Page 43 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“Of course, Lady Huntington.” Doctor Manning bowed respectfully before her, his black leather bag resting in his left hand. He turned his attention to Dominic. “Your Grace, a pleasure to see you, as always.”
“The same, Doctor Manning,” Dominic responded. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
Doctor Manning smiled reassuringly, then glanced at Catherine’s slumbering form on the bed. “That is the patient, I presume?”
“Yes, my wife,” Dominic explained hastily. He had no idea why that fact was of relevance at a moment such as that one. Not that it mattered. “We went horseback riding about an hour ago, and she fell off her horse.”
“I see,” Doctor Manning nodded gravely, approaching the bed. He didn’t turn to Dominic any longer. He was inspecting the patient with only his eyes for the time being. “She hasn’t regained consciousness since the fall?”
“No,” Dominic replied.
Concern gripped at his throat, and he found it difficult to speak properly. He was desperate for some good news, as he felt guilty for what had happened. It was his idea to go horseback riding. There was no need for it. They could have remained at the house, in separate rooms, he presumed, but Catherine would have been fine then. She wouldn’t be lying unconscious in her bed right now. This was all his fault.
He watched as Doctor Manning carefully administered a few drops of smelling salts into a handkerchief. With gentle precision, he held the handkerchief beneath Catherine’s nose, allowing the sharp, pungent scent to gradually rouse her from her unconscious state.
As the potent aroma of smelling salts filled the air, Catherine’s eyes suddenly fluttered open, her breathing quickening as awareness slowly returned. Dominic’s entire body was awash with relief at seeing her conscious again. With a soft groan, she stirred, her brow furrowing in confusion as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings.
“Easy now, Your Grace,” Doctor Manning said soothingly, still keeping that respectful tone of voice. “I am Doctor Manning, the Huntington family physician. Now, from what I hear, you’ve had quite a bit of a tumble, but you’re safe now. Can you hear me?” She nodded to his words, so he continued in the same gentle manner. “Can you tell me your name?”
She blinked dazedly, her gaze still a bit unfocused as she stared at the doctor’s face, obviously not recognizing him, which probably alarmed her even more. After a moment, she nodded weakly again, her voice barely a whisper as she managed to murmur her name.
“That’s it, Your Grace,” Doctor Manning replied, his tone encouraging. “You’re going to be just fine. Now, I need you to stay still while I examine you. Can you do that for me?”
With Doctor Manning’s gentle guidance, Catherine easily complied, although Dominic could see her occasional gaze that was directed at him. Following a thorough examination, Doctor Manning provided his conclusions.
“Your Grace, it appears that you have suffered a mild sprain to your ankle,” he began, his voice calm and reassuring. “While it is not a serious injury, it will require some care and attention to ensure a full recovery.” He continued, explaining the recommended course of action to facilitate her healing process.
“To start, I advise you to keep weight off the injured ankle as much as possible. You may find it helpful to use a cane for support, but I would put emphasis on rest, ice compression and elevation of the injured limb, allowing time to heal it naturally, while refraining from activities that might exacerbate the injury.”
“Yes, Doctor Manning,” Aunt Penelope jumped in immediately. “Dominic and I will make sure of it.”
“Indeed,” Doctor Manning concluded, offering a reassuring smile. “With proper care and patience, I’m confident that her ankle will heal well.”
Then, Dominic remembered something else. “But what about her falling unconscious?”
Doctor Manning turned to him. “It is quite common, Your Grace. The fall was a shock for both the body and the mind. But I see no injury to her head or anywhere else, which is a blessing. A mild sprain is the best silver lining I have seen in a long time.”
He paused for a moment, then continued. “However, if you start noticing some changes in her behavior, like slurred speech or dizziness, headaches and the like, do not hesitate to call for me for another check-up.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Dominic smiled, offering the man his hand, which Doctor Manning shook cordially.
“Just remember, lots of rest and keep her weight off the injured limb,” Doctor Manning reminded them once again.
He proceeded to bid them all goodbye, then left the room. Aunt Penelope rushed over to Catherine’s side, taking her hand once again.
“You’ve given us quite a scare, my dear,” Aunt Penelope spoke, her eyes wide with both concern and tenderness.
“I’m sorry,” Catherine smiled a little weakly. “I didn’t mean to.”
“No matter,” Aunt Penelope assured her, patting her hand. “All that matters is that you will be all right, and that it is nothing but a sprained ankle.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt,” Dominic interjected. “I shall ready the carriage and take Catherine home, so I can—”
“You most certainly will not,” his aunt interrupted him, shaking her head. “You will both stay here as long as it takes for her to heal completely.”
“But what about your own obligations?” Dominic inquired politely, remembering that she had some plans to go visit a friend.
“What did I always teach you, Dominic?” she asked, with a smile. “Family comes first. Always. Now, I will not hear another word of you forcing this sweet creature to endure a carriage ride with a sprained ankle. Not if I can help it. No, no, no. You shall stay here with me and we shall take good care of Catherine.”
