Page 34 of My Kind of Scoundel
Miss Darrow shook her head, though the action pained her. “I kissed Mr Chance,” she mumbled. “It is enough to make any woman giddy.”
Theo inwardly smiled. He’d found himself equally enthralled, though concern for Miss Darrow had him pestering Gentry for a diagnosis.
Gentry stood. “I suspect a mild concussion. Bedrest for a day or two should suffice. If you find you cannot rouse her, or there is blood from the nasal cavity or ear canal, fetch me at once.”
Aaron thanked him and gestured to the door. “I’ll show you out. We wouldn’t want to keep you from your patients.”
“I can show Mr Gentry out.” Miss Lovelace straightened her jaunty hat, and her gaze shifted to the doctor. A man who would make any woman swoon. “I hoped you might visit The Burnished Jade to give a lecture on the healing power of the mind. My ladies found your last speech most informative. Miss Moorland has spoken of little else since.”
Gentry bowed—though Aaron looked ready to murder someone.
“I would be happy to oblige. I shall check my diary and have my secretary send a list of suitable dates.” He raised a stalling hand and a confident smile. “There’s no need to see me out. I know the way.”
Miss Lovelace did not take her eyes off Gentry until he left the drawing room. Excitement oozed from her pores. Her eyes sparkled like polished sapphires. “Oh, my ladies will be thrilled.”
Theo wished it was dark enough to hide the taut lines etched on his brother’s brow. He wished he could screw hiseyes shut to avoid seeing the signs of Aaron’s discomfort. As a child, he had watched Aaron build barricades to shield himself from pain. If those defences came crashing down, there’d be Armageddon.
But he couldn’t worry about Aaron now. Miss Darrow needed his help to tackle her problems, problems which were mounting by the day.
“Miss Darrow needs rest.” Theo was eager to leave before Aaron said something to chase Miss Lovelace away.
Sadly, Aaron failed to hold his tongue.
“Most women make a fool of themselves over Gentry.”
Miss Lovelace shot Aaron a questioning look. “They do?”
“He is married to his work.”
“And you think I am searching for a husband?”
“You seem eager for his company.”
The lady laughed. “Do you know how hard it is to get professional men to give a lecture to ladies? Practically impossible.” She took a step towards Aaron, but his firm stance didn’t falter. “I cannot afford to fail, Mr Chance. Encouraging gently bred ladies to visit the club is crucial to my survival.”
Aaron did not remind her women lacked the gumption needed to run a club. Nor did he suggest an Aldgate address would deter a certain class of lady.
“Tell me whose services you seek, and I shall ensure they make themselves available to you.”
Miss Lovelace stumbled a little. “You will?”
“I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean.”
That was a lie. Every word spoken to this woman was intended to push her away and keep Aaron’s armour intact.
“What would you want in return?”
Aaron did not need time to think. “For you to remain on your side of the street. For you to close your curtains before you undress for bed. For you to pick someone other than Gentry to give a talk on the humours.”
While the lady stared at him, dumbfounded, Theo crouched beside Miss Darrow. The need to see her resting comfortably in bed and to talk without interruption had him scooping her into his arms.
“I am taking Miss Darrow upstairs.”
Aaron nodded. “Come to my study when she’s settled. I want to know what Daventry said today and how you plan to tackle these mounting problems.”
“Will you arrange for Mrs Maloney to come and sit with her?” Theo’s gaze fell to the woman in his arms. Fate had dealt her a poor hand. It was up to him to shuffle the cards and redress the balance. “Miss Darrow shouldn’t be alone, at least not for the next twenty-four hours.”
“I’ll visit Mrs Maloney and explain the situation.”
