your life.

  “You used and abused I don’t know how many women. You ruined their lives. Then you escaped punishment because you named everyone involved in your scheme. I would say from your injury that there must have been at least one person who managed to get revenge on you.” He took Lizbeth’s elbow and turned her toward the door. “Goodbye Mrs. O’Leary.”

  Together with Nick and Pamela they left the room.

  Edwin and Rayne joined them at the door. “Won’t you stay for tea?” Rayne asked.

  “Thank you, Dr. Stevens, but I don’t want my wife to be subjected to any further contact with Mrs. O’Leary, even though she’s in a different room, she’s still in the same house.” Nick helped Pamela into her coat.

  “But you must come for dinner one night.” He looked over at Edwin. “We would welcome you as well. Pamela will send the invitations.”

  Once they’d said their goodbyes and were out the door, Edwin looked over at Rayne. “There is something I want to get from Mrs. O’Leary before she is hauled off to the asylum.”

  Chapter 16

  “I’m so happy to see you!” Rayne held her arms out to her sister, Mary Beth, the two of them laughing and hugging.

  “Ladies, please. You’re blocking the door.” Mary Beth’s husband, Dean, grinned as he attempted to squeeze past the women, holding eight-year-old Thomas’s hand.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s just that I haven’t seen my sister in months.” Rayne took Mary Beth’s hands and moved them forward. “I can’t wait for you to meet Glory. She’s such a sweet little girl. I just know you will all love her.”

  Next, she turned to Dean and hugged him, then turned her attention to Thomas. She placed her hands on his shoulders. “Well, look at you! You must have grown a foot since I saw you last.”

  The young boy blushed and hugged her.

  Mary Beth squeezed Rayne’s arm as they moved toward the drawing room. “I must admit I am quite nervous.”

  Rayne regarded her sister and admitted the woman did look a tad pale. “Indeed? Why?”

  They entered the drawing room and settled on the sofa. Thomas and Dean took chairs across from them. Rayne was once again struck on how much alike Dean and his son were. Thomas had his father’s deep brown eyes and chestnut hair. But more than that was his mannerisms. They sat exactly the same in their chairs and studied her and Mary Beth with identical expressions.

  “Well, I’m adopting a daughter!” Mary Beth’s eyes filled with tears. “Suppose she doesn’t like me? What if she runs away? What if—”

  Rayne held up her hand. “Enough!”

  “Thank you, Rayne, I’ve been dealing with this since Mary Beth agreed to take the little girl.” Dean looked fondly at his wife which once again reminded Rayne that if she were to please her father and marry Mr. Faulkner-Jones she would never have a man regard her in that way. Whenever he deigned to bless her with his presence, that was.

  Rayne hopped up from her seat. “I think the easiest way to deal with all this anxiety is to present Glory to her new family.”

  “Oh, goodness.” Mary Beth smoothed her skirts and clasped her hands in her lap. “I guess that is the best. Yes. I am ready.” She offered Rayne a strained smile.

  Rayne patted her arm and then headed to the kitchen where she knew she would find Glory. She had taken the girl shopping the day before and bought her a lovely yellow dress with a matching ribbon to wear to meet her new family. Glory had also been nervous, asking over and over again—in her unusual way of speaking—what would happen if Mary Beth decided she didn’t like her and put her out of the house.

  “Glory, come dear, it’s time to meet your new family.”

  The poor child looked as though she would faint. “Now?”

  “Yes, sweetheart. My sister, her husband and son are here in the drawing room. They will be staying for a few days to visit and spend some time with me since I don’t get to see my sister very often.”

  Glory looked up at Mrs. Foster. The woman bent and gave her a hug. “You will do just fine, missy. They will love you and I’m sure you will love them.” She patted her on the cheek. “Now go with Dr. Stevens.”

  The little girl squared her small shoulders and looked at Rayne. “All righ', mum. I'm ready.”

  Hand in hand they made their way to the drawing room. Glory took a deep breath before stepping over the threshold. Rayne squeezed her hand.

  They walked up to Mary Beth who covered her mouth with a shaky hand. She stared at Glory, a soft smile on her lips. “Hello, Glory. I am—” She looked up at Rayne.

  Deciding that starting off how they will go on was the best way, Rayne said, “Your new mother.”

  There was no momentous affinity or instant connection that is only found in fairy tales and fiction books. Glory and Mary Beth eyed each other, both holding back. Mary Beth held out her hand and Glory slowly took it. “'Ah do you do, mum?”

  A bright smile broke out on her sister’s face. “I am well, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Glory. We are so happy you will be joining our family.” Mary Beth stood and walked Glory to where Dean and Thomas sat. “This is your new father, and brother, Thomas.”

  “’Ah do you do, sir?” She gave a slight curtsy which had Rayne laughing to herself. Someone must have been coaching the girl.

  “I am fine, Glory,” Dean said. “I want you to know that we will try very hard to make you happy to be with us.”

  The little girl’s eyes grew wide, no doubt shocked that an adult, this well-dressed and well-spoken man, wanted to make her happy.

  “’Ank you, sir.” If Glory’s face got any redder, she would explode.

  Dean turned to Thomas, “Say hello to your new sister.”

  Rayne knew her nephew to be a very kind, caring young man. She had no doubt that he would eventually be Glory’s champion. She really needed a big brother to
look after her as much as she needed parents. “Hello,” Thomas said. “Do you like to play ball?”

  Glory turned to look at Rayne. The poor girl probably didn’t even know what he was talking about. Her life thus far had encompassed very little playing and she probably had never even seen a ball.

  “Thomas, do you have a ball with you?” Rayne asked. Since they were planning on staying for a bit, Rayne was sure he brought one with him.

  “Yes, Auntie, I have one in my satchel.”

  “Excellent. Why don’t you fetch it and take Glory out to the garden and show her how to play ball?”

  Thomas nodded and stood.

  “I will have Walter, who is my employee, show you to the room where you will be staying. I’m sure he’s brought your things there.”

  Thomas turned to Glory. “Do you want to come with me?”

  Again, she glanced back at Rayne. Rayne nodded to her and Glory turned to follow Thomas from the room.

  “I think that went very well,” Rayne said as they all let out a deep breath.

  Edwin stood at the entrance to the drawing room and watched Rayne chatting away with a woman who had to be her sister. Although the two looked somewhat alike, it was apparent from the little bit of conversation he’d seen that Rayne was the more subdued of the two women.

  Rayne’s face glowed with happiness, but her sister was more enthusiastic in her conversing, moving her hands around and laughing a good deal.

  “Edwin! You’re here earlier than I expected.” Rayne stood to greet him, a welcoming smile on her face.

  When would he ever get used to the feelings that erupted whenever he saw her? The time was growing closer to when she had to end her betrothal. She had met with Mr. Faulkner-Jones for dinner, and he was anxious to hear how the conversation went.

  “Mary Beth, may I present Lord Sterling to you? He started out as my patient, but has for some unknown reason, turned into my financial advisor and collector of outstanding bills.” She touched Edwin on the arm. “This is my sister, Mrs. Mary Beth Richards, and over there,” she waved in the direction of a man sitting across from her, “is her husband, Mr. Dean Richards.”