Chapter 25

twenty-five

A LL THE ATTENTION Edith gave Perry spoiled him.

After his last attack, she hadn’t left his side, giving him tea and buttered scones, and making sure he was comfortable. He loved every second with her.

Sitting on the chair next to his bed, Oliver took notes. “At what time did the attack happen?”

“Around two o’clock.” Perry winced as he sat up, his muscles sore and aching.

“Do you want another pillow?” Edith asked.

He smiled, even though he was in pain. “No, thank you.”

“What did you feel the moment before the attack?” Oliver asked.

“I was worried about Edith and what her father had told her.” He still was.

“ Worry .” Oliver cradled his chin. “Interesting. I have to check my diary and see how often you’ve been worried before an attack.”

“You don’t have to worry about me.” Edith patted his hand.

“I beg to differ. The whole situation involves me as well. And now you need a new professor.”

“I’m really sorry, Miss Winkworth,” Oliver said. “I’m not the type of doctor you need. But I’ll do everything I can to help you.”

“Thank you, Dr. York. You’re a godsend.”

Oliver blushed up to the roots of his hair. “Well, I have to consult my notes.” He left, muttering about worry and triggers.

“I need to talk to you,” Perry said once alone with her.

“I know what you’re thinking.” She puffed up his pillows. “I’m sorry for what my father said. He doesn’t know you. He jumped to conclusions.”

“I perfectly understand your father. You’re his daughter, and he wants to protect you. I’m not offended by his mistake. I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

Her eyes grew larger in alarm. “You’re worried about your reputation. It’s understandable. I’ve caused you nothing but trouble.”

“You and your father have the habit of jumping to conclusions and making assumptions. I was referring to finding an examiner for you. Sir James Harris, the queen’s physician.”

She narrowed her gaze. “He’s after the Star Maiden.”

“But he’s a doctor I personally know, and he’s a member of the London School of Medicine for Women’s board. Being associated with him will silence any gossip about you. I’ll send him a letter immediately.”

“Thank you, Perry.” She kissed his cheek, lingering.

“There’s something else.” He took a deep breath. “You know how I feel. You know I want to marry you and make you happy, but becoming a surgeon is your dream, and I can’t ask you to choose between marriage and your career. I’ll always support you, and I don’t care if we don’t get married. You’ll always be my only one.”

“I love you, Perry.” She hugged him. “I love you so much. I should’ve told you a while ago.”

He held her, kissing her cheek, neck, and lips. They fought over who gave more kisses to the other until she laughed and had to stop while he kept kissing her.

“It’s fear!” Oliver exclaimed, flinging the door open and causing Edith to gasp. “Fear is the trigger.” He waved a few pages of his notepad in the air.

Edith moved away from Perry.

“I analysed all the data, and the only common factor among Perry’s attacks is fear. When he gets scared, a seizure starts. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Fear. It could be.

“But before his latest attack, he wasn’t threatened,” Edith said. “He wasn’t scared.”

“I think he was,” Oliver said with an air of triumph. “He was worried about you. The same thing happened in the Scarlet Room. You fell into the pool, he pulled you out, and afterwards, he had a seizure. Fear, worry, and anxiety for someone he cares about.”

Perry reclined on the pillow. “What am I supposed to do, then?”

Oliver’s enthusiastic expression settled down as if he were disappointed that Perry didn’t share his ecstasy. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? Don’t get scared.”

“Oh, thank you. Why didn’t I think of that?” Perry scowled at his friend. “Remind me how much I pay you.”

Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. “We can work on techniques to control your fears and anxiety. Perhaps we can find a medicinal herb that helps. But you have to do the biggest part of the job and work on your emotions.”

Perry stared at her, sending her all the warmth of his love. “Nothing more simple.”

Edith couldn’t sit still in the carriage as they rode to Sir James’s house.

Perry had been right. The prestigious physician hadn’t hesitated to express his support for her. She suspected Sir James’s help had more to do with the Star Maiden than her medical skills. Anyway, beggars couldn’t be choosers. Only two days were left before the possibility of trying the admission test ended. But the urgency wasn’t why she was so nervous. Above all, she wanted to do a good job.

“Stay calm,” Perry said from the seat in front of her. “You’ve studied so hard. I’m sure everything will be fine. However it goes, I’m proud of you.”

He sounded so honest and determined that some of his calm seeped into her.

“There’s something else I wanted to ask you.” She shifted her weight and cleared her voice. “It’s about our marriage and my career. We’ve always said they’re incompatible, but I might have found a solution.”

