Secrets of the Heart (11 page)

“Hally?” Madeline knelt beside her friend on the cobblestone street that had quickly filled with shopkeepers and townspeople crowding about to see what had happened. “Hally, your head is bleeding. Don’t move. I’ve sent for assistance.”

“Poppycock. I’m perfectly well. You really must let me up.” Hally groaned. “This wretched street is killing my back. Besides, I detest being on display, Maddie. Just listen to everyone oohing and ahhing as if they were watching a circus performance. They act as though they’ve never seen a carriage accident.”

“Well, at least you’re not speaking nonsense. Maybe you didn’t hit your head too hard. Still, it’s best not to take any chances.”

“Dearest Maddie, I never speak nonsense. How is that poor farmer who fell off his wagon?”

“I’m not certain. He isn’t standing either.” Madeline surveyed the cluttered street. The farmer’s wagon and their carriage had blocked all traffic after the collision.

A pair of blood-spattered boots appeared next to Madeline. “May we be of assistance?”

Her heart skipped a beat, whether because of the voice or the horrendous look of those boots, she was not certain. She forced her gaze up into Ravensmoore’s concerned eyes and sighed in frustration. “I do not believe we will be needing your assistance, Lord Ravensmoore. Look at you. You are covered with blood from one of your recent attempts at”—she lifted a brow in disdain—“butchery.”

“She may not want your assistance, but I certainly do,” Hally interrupted. “My stubborn friend refuses to let me get up, and now, she refuses your help. I must protest, Maddie.”

Ravensmoore knelt next to Hally. “You have a nasty gash on your forehead, Countess. Since I make Lady Madeline uncomfortable with my presence, I will leave you in the capable hands of my colleague, Mr. Charles Melton.” He turned to Melton. “This is the Countess Gilling. Please attend to her while I check the local farmer, who, from all appearances, is responsible for this fine mess.”

Melton scrambled forward, eager to be of assistance. “I am at your service.”

“Thank you, Mr. Melton,” Madeline said, as she watched Ravensmoore hurry to the aid of the old farmer. “Please be careful.”

“Of course, madam.”

“Such a bother,” Hally said. “It is nothing I assure you, sir.”

“Allow me to be the judge of that, dear lady. Does anything hurt?”

“Only my pride.”

Hally’s voice caused Madeline to pull her eyes away from Ravensmoore and stare in surprise.

“In that case, just put your arms around my neck, Countess Gilling. I will carry you to the hospital and give you proper attention.”

“Thank you, Mr. Melton. That is most kind, but I do believe I can walk with just a little assistance.”

“I would not dream of letting you walk.”

Hally blushed. Madeline could not believe her eyes. When was the last time she saw her friend blush? And in the arms of a man no less. “I will come with you.”

“No need,” Hally said. “I do believe I am in capable hands. I know how much you dislike hospitals.”

Madeline smiled as she watched Melton easily carry Hally toward the entrance of the Guardian Gate Hospital. “I do believe you
are
in capable hands, dear friend.” She then turned her attention to Ravensmoore.

Why did this man so irritate her? He immediately took charge of the situation and had the old farmer on his feet moments after assessing him for injuries. It appeared that Ravensmoore’s current patient suffered from a slight limp but otherwise seemed well. She watched curiously as he instructed two of the shopkeepers to assist the elderly man to the hospital. As the shopkeepers passed her with the elderly man balanced between them, they suddenly stopped. “I’m right sorry fer the trouble, yer ladyship, right sorry. Is the other lady badly injured? I saw her tumble out the door when me wagon hit the carriage. Do forgive me.”

Madeline’s distress over the accident melted at this plea for forgiveness. “It was but an unfortunate accident, dear man. No need to worry.”

“You won’t be bringing charges then?” His gray eyes looked hopeful. “You forgive me?”

“Yes, I forgive you. And I will not bring charges against you.”

The elderly man sighed in relief. “Thank you, yer ladyship. Yer most kind.”

Ravensmoore came up behind his patient and raised an eyebrow while looking at Madeline. “I imagine her ladyship’s forgiveness will do much to ease your pain, but come now, we must not tarry. I want to get a crutch for you to use and see that someone escorts you home where your wife can take proper care of you.”

His words did not escape her attention, and a twinge of guilt plucked at her heart. “May I accompany you? I must see how Countess Gilling progresses.”

“An honor,” Ravensmoore said, falling into step beside her. “Speaking of progress, is your arm improving? You’re certain the carriage accident did not worsen the injury?”

“I am well, thank you.”

“I imagine the hospital is the last place you wish to visit.”

Madeline stiffened. “I loathe death and disease. I want to be as far away from those twin evils as possible.” She straightened her lilac bonnet and brushed the dust from the street off her matching walking dress. “Having only one good arm now has made the simplest chore frustrating.”

“Forgive me for asking, especially if it opens old wounds, but have you lost someone other than your father?”

Madeline wanted him to know. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt compelled to share the information with him. “My younger brother… and two sisters. Miriam, my youngest sister, died in infancy. The others contracted smallpox. It was horrible.”

“I begin to understand your dislike of the medical profession. If your family could not be saved, why should you put any trust in medicine or those who practice it?”

“Exactly.”

“There is so much that needs to be discovered in order for people to combat disease. Just like Jenner’s discovery of the smallpox vaccine. I vow someday I will discover a way to prevent infection. Just imagine how many lives could be saved if that were to occur.”

