by Liz Rein
On his horse, Sterling followed the property line. He looked over the fields and reflected on the reception he received when they arrived at Blackbrier Park. The door had been opened by the estate manager, Mr. Jefferson. It was pure luck that Sterling was even greeted by the estate manager; he had prepared to go to his own home, a small cottage located on the property. It turns out that since the old lord died the servants were pensioned off. With the exception of the new estate manager and one or two local girls that came from the village who cleaned during the day, there was no one at the house. In his eagerness to view his new estate Sterling and Thomas had arrived at Blackbrier Park before Mr. Jefferson received a note from the Duke making him aware of their imminent arrival. Once introduced Jefferson was slightly panicked, he did not have rooms prepared or staff on hand to take care of their needs. After being reassured that they had slept in worse circumstances, they made arrangements for staffing the manor back up the next day, he relaxed.
****
Cecilia was absorbed in her picking, quietly humming to herself as she worked and at first didn’t hear the approaching horse on the other side of the blackberry patch. Reaching for a berry she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye through the thicket. On edge, she stopped humming and listened for the faint sound of hooves on the lush grass. She froze; knowing intrinsically that it is him, not many people roamed the edges of Blackbrier Park.
Rufus, who was busy sniffing a tree, took notice of his mistress’s stillness, slowly ambles toward Cecilia. He ducked his head to peer through the blackberry brush and saw the movement and without pause he dove into the thicket.
Rufus emerged directly in front of the horse’s snout. The horse, in surprise rose to his hindquarters and began to whinny. Cecilia, knowing that Rufus will continue his aggressive charge in a misguided attempt to protect her dropped her basket filled with blackberries and started running down the path parallel to the brier looking for a clearing so that she may pass through the bush without scratches. She knew that there was a gap about 10 yards down. Just before she rounded the corner she heard a sharp curse above the horse’s frantic bid to escape then a dull thud of flesh hitting the compact earth.
Jumping through the hole in the bush she saw the man from yesterday, the new Lord of Blackbrier, on the ground clutching his leg and grimacing in pain. Rufus was standing next to him with his small shoulders back and a proud look on his face now that he has defeated his enemy. She rushed toward both of them in concern. Rufus yipped at Cecilia with a look in his eye that clearly says ‘Look what I did! ‘
Sterling was riding along a path that followed the blackberry bush that created a natural property line for Blackbrier Park and the adjoining property. Enjoying the light morning sun on a warm autumn day he was casually taking in his land as well as the crisp, clean air. His ears perked to a sound emerging from the other side of the bush. When he was even with the sound he recognized as humming, he pulled his horse to a stop and sat enjoying the lyrical sounds. Sterling was preparing to call out a greeting to the songstress when she suddenly stopped.
Before he knew it a small dog of unknown origins burrowed through the thicket and began to nip at his horses’ forelocks and yipped loudly and repeatedly. His horse startled at the dog’s presence, began to kick at the animal with his forelocks. Sterling’s legs, weak from his thigh wound and the long ride to Blackbrier Park the day before, was unable to retain his seat and he began to slide off the saddle backward, landing on the ground below. The fall made him land on his wounded leg and a jarring pain started radiating up and down his thigh. Grimacing he clutched his thigh while lying prone, hoping to dull the pain.
From the ground Sterling turned his head and saw the woman from the day before emerging from the blackberry bushes a few yards away. Embarrassed, he thought to himself that he was lying on the ground completely unmanned by a dog that weighs no more than a stone.
Cecilia rushed to his side. Her first instinct was to check him for wounds as he is obliviously in pain. As she reached for his leg that he was clutching she began to babble quickly.
“Oh lord, I am so sorry”
“Are you hurt?”
“Is your leg injured, let me see”
She carefully and expertly handled his thigh inspecting the limb looking for visible injuries. Not seeing anything obvious she begins probing with her fingers.
Sharp piercing pain stabbed through his thigh at her touch. Sterling ground through his clenched teeth “Stop, I just need a minute. I will be fine.” Although in a tremendous amount of pain Sterling could not ignore the sensation of her fingers brushing up and down his thigh, not an unpleasant feeling.
“No, you are not fine, you are obviously in pain. Relax and let me examine your leg, you may have broken or fractured it.” Cecilia said still looking intently at the leg.
She still had not looked him in the eyes. Through his pain Sterling could not help but feel disappointed that she would not look at him. The day before she had refused to meet him in the eye and today was the same. Pushing that thought aside Sterling said “My leg is not broken. I have an injury from the war and it is acting up” Sterling said, still grimacing.
“Well something is wrong. I can feel hard objects protruding under the skin and I think that is what is causing your pain.”
“It is some of the bullet from when I was shot; do not pay any attention to it. I am fine.” The London doctor said that all the bullet shrapnel did not get taken out and that was what was causing continued pain in his thigh. “My London physician said that he could not take it out without causing a significant amount of more damage so I have to live with the pain.” he also prescribed heavy doses of laudanum for the pain but Sterling did not want to be in a fog all day, he was already fatigued enough as it was.
Sterling took a deep breath and began to struggle to his feet, gently brushing her aside. Cecilia anticipating his move was prepared to help him gain his feet. Amid grunting from both of them they managed to get Sterling to his feet by rolling him to his knees and using Cecilia as an anchor he pushed his way up on his good leg. A light sheen of sweat appeared on his brow from the exertion and pain. Looking up to his saddle Sterling realized the futility of gaining his seat without thoroughly humiliating himself. Embarrassed he smiled with chagrin at the woman whose name he still did not know.
Cecilia knew that the lord was a tall man, she could tell when they first met the day before but it was not until they were standing next to each other that she realized how large he was. Cecilia was a tall girl, she had always towered over the other village children. Cecilia was so tall she was used to looking the village men in the eye whenever the occasion occurred. But standing next to him she had to look up into his eyes even though he was crouching. She was taken back, a little intimidated but fascinated as well. The sheer size of him momentarily silenced her.
“I don’t believe that gaining my seat will be possible at this juncture…” Sterling began.
“My cottage is not far, if you are able, we could walk there without too much trouble.” Cecilia interrupted. “I would really like to get a look at that leg. I am one of the local physicians, and I believe that your fall may have loosened the fragments. Also I feel responsible” she continued.
Cecilia felt a little guilty for the white lie. She may not be a physician yet but the other local doctor is out of town and her training and experience as a midwife make her the best option for medial emergencies. The next closest doctor is over an hour ride on a fast horse, not a viable option in emergencies. And she did feel responsible, her dog had caused his horse to suddenly rear.
Sterling silently gave his acquiescence and began to trudge around the blackberry bush leaning heavily on the woman. Although in pain he could still appreciate the woman’s soft strength. She was curvy in all the right places but with an underlying strength. Sterling enjoyed the sensation of those curves pressing into his body.
It occurred to him that with such intimate tou
ching he should at least know her name. “This may seem a little awkward but I feel that if we are to become more closely acquainted I should at least know your name. I am Sterling Fairchild, former Captain of the British Brigade, and who may you be?”
She assumed that he already knew who she was, the gossip should have already reached him. Wearily she replied “My name is Cecilia Wright.”
When he showed no reaction to her name she figured that he must not have heard about her yet. But, she knew, he would in time and would treat her as the other local gentry did, with a cold shoulder. But still she was never one to hold a grudge. Cecilia vowed to help those who needed her, including those who shunned her. Besides maybe he would be the exception rather than the rule.
“Well Miss Cecilia Wright, I am happy to make your acquaintance, even under these unpleasant circumstances.”
Cecilia did not know what to say to that so she remained silent, grabbed his horse’s bridal and pressed on towards her home.
Chapter Five
It took several minutes for the house to come into sight. Walking on narrow paths through fields was much harder when supporting someone else. By that time they were both exhausted, but with a last push they made it to the backdoor which led directly into the kitchen from the garden.
They entered the house through the kitchen, Cecilia thought expediency was better than being proper. When they came through the door they met Mary as she was mopping while her daughter, Ella, watched. Mary came to live with her a year ago pregnant and in need of a midwife. She was alone, not married and she had spent the last of her savings in the village buying a small lunch. Cecilia had found her standing alone looking desperate with nowhere to go while the locals gave her the cut direct. Knowing that look well Cecilia carefully approached her and introduced herself. She soon learned that Mary was well born and when her parents found out that she was increasing they disowned her, turning her out into the streets with only her savings she had from her monthly allowance.
From then on Mary lived with her and when she gave birth to her daughter Ella, they stayed. Cecilia was never one to turn someone away and she was grateful for the help, although her house was tidy, cleaning was not on her list of favorite things to do and with so many other tasks that needed to be done, cleaning sometimes fell to the wayside, Mary took up the slack.
Mary seeing that Cecilia was struggling to support a strange man quickly came to their aid. Having injured people at the cottage was not uncommon, although having a well dressed one was. Most people who used Ms. Wright’s services were local villagers, people who could not afford the services of a real physician. From the kitchen they made their way down the hall toward the library, which was the exam room. By the time they got Sterling to the exam table he was white as a sheet with pain. He sat down on the table without being told.
Taking charge of the situation Cecilia spoke. “Mary could you please go to Blackbrier Park and tell Mr. Jefferson that there was an accident and Captain Sterling is here and injured.”
Leaning back on his arms with his leg extended Sterling gritted out ”When you tell the estate manager please also speak to my man Thomas, tell him that my leg is acting up.”
“He will need a carriage to return to Blackbrier Park.” Cecilia continued. “If it is okay with you, my lord, Mary will return your horse when she gives the message. You will not be riding him horse anytime soon.”
Sterling silently agreed with a nod and Cecilia assisted Sterling so he was lying on his back with his legs stretched out on the table. As soon as Mary left Cecilia began to methodically remove his pants. Having seen her fair share of limbs as a physician and midwife she ignored the fact that she was undressing the most attractive man she had ever met.
Sterling, in pain, was not as dismissive. His leg was not as attractive as one would want when in the presence of a pretty lady and recent weight loss made him not in top shape.