He held her hand. “I’m listening.”

“Well, don’t be offended, but I was thinking, if I become your countess…” It was more difficult than she thought. “I won’t need to work.”

He drew his eyebrows together. “You won’t be happy if you renounce your career, and I’m worried this choice might cause you to resent me over time.”

“No, I mean, I’ll study, get my degree, and then I’ll volunteer. I care about helping people, and I can do that in every hospital as a volunteer if I don’t have to earn a salary to live. Florence Nightingale had a staff of female volunteers, some of whom were titled ladies, and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson manages an all-female hospital in Mayfair where many volunteers work.”

“You won’t become a consultant surgeon, be part of any medical associations, publish articles in prestigious medical journals, or attend conferences.”

“It’s the price to pay to be a doctor and your countess, and it’s a good compromise.”

He burst out laughing and kissed her hands. “You’re a genius!”

She laughed as well, the tension leaving her. “Now I only have to pass the test.”

“I propose a bet. If you pass the test… no. When you pass the test, you’ll spend a night with me. All night.”

“You’re on.”

Thank goodness the queen’s physician lived on the outskirts of London where the traffic was non-existent. Edith had the opportunity to concentrate on her exam without distraction.

Sir James seemed unable to stay still as he welcomed them.

He smiled broadly, gazing from her to Perry. “Lord Ravenscroft, what an honour to have you here in my humble home.”

The humble home was a two-storey manor house with at least a dozen bedrooms, a deck surrounded by Grecian columns, and a garden that stretched for yards in every direction. Not even Perry’s townhouse in London had such a grandiose garden. Not to mention the stunning paintings hanging on the walls. Paintings by Turner, Delacroix, and, of course, Valentine brightened the hallway with their beautiful rural views. She guessed the most explicit paintings were hidden somewhere.

“Thank you for agreeing to see us.” Perry gave a polite nod.

“My pleasure. I love encouraging young people to study the noble science of medicine. Let’s begin the test then. I believe the opportunity to enrol in medical school is going to close tomorrow. We must be quick.” Sir James stretched out an arm towards a cosy study. “Everything is ready.”

“I’ll wait outside,” Perry said. “Good luck.”

Worry tightened her stomach as she sat in the small study with her forty-question test on the table. Sir James got himself comfortable in a chair, smoking a pipe and reading the newspaper.

“I hope after this test, you’ll tell me the truth about the secret painting,” he said between puffs of smoke.

No, she wouldn’t use the Star Maiden as leverage. “I’m afraid the test won’t change the fact that I didn’t pose for any paintings, sir.”

He scowled. “Right the other day, I was talking with Miss Daphne Ferguson, who, I believe, is a friend of yours.”

Edith perked up. “She is, sir.” Or was.

“I told her about your test and mentioned the Star Maiden, and she said that you posed for it.”

Thank you, Daphne, for blabbering. “Daphne loves making jokes. I’m afraid she was jesting.”

His scowl deepened. “The test begins now. You have an hour, Miss Winkworth.”

Focus . She took the pen and started the test.

Perry kept glancing at the window of the study where Edith was taking the test.

She wasn’t going to fail. He had no doubts.

Walking through the garden should help soothe his inner turmoil and control his emotions. In summer, the garden had to burst into life with roses and begonias, but now it was all dull and brown with shy, budding leaves. Not exactly inspiring.

Wandering, he arrived at the stable and watched a groom taking care of his horses. Another groom or stable hand was fussing around his carriage for some reason. The road to Sir James’s house was in pristine condition. No mud, gaps, holes, or bumps. His carriage couldn’t possibly have been damaged by the smooth ride. Yet the man remained crouched next to the back wheel, doing something Perry couldn’t see.

“Is something the matter?” He strode towards the two men.

The groom kept wiping the sweat from the horse’s neck, but the other stable hand straightened with haste.

“Lord Ravenscroft,” the groom said. “There’s no problem at all. Your coachman and footman are taking a cup of tea in the kitchen, and I’m attending to your horses. They’re in excellent shape. I gave them some water and a bit of oat.”

Perry focused on the other man. “What about your companion?”

The second man shrugged. “No problem, my lord. The axle just needed some lubricant.” The man showed his dirty hands. “Not much, but it’s all done now.”

Perry worked his jaw. His coachman zealously checked the carriage before every trip. Although the last few miles to Sir James’s house stretched on a narrow road that ran along a steep escarpment. One couldn’t be too careful. A carriage could easily roll down the slope; all it took was a small mistake.

