Page 9 of The Ones Left Behind
“The bone could have fractured on impact,” the doctor agreed. He examined the leg as Matthias winced with pain. “The outside appears to be healing well. We could place a splint against it for few weeks, to help the bone knit properly, though you might not walk again as you once did.”
“Anything is worth a try,” Matthias answered, unwilling to consider that as an option.
“At least they did not amputate in the field,” the doctor said gallantly. “I will fetch a splint from my trap and some laudanum for the pain.”
“They would have done,” Hornsby admitted. “Lieutenant O’Neill would not hear of it and we removed you to Brussels.”
“It seems I am indebted to Lieutenant O’Neill.”
“Aye, and the nurse. ’Twas O’Neill who took you to Miss Murphy.”
“Then I shall write to him, if you will be so good as to bring me my travelling desk and some brandy. And don’t be watering it, either.”
“Yes, my lord,” the batman said, ignoring Matthias’ jibe and, collecting the tray, heading for the door.
“Oh, and Hornsby?”
He turned back.
“Have you heard anything from Mrs. Gordon? I thought perhaps one of the brethren might have mentioned her.”
* * *
On the point of entering,Kitty stood outside the door, halted by Matthias’s words. She had been helping to care for him over the past week or two—how long had it been? The days slipped by in a rhythm and time seemed to have no meaning.
Something had given her pause and Hornsby had been looking directly at her when Matthias had asked about her. She shook her head vehemently and held her finger to her lips. It was too soon. He still needed to heal and she was not certain of his reaction, not to mention the fact she still had not convinced Mrs. Harlow that she was up to the task of housekeeper. Now that Matthias was home she had doubts herself.
But what would he say when he found out she had been here all along?
The doctor returned with the splint as Kitty began to walk down the hall.
“Miss Kitty?” the doctor asked, recognizing her. His voice seemed to reverberate through the house.
“Dr. Beverly, how good to see you.” She bobbed a slight curtsy and then hurried away, hoping he would forget he had seen her by the time he reached Matthias’s room.
She hurried down the stairs and almost ran into Mrs. Harlow.
“What is the matter, Miss Kitty? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”
“No, not a ghost. His lordship appears to have awakened, and his fever has broken.”
“Praise the heavens!” the housekeeper exclaimed.
“Yes, indeed.” Perhaps this would work only if she could bring herself to speak to Matthias. Had she truly thought she could be his servant? She had not thought, truth be told. She was hungry and desperate and her only thoughts had been for her next meal and a roof over her head.
How quickly she had allowed herself to become comfortable here again! If only Matthias had stayed away longer, what would’ve happened? It was a very good thing he’d come home to remind her of her place. If only she knew what that was.
“Miss Kitty?”
She had not realized the housekeeper was still there watching her. She started and looked at the woman.
“Was he pleased to see you?”
“I did not enter the room. The doctor is tending to him.” She swallowed hard and bit her lower lip, fighting back tears.
“Now, none of that, Miss Kitty. His lordship survived the fever, he will survive whatever lies ahead.”
She nodded, grateful Mrs. Harlow had partially misunderstood, because no one truly understood her plight. She inhaled deeply and firmed her resolve. “I think you would be well served to proceed with training me to take over your duties. Now that his lordship is home, you may have your well-deserved retirement.”
