Page 7 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
Despite her irritation, Anne replied, "Thank you, sir."
The doctor nodded and moved the Duke's leg about some, moving it from side to side, pressing in places, bending and twisting the foot in different directions. Then, he unwrapped the dressings that Anne made and inspected further.
As the Duke stifled grunts and flinches, the doctor made "hmm" sounds.
Then, he declared, "Well, most of the deep skin wounds will heal well enough on their own. Miss Drowton was correct that I would need to stitch this one. You also appear to have sprained your ankle, so I would recommend that you stay here and rest for a period until it mends, assuming the Drowtons do not mind hosting you longer."
The doctor looked at Anne and Charles. Charles opened his mouth but closed it again, deferring to his older sister.
Though they shared a look wanting to decline, Anne said, "Of course. It is only proper that we should care for anyone injured who seeks care in our home. It can never be said that Reedley Manor turned away a nobleman, or any other man, in need."
"How very kind," the Duke said though his tone did not match the sentiment.
It will not do,he thought.I have further business in Scotland and cannot be stuck here. Even if I were on holiday when allthis happened, I dread being stuck in this house with these people and no staff to accommodate my needs.
"You're sure I cannot continue my travels, Dr. Edwards?" the Duke asked. "I am making my way to Scotland. There is a matter of business I must attend to."
"I'm sure, but you're a stout young man, very healthy overall. You're a bit malnourished, but with a few good meals and rest, you should recover swiftly and be able to resume your duties," replied Dr. Edwards, preparing his materials to stitch the Duke's last wound and rewrap his leg and sprained ankle.
The Duke turned away when the doctor referred to him as malnourished, but he said, "Fine, I shall reside here and rest since you deem it necessary, but I shall not stay long. Once I am getting about unassisted, and these cuts show signs of healing, I must be on my way."
"Of course," the doctor agreed.
"Indeed," agreed Anne. "We understand you have important matters to attend to, and we will do all that we can to assist your speedy recovery."
Whatever gets you on your way quickly,Anne thought.I don't believe I can tolerate being around this "gentleman" much longer.
"Then, I suppose I will finish my duties here and be on my way. I would encourage you to stay off the foot for the next several days as much as possible but then begin taking brief walks to strengthen the ligaments. Also, Miss Drowton, you will need to redress his wounds periodically. Once a day should be sufficient. Send for me if any discoloration or foul smells develop, and we will find a salve to treat it," stated Dr. Edwards.
"Yes, sir," she replied. "Can I prepare anything for your departure?"
"That's very thoughtful of you. Since you have mentioned it, when I was here last year during the rainy season when Baron Reedley had that dreadful cough, your maid was putting away a variety of jams and preserves and gave me some jars. I don't suppose you might have more jars lying about still? The wife and I enjoyed them so," the doctor asked as he stitched the Duke's leg.
"Sir, do you think you might focus on the task at hand? Really, Miss Drowton, you could make your offerings as you see him off," interjected the Duke.
"My apologies, Your Grace. I only thought it would be convenient if I prepared what he wanted and during the time he stitched and bandaged you," Anne said rising to leave the room. "Dr. Edwards, I have fresh preserves I prepared recently. I will excuse myself now and use my best judgment in putting together a basket for when you leave."
"Thank you, Miss Drowton," the physician said, curbing his desire to inquire about the selection of jams and possibly breads the young lady had available.
Instead, he worked a little faster seeing to the Duke's needs so that he could excuse himself from his company as well.
Charles seemed to wish he had a reason to excuse himself as well, but unable to think of any, he attempted shuffling his cards more quickly and ended up scattering them on the table.
"Woops," he said with a nervous laugh. "I'll clean that up. Then, maybe I'll get the carriage ready to drive Dr. Edwards back."
"Thank you," Dr. Edwards said.
After a few minutes, Dr. Edwards had the Duke sewn and bandaged.
"All right, Your Grace. Good as new, or you will be after several days. Send for me if you need anything further," he said.
"Yes, thank you for your promptness and care, Doctor," the Duke replied.
"Of course, it is no trouble," said Dr. Edwards.
Then, a woman the Duke had not seen before entered the room. From her dress, he realized she was a maid.
There is some staff here. I wonder if they are dismissed after dinner service. Rather than rooming and boarding in the manor, perhaps they return to their homes in the evenings,the Duke wondered.