A maid walked over to him, interrupting the conversation. “My lord.” She curtsied. “Sir James sent me to fetch you. Miss Winkworth finished her test.”

His heart gave a quick thump. So much for controlling his emotions. He returned to the house as fast as he could go without breaking into a run. He found Edith pacing in the sitting room, hands on her hips.

“How did it go?”

She threw a hand up. “I don’t know yet. Sir James is checking my test. Oh, goodness, what if I made a mistake in listing all the bones in the wrist? There are so many, and I think I forgot one of them. I’m not sure if I described the Jackson-Norton procedure correctly, either.”

“Don’t fret. If you get nervous, I’ll be nervous as well and get a seizure.”

That got her attention. She stopped pacing and pressed her lips hard as if making a decision. “Whatever the result is, I have to thank you for your support. I wouldn’t have come this far without you.”

“You would have. I only gave you a nudge.”

She paled a little when Sir James entered the sitting room, his gaze on her test. “Miss Winkworth.” He removed his glasses. “You passed your test with flying colours. Congratulations.”

She let out a funny noise halfway between a squeak and a yelp. “Heavens.”

Sir James smiled. “I have no qualms about supporting your enrolment in the London School of Medicine for Women. Gossip doesn’t matter when someone possesses such dedication. Use it well, miss.”

She clamped her hands over her mouth and stayed in that position, her eyes wide as if in horror.

“Edith?” Perry touched her arm. “Are you all right?” He removed her hands from her mouth. “Congratulations.”

She finally thawed and showed the biggest smile he’d ever seen. “Thank you. Thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything, Miss Winkworth,” Sir James said, “merely checked your test— Miss Winkworth!” He stiffened when Edith hugged him.

“Apologies, sir. This test meant so much to me.”

“I gather that.” Sir James straightened his glasses. “You must bring the test with my assessment and signature to the school as soon as possible, or you won’t get another chance until next year. Chop-chop.”

“I’ll fly.” She almost snatched the test from the doctor’s hands.

“I guess you’re more excited than when you posed for Mr. Carter.” He raised his eyebrows.

Edith’s smile disappeared. “I didn’t pose for any paintings, sir. I’m sorry.”

He exhaled. “Off you go.”

Edith’s happiness was contagious, and Perry couldn’t stop smiling as they drove in the carriage.

“I’ll need a proper leather bag for my notepads and a new set of pencils. Goodness, Father will be so happy.” She shifted on the seat, swaying her hips. “I could start next week if the school answers immediately. I’m looking forward to starting.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed.”

“Oh, Perry, thank you so much.” She threw herself at him from across the seat.

He laughed, welcoming her into his arms. “A celebration is in order.”

“Two celebrations. We’re engaged, right? And I’ve never been happier to lose a bet—” She didn’t have the chance to finish the sentence as the carriage gave a mighty jolt.

A loud screech followed. Then the seat dropped from underneath Perry as if the ground itself had vanished. The rest was a blur of thuds, rolls, and painful bumps. The ceiling and the floor swapped places. Edith screamed. The world turned upside down, and he couldn’t stop the rising fear in his chest.

Before the seizure took hold of him, he thought Oliver was right.

Perry woke up in a hospital bed in yet another bright white room smelling of disinfectant, which threw him back to the day after the incident.

For a moment, he wondered if everything that had happened in the past years had been an illusion, and he’d woken up just now from the Princess Alice disaster. At least his head didn’t throb, and his limbs were all in the right places. His hands were covered in cuts and bruises though. Surely, his face looked the same, judging by how sore it was.

“Perry.” Oliver walked over to him from a chair in a corner. “How are you?”

“Sore.” He was glad he could talk. “Edith?” His pulse spiked, and a buzzing noise rang in his ears. “What happened?”

“Calm down. She’s all right. Your footman, coachman, and horses are all right as well. A few bruises but nothing serious. Like you. You were lucky. You could have broken your necks. Miss Winkworth lost consciousness as well, but aside from that, no injuries. A wheel broke, and the carriage rolled down a slope, tearing the shaft and the breeching dee. The horses were dragged down, but once the carriage snapped free, they scrambled back up to their feet. The bushes stopped the carriage before it reached the bottom of the scarp. You were also lucky there was another carriage passing by. Its coachman sent for help immediately.”

He exhaled. “May I see her?”

“She’s with her family. Give them a moment.” Oliver glanced at the door. “See, between the incident and the loss of consciousness, two days have passed.”

All the blood flowed down from Perry’s head, making him dizzