Page 23 of Tamed By a Passionate Lady
“Oh, my dear Lord,” she gasped, coughing into her hand. “How bad is he?”
Adaline looked grim. “I do not know anything at this stage, Isabel. The doctor is still assessing him and seeing what care he requires.” She paused. “Could you be of assistance again? Dr. Patterson needs bandages. Mrs. Bolt should be able to find some, if you can locate her.”
Isabel nodded. “Yes, I will do it straight away.” She turned to leave, heading down the hallway.
“Isabel,” called Adaline. “Did you inform your brother about what has happened?”
Isabel shook her head quickly. “I searched all over the house, and in the grounds for him, but I cannot find him…”
Adaline nodded, distractedly. “Well, just remember to tell him when you do see him. I shall remain here, at James’ bedside, for as long as I can.”
Isabel nodded, scurrying away to get the bandages. With a deep sigh, Adaline turned back into the room, focusing on her husband.
***
The sailors had all left the room, sent to the kitchen to rest after their long haul along the beach. The physician tended the leg wound, listened to James’ heart, and monitored his breathing. Adaline waited at the bedside, almost forgetting to breathe as she watched.
Eventually, he straightened, standing up.
“May we speak outside?” he asked, in a quiet voice.
Adaline nodded fearfully. They stepped out of the room, the doctor closing the door firmly behind him.
“I prefer not to speak in the room,” he said quickly. “We know little about what people can hear when they are in an unconscious state…”
Adaline nodded again. She had never felt more helpless in her life than when she had been watching the physician tend her husband. James had been like a passive doll, not reacting at all, his eyes still firmly closed.
“This is my assessment,” he said, in his quick, staccato voice. “Your husband is obviously suffering from a concussion. When we first found him, lying on the rocks, he was fading in and out of consciousness, but he has not woken at all since then.” He took a deep breath.
“But he will wake eventually…will he not?” Her voice was small.
The doctor shrugged his shoulders. “It is hard to say, madam. There are no hard and fast rules with a concussion. Sometimes, people awaken quickly, but sometimes not.” He hesitated, staring at her keenly. “Sometimes, they never awaken at all.”
Adaline felt like she had just been punched in the stomach. “Do you think that will happen now?”
He sighed. “The fact that he was coherent, even for a little while, when we found him, is a positive sign.” He paused. “However, I must say I am equally if not more concerned about his other injuries. The leg wound bled a lot, but that has been dealt with, and as long as the dressing is changed regularly and watched closely for signs of putrefaction, it should be fine. However his left leg is badly broken, and his right, where the wound is, is not responsive.”
Adaline gasped. “His right leg? It does not move?”
He shook his head slowly. “Even in the unconscious state, I would expect an automatic reaction. But your husband is not exhibiting it.” He hesitated. “There may be a small chance of paralysis from the waist down. It looked like a long fall, from where he was situated…”
Adaline blinked back helpless tears. This was a cruel blow, indeed.
Her husband might never wake up from his concussion. And even if he did, he might never walk again.
“Thank you, Dr. Patterson,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Your quick response and help has been invaluable.”
He nodded. “If I may, I will join the others in the kitchen for refreshment before we must take our leave.” He paused. “TheChristianahas already been delayed in its course, and we must get back to the ship as soon as possible.”
“Of course,” said Adaline. “Please, take as long as you like, though. I am deeply indebted to you.”
He smiled, bowing slightly. “It has been my pleasure to be of assistance, madam.”
She watched him walk down the staircase towards the kitchen. Her heart was filled with dread.
She turned back to the door of the chamber, where James was still lying, shaking with emotion.
Only this morning, she had left him in their own bed, sleeping. He had been well. And now, in the blink of an eye, her whole world had been turned upside down.