“Imagine indeed, Lord Ravensmoore. Your imaginings seem to be quite vast. Perhaps you could write a book about your discoveries.”

“Hmm. I must consider that notion.” To her great annoyance, he grinned at her and opened the heavy oak door as they entered the hospital. “Now, let’s see if we can locate the countess.”

A burst of laughter spilled into the hallway.

“And the next thing I knew, I was lying facedown in the street, praying a horse would not step on me.”

“I believe we have found her,” Madeline said and smiled. She could hear Hally chattering away and knew that she was well. Very well, it seemed.

“It’s a pleasure to hear the sound of laughter in this place,” Ravensmoore said. “It is a rare occurrence.”

They followed the sound of Hally’s voice and discovered her and Melton quite engrossed in conversation.

“Melton, it sounds as if you have actually cured a patient. What will Langford think?”

Melton turned away from his patient. “That I am as good a prospect for the field of medicine as you are, I hope.”

“He is quite skilled and very kind, Lord Ravensmoore,” Hally said from her perch on the table in front of Melton.

“That is good to know, madam. If you will all excuse me, I must locate a crutch for our good farmer and see to his welfare. I hope you will wait until I return before taking your leave.”

Madeline looked at Hally. “I don’t believe we will be—”

“Of course we will wait,” Hally interrupted. “Madeline, you should have Lord Ravensmoore examine your arm while we are here to be certain the accident did not cause further damage. Our carriage did receive quite a jolt.”

Madeline shook her head vehemently. “Rubbish. I am perfectly well.”

“Forgive me, Lady Madeline.” Ravensmoore said smoothly. “I do believe the last time you made such a declaration you nearly fell to the ground. The countess is correct. I will be but a few moments, and then I will make certain you are well enough to travel home.”

“Really!” Madeline glared at her friend as Ravensmoore left to see to his current patient. “Such an unnecessary fuss.”

“Were you not reprimanding me just a short while ago about the exact thing, dear?”

“But you were injured, not I.”

“Dear ladies,” Melton broke in. “You have been through a difficult experience. It is best to ascertain any possibility of a problem to your person before allowing you to leave.”

“I quite agree with you, sir,” Hally said, smiling warmly at Melton. “In fact, I wonder if it would not be wise for us to remain in town. The carriage will need repair as well.”

“That is a wise plan, Countess Gilling. You must take care not to overdo it.”

“What’s this about staying in town?” Ravensmoore asked as he rejoined them.

Madeline noticed he’d removed the bloody apron. Despite the fact that he had his white sleeves rolled up and ready for duty, a very unconventional appearance for a gentleman, Madeline could not help noticing how handsome he looked in his green vest.

“We will not be staying in town,” Madeline said flatly. “I must return to Richfield tonight.”

“While you two debate your plans for the remainder of the day, allow me to examine your arm, Lady Madeline.”

“I assure you that it is not necessary, but if it will get us out of this horrid place any sooner”—Madeline visibly shivered—“I will permit it.”

“Sit up here next to me, Maddie,” Hally said, patting the examining table.

Madeline stepped onto a small step stool and carefully sat next to Hally. “Please assure me that you do not plan to operate, and I will be much relieved.” She gave Ravensmoore a meaningful look.

“No surgery will be necessary. Just slip your arm from the sling very slowly. That’s it,” he said, as Madeline followed his directions.

She grimaced. “It hurts,” she said, as he gently manipulated her arm and shoulder. “But not any worse than it has been since my fall. Are we free to go now?” Madeline put her arm back in the sling, and Ravensmoore assisted her from the table.

“I am sorry for your discomfort, Lady Madeline. As I told you when I attended your injury at Richfield, it is a most severe sprain and will take time to heal. I recommend you visit the apothecary this day if you do not return home. Where will you stay?”

“This is as good a reason as any to reopen my town house,” Hally suggested, as she joined Madeline.

Madeline whispered, “Are you certain you are ready for that, Hally? The memories of you and James are bound to be everywhere.”

“It is time.” Hally took her friend’s hand and squeezed gently. “It is past time. I will send word to your mother so that she won’t worry about us and to alert the staff at my town house.”

Langford interrupted the conversation. “I beg your pardon, ladies, but I have urgent need of my students. I trust you are both well?”

“Excellent, sir,” Hally said. “Mr. Melton has treated me with the utmost respect and consideration. Lady Madeline can say no less of Lord Ravensmoore, can you, dear?” She lifted a slender brow.

“Of course.”

Madeline studied Langford carefully, then recognition dawned. Him! It was the doctor who’d left Father with Ravensmoore when he’d been called away on another emergency. He’d left her father to bleed to death after the removal of the wood that had impaled his thigh. He should have stayed. “Let us not detain them another moment, Hally. They are obviously quite busy.” Madeline held tight to Hally’s hand and pulled her out through the doorway.

As they walked past the entryway and out onto the street, she prayed she would never have to enter a hospital again.

Devlin watched Madeline depart and wished he could go after her, comfort her.

Langford peered at him over his spectacles. “Tomorrow we have a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge. We will be visiting Ashcroft Asylum.”

Devlin’s heart raced, keeping pace with his speeding thoughts. “Ashcroft Asylum,” he whispered.

“Do you have a comment, Ravensmoore?”

Devlin swallowed hard. “Yes,” he said. “When we go, I prefer that you introduce me as Dr. Grayson. I’d rather not bother with the winks and whisperings of people who are wondering why an earl would visit such a place.”
Nor do I want them to connect me with my mother
, he thought.