by Kit Morgan
“Are you feeling better?” Elizabeth asked as she entered the room. “I just saw your mother out. She didn’t look happy.”
“That’s because she’s not,” Sarah said and returned the half-eaten biscuit to its plate. “Did your cook find some garlic?”
“Yes. You aren’t going to drink it in a tea, are you?” Elizabeth asked and made a face. “Ew.”
“No, but I am going to have her do what Doc suggested.” She picked at a loose thread on the coverlet. “Has he … come by?”
“Not yet. But I expect him anytime. Oswald is downstairs.”
“At this time of day? Why is he calling on you in the afternoon?”
“He’s not calling on me, he brought a book for my father. He told him about it at the ball last night.” She sighed in disappointment. “He never came to see me this morning. It’s just as well, considering what happened.”
Sarah gave her a heartfelt smile. “And I can’t thank you enough for taking care of me. You’ve been very kind.”
“Actually, I rather like having you here. It helps me imagine what it would be like to have a sister.”
Sarah nodded. She’d forgotten that Elizabeth was an only child. “I suppose it does. Sometimes I wish I had a younger sister. But I was always the younger one.”
Elizabeth sat on the bed and smiled. “We could be like sisters.”
“I’d settle for best friends. Would that be all right?”
She nodded and smiled again. “Do you want me to send Dr. Waller straight up when he arrives?”
Sarah’s heart warmed at her words. She felt proud to hear someone else call him Dr. Waller. “Yes, of course. I’m not sleepy anymore.” She put a hand to her forehead. “And I think my fever is gone.”
“That’s wonderful news!” Elizabeth got off the bed. “I’ll go downstairs and tell Mrs. Shibley to fix you some … what was it?”
“Garlic and butter on toast.”
Elizabeth made a face. “That doesn’t sound very appetizing to me.”
“It’s not meant to be appetizing. It’s meant to keep my fever down.”
“But your fever is gone,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, as far as I can tell. But to make sure it stays gone, I’d best do what the doctor ordered.” She smiled again. Doc might not have his diploma yet, but to her he was a doctor in every way. Her doctor.
“All right,” Elizabeth said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Sarah fell against the pillows, coughed a few times, and put her hand to her forehead again. She never wanted to be as sick as she was when she was younger. The mere thought sent a chill up her spine.
After a few moments there was a knock on the door. She propped herself up again. “Come in.”
“How’s my patient?” Doc asked as he entered the room.
Her face broke into a wide smile before she could stop it. So much for hiding her feelings. She quickly bit her lower lip.
Doc approached the bed, a leather bag in his hand. “Let’s have another look at you, shall we?”
She smiled again, her lip still between her teeth, and sat up straighter. He poked and prodded, took her pulse, asked questions, and was incredibly businesslike. In fact, she might as well be examined by Oswald’s private physician, Dr. Smith. There wasn’t much difference. Except Dr. Smith didn’t make her heart pound in her chest like a herd of wild horses.
“Your fever is gone,” he said and smiled. “That pleases me.”
She stared at him a moment as her heart sank. The way he looked at her, his movements, they were that of a stranger. Where had the gentle, warmhearted man she walked through the garden in the moonlight with go? “My guess is I caught whatever Mrs. Fuller had. Her fever cleared up in a few days.”
“Lucky for you yours cleared up within a few hours. To make sure it doesn’t come back, I want you to stay in bed a few more days, just to be safe.”
“Days?”
“Yes, I’ll not take any chances with you. I think you should stay here one more night and return home tomorrow.”
She stared at him, unable to speak. That was it? No gentle looks, no light of admiration in his eyes. Everything she saw last night – which, by the way didn’t compare to what she saw earlier today – was gone. She could still feel his arms as he carried her, his eyes locked on hers with concern.
Had one or two acts of chivalry swept her off her feet? Yes. But his chivalry started last night. Her temporary illness only added to it. She’d seen another side of him today and liked it just as much as what she’d seen last night.
But why was he being stoic with her now? For some reason she felt rejected. It hurt.
She continued to stare at him as he put his things away and closed his doctor’s bag. “Why don’t I come by and check on you in the morning?”
“All right,” she said, her face a blank. Her thoughts matched. She was out of ideas. All she had were questions. Had something happened? Good heavens, he didn’t have another run-in with her mother did he, or worse, Oswald? Before she could ask, he turned and was heading for the door. “Doc,” she called after him.
He stopped. “Yes?”
Tears stung the back of her eyes and for no good reason. Other than the fact she was falling in love with him. She shut them tight and shook her head. “Nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She opened her eyes to find him staring at her, an odd look on his face. He nodded. “Until tomorrow then, Miss Clemmons.” He turned and left the room.
“Miss Clemmons,” she repeated on a whisper. As soon as the words were out, she allowed herself to cry.
Chapter 12
Doc descended the stairs, got as far as the grand foyer, and stopped. “Why Mr. Petite,” he said and tried not to grit his teeth. “Whatever are you doing here?”
“I’ll ask you the same thing, Mr. Waller. Why are you here?”
Doc smiled, fighting the temptation to say, I asked you first. But he didn’t want to waste time and words on this man. Besides, Petite would find out soon enough. “I came to check on Miss Clemmons. She fell ill this morning.”
“What?” Oswald’s brows shot up. “How dare you treat Miss Clemmons, you, you …”
“Physician?” He switched his doctor’s bag from one hand to the other. Not that Oswald would notice.
“If you harmed Miss Clemmons, I’ll …”
“Mr. Petite, may I inform you that I accompany Dr. Campbell on his rounds in the hospitals and not only treat over half the patients he sees, but have performed surgery with him. Why? Because my skill sets are better than those of the students he’s been teaching for the last three years.”
Oswald’s eyes narrowed. “Prove it.”
“Fine. I’ll bring Dr. Campbell himself by later.”
Oswald smiled in satisfaction. “The sooner the better, Waller.”
“Very well, but you do realize that the doctor is ill, and that Miss Clemmons, in her current state, shouldn’t be exposed to him. But, if that’s what you want…”
“Yes, bring him, then I can watch him discredit everything you’ve said.”
Doc smiled. “Have it your way, Mr. Petite.” He seethed as he headed for the door. Petite’s pride was more important than Sarah’s welfare. Of course, he wasn’t about to let the good doctor near her. Sick or not, once Dr. Campbell found out whose house he was being summoned to, he’d show up just to say he’d been called to yet another of Philadelphia’s elite. Would he be happy dragging himself from his bed? Heavens no! And he was sure to let everyone know it.
Poor Oswald. He had no idea what was coming. To top it off, Dr. Campbell wouldn’t see to Sarah anyway. He’d send Doc to take care of her. Oswald wasn’t going to be happy about that, but too bad.
Doc left the house, his mind going over Oswald’s behavior. He’d like to throttle the man, but that wasn’t going to make him feel any better. Oswald just happened to represent the huge gap keeping him from courting Sarah.
The sooner he forgot about her, the be
tter. Problem was he wasn’t sure he could. It was all he could do to put one foot in front of the other. He wanted to go back with every fiber of his being, tell Sarah how he felt, but he didn’t dare. Especially not with Oswald lurking downstairs. Bad enough if, Heaven forbid, Sarah laughed at his declaration. Oswald, however, was the type to have it all over the city by nightfall. The country doctor professes his love for Sarah Clemmons. How laughable.
But he wasn’t sure he could stay away from the lovely woman. He’d be leaving Philadelphia in another year. Couldn’t they at least remain friends?
His mind said yes. His heart said no. Drat.
Doc entered Ned’s house, went straight to his room, and once he closed the door, flopped into his chair.
“About time you got back.”
Doc jumped. “What are you doing in here?”
Ned stepped away from one of the windows. “How did you not see me?”
“I have a lot on my mind. Such as Oswald Petite demanding that Dr. Campbell tend Sarah.”
“Back to Sarah, is it?”
Doc glared at him.
Ned laughed. “Why put yourself through such misery? Just tell the woman how you feel and see what happens.”
“With Petite still in the house? No.”
“Oswald is there? Now that’s interesting. I thought perhaps you saw him in the street, exchanged a few pleasantries.”
“With him? Hardly. My guess is he was calling on Mr. Chambers. Otherwise he’d have been hovering around Elizabeth like a bee to a flower.” Doc left the chair and joined Ned at the window.
“What are you going to do?” Ned asked.
“Fetch Dr. Campbell, what else?” He glanced at his cousin and back, a slight smile on his face. “It is what Oswald wanted.”
Ned crossed his arms and leaned against the window frame. “Why you sly devil, what have you got up your sleeve?”
“Dr. Campbell. You know how grouchy he is when he’s not feeling well. He’s one of the worst, if not the worst patient I have ever encountered.”
“At least you have someone to compare all your future patients to.” He pushed away from the window frame and put a hand on Doc’s arm. “Tell her.”
Doc’s heart skipped a beat. “Tell her what?”
Ned chuckled. “Don’t play coy with me, cousin.” He poked him in the chest with a finger. “You are in love.”
Doc sighed and turned away.
“Yes, definitely in love. And so quick too.”
“Would you stop?” Doc requested.
Ned was not easily silenced. “Sarah, I have something to tell you,” he said dramatically. “I love you, I love you, oh my Sarah!”
Doc punched him in the arm.
“Ow!”
“Hurt? Good.” Doc crossed the room to a small desk.
“What are you doing now?” Ned rubbed his arm and followed.
“Sending a note to Dr. Campbell that Mr. Petite insists he come to the Chambers’ mansion.”
“You’re really going to do it?”
“Of course.”
“Campbell is going to be upset.”
“Of course he is, but my honor is at stake. He’s the best person to keep it intact.”
“But all Dr. Campbell does is grouse at you. I’ve seen him do it often enough.”
“True, but the only reason he’s so hard on me is because I’m his best student. And I don’t even attend the college.”
Ned smiled. “You’re right. Poor Oswald.”
“Exactly.”
Oswald paced the Chambers’ library. He’d fumed over that sorry excuse for a physician for the last hour. So much so he had a bellyache. There’d been no sign of the famous Dr. Campbell as yet. Waller must have lied. He couldn’t get him there. Never intended to. If the man were smart, he’d pack his bags and leave town!
He went to the door, listened, but heard nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were in the drawing room speaking with Mrs. Clemmons who just arrived. Was she aware of the quackery her daughter had been exposed to? The Chambers didn’t seem to mind. They “liked” the country bumpkin. But maybe that’s because they didn’t know he was one. He was Ned Fielding’s cousin, so therefore he must be their equal. Well, he was far from it!
Oswald had to do something. Yes, he was more interested in Elizabeth Chambers. She came from a better family than Miss Clemmons. Had better connections and was an heiress to boot. He couldn’t go wrong with a match like that. Besides, he was attracted to her. She was so … pure and innocent. Not that Sarah Clemmons wasn’t. But Sarah thought for herself, and he didn’t like that. She would question him on things, want answers. Gads, what a horrible thought! Elizabeth, on the other hand, would do whatever he wanted. She was clearly the better choice. But what to do about this Waller fellow? He made Oswald’s gut tighten with jealousy.
Oswald stopped pacing. Waller had his eye on Sarah, that must be it! Why else would that nobody make him feel this way? Not that Sarah Clemmons would have anything to do with such a poor man. Still, she did allow him to treat her. That didn’t set well. Hmm, what to do?
He went to the door, stepped into the hall, and headed for the drawing room.
“Mr. Petite, do join us,” Mr. Chambers said as Oswald entered. “You of course know Mrs. Clemmons?”
“Yes. I was so sorry to hear about Sarah. I trust she’s resting comfortably?”
“Thank you for asking, Oswald,” she said. “Elizabeth says she’s much better but should spend at least another night.” She glanced at the ceiling, pursed her lips, then smiled. “I tried to get a hold of you earlier, to have use of your wonderful Dr. Smith.”
Oswald looked up and back. Did Sarah not want to see her mother? Perhaps not. Mrs. Clemmons was prone to hysterics over the slightest thing. One more reason to scratch her daughter of his list of prospects. Still, he didn’t like the fact Waller might set his cap for her. Oswald looked at Sarah’s mother and smiled. He knew just what to do. “I’m afraid with all my comings and goings today, I missed your note.” He glanced at the ceiling one more time. “Mrs. Clemmons, might I have a word?”
“How is it?” Elizabeth asked.
“It’s not bad,” Sarah said and took another bite. She chewed slowly, swallowed, and smiled. “Especially when the butter has melted a bit.”
“You’re going to have terrible breath,” Elizabeth said, her face screwed up.
“I don’t plan on being kissed anytime soon,” she commented. Or ever. Not the way my life is going. Not unless I speak up. But what if Doc thinks I’ve gone round the bend? What if he laughs at the notion of me having feelings for him? Even worse, what if she didn’t say anything and later found he did feel something toward her? Wasn’t it better to be laughed at and to know, than live with the pain of a festering regret?
She took another bite of garlic toast and chewed on the thought. Part of her said, why bother? Wasn’t the way he treated you last a good enough reason to forget it? Doc obviously wasn’t interested. It was a passing fancy, or she imagined it. And why did she care anyway? Did she fear spinsterhood that much? Hadn’t she already resigned herself to the fact she would never marry?
“Sarah?”
Tears stung the back of her eyes as she met her friend’s concerned gaze. “I’m sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
“On a certain handsome doctor?”
A chill went up her spine. “Yes.”
“I’m sure he’s looking forward to checking on you this evening.”
She set what remained of her toast on the plate in her lap. “He’s not coming. He said he’d check on me in the morning.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth said with a pout.
Sarah watched her a moment. “You look more disappointed than I feel.”
Her face lit up. “You are falling in love with him!”
Sarah leaned against her pillows. “I’m not sure what to call this. Do you realize that I not once fussed about my appearance before or after he was here? I must look a mess.”
; Elizabeth studied her. “You do, actually. And you’re right. You never once asked if you looked all right or wanted something done with your hair. Were you that sick?”
“No. But that’s how comfortable I am around him. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s as if I’ve known him forever.”
“But you do want him to be attracted to you, right?”
“Of course, but … there are more important things. I think he looks for those first. Not that it matters now.” She turned her head and stared out the window. “Take heed with Oswald, Elizabeth. Find out what matters to him. Please?”
She put a hand over one of Sarah’s. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
Sarah smiled and looked at her. “What are friends for?” She turned to the window again. The day was lit with sunshine, the sky a bright blue. She wished she could go outside for a walk, but that was out of the question. But she couldn’t sleep either. And if she kept talking about Doc with Elizabeth, well, there was no telling what she’d do. Eat more garlic toast? Stare forlornly at the wall? Cry her eyes out? Oh, the pain of falling in love! That was the worst of it. She knew what was happening. Now if she could just get up her courage to do something about it.
“Do you want me to leave?” Elizabeth asked.
Sarah picked up her toast. There were only a few bites left. “No, unless you want to fetch me more of this.” She took another bite and sighed.
“I can do that, then maybe I could read to you. I have a new book.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a romance!”
Sarah gave her a lop-sided smile. “Wonderful.”
Elizabeth’s face fell. “No reading then.” She took the empty plate from Sarah’s lap. “I could eat garlic toast with you. Who knows what people will think of us.”