Solely focused on the leg and the injury and the fragments she detected earlier she did not see his distress as she examined him. “I think that some fragments may have cut loose and are rising to the surface. I would like to make an incision to see if I can remove any of the pieces.” Finally looking into Sterling's eyes she smiled questionably for permission. Reassuringly she continued “I can give you a light sedative for the pain.”
Sterling was hesitant to be sedated but he knew that what she was going to do will be very painful. Intrinsically trusting her he agreed and Cecilia turned away to get the necessary items. She retrieved chloroform to make him sleep and her instruments. Dropping a small amount on to a clean white piece of linen she pressed it to his face instructing him to breathe deeply. As the chloroform took effect she went into the kitchen to heat water to cleanse her tools. Her mother taught her to always clean her hands and equipment. Her experiences taught her that her patients were less likely to have an infection when she washed her hands and supplies before each birth and those lessons were passed to Cecilia to use in her midwifery as well as a physician.
She laid out her tools on the table on top of another piece of clean linen and lovingly caressed them. Whenever she took out her tools she remembered that her father gave them as a present when she started her apprenticeship with the local doctor. He had said that a true physician deserved quality tools and so he had custom tools created with quality materials that fit her hands. Most other instruments were made larger to fit male hands, too big for her. It was the best present she had every received, one that told her that her father truly approved of her decision to become a physician.
After cleansing the tools she returned to the library to see that the chloroform has taken effect, he was in a sound sleep but not too deep to be dangerous. Alone, she was able to survey Sterling Fairchild without him returning the favor. He was impressive, he was the tallest man she had ever met, his feet and a good part of his calves hung over the table that was specially made for people to lie on. He was also the most handsome man she had ever met. He has dark hair the color of midnight, a deep tan complexion from the powerful rays of the Spanish sun and eyes, when open, that were a deep, clear cerulean blue. Cecilia noted the scar the day before but was too preoccupied with the realization that the new owner of Blackbrier Park had finally arrived to really take notice. When she did get a closer look at the scar it was very harsh and still red. Whoever sewed it up did not do a good job but she imagined that in a war zone superficial wounds such as a cut on his face did not take precedence or gain special attention. She knew that in time the scar would fade away and would soon be unnoticeable. Besides although not attractive in itself it did not take away from his looks, the scar highlighted the rugged masculinity of his face drawing attention to his eyes.
Shaking off her inappropriate thought she concentrated on her job. After tying on her apron she picked up her scalpel and began probing for the loose pieces in his leg. The first cut was always the hardest but once she began she concentrated on removing as much as she could without damaging the leg or muscles extensively. As she thought, the fall loosened some fragments. There was fresh tearing from the sharp edges of the pieces in the thigh muscle, which was no doubt causing a lot of pain. Cecilia decided to take time to remove all of the fragments, even the ones that were not loosened from the fall. It would be better to take the time now and have him heal one more time than have him deal with the pain for the rest of his life.
She was interrupted only once when his servant, Thomas, arrived. After explaining what happened and initial overview of the wound he stayed quiet standing in the corner leaving her to her work. It was slightly unnerving but after years of men doubting her abilities as a physician she had become accustomed to such heavy scrutiny.
After seeing what she was doing and how carefully she was working Thomas was confident in her abilities, staying in the field hospital made him aware of the difference between good, bad and incompetent surgeons. It was well over and hour before she began to sew up the wound but by the looks of the dish holdin
g the discarded fragments it seems that the damage reopening the wound inflicted, paled in comparison to the benefits of removing the metal pieces.
Finishing up Cecilia exhaled and turned to face Thomas. “It looks like I got all of the fragments in his leg.” Wiping her hands she continued “With any luck he should not have any pain after it heals. He will wake in about an hour. I know you must be eager to return him to Blackbrier Park but I would like him to stay at least a day or two to make sure it doesn't become infected.”
Thomas agreed and began preparing for a short stay. He sent the carriage back with the driver with instructions to bring several changes of clothes for both Sterling and Thomas.
Chapter Six
Sterling woke with a slight stinging in his thigh but not the wrenching pain he had lived with before. Senses stunted from the effects of the chloroform, it took a few minutes for him to take in his surroundings and remember where he was. He was laying on a bed wrapped in a soft, colorful blanket that was worn and faded with age. The room had a low sloped ceiling and one window with the clear morning sunlight shining through. He vaguely remembered sometime the day before Thomas and Miss Wright wrestling him up a flight of stairs and into the bed.
He felt a small warm weight leaning against the calf of his uninjured leg, looking down he saw a suspicious lump at the end of the bed. It slowly began moving up the bed under the covers and emerged. It was a dog. The dog from yesterday that caused his horse to throw him. Still half under the covers the dog looked at him, it’s sad, brown liquid eyes expressed his sorrow as if to say, I never meant for you to get hurt. Sterling sighed. Rufus, sensing no real anger bound up the bed in an effort to lick his face. Sterling stopped him with an accepting rub between his ears, he never did hold a grudge.
Abruptly the dog jumped off the bed and jumped against the door, he heard his mistress start to climb up the stairs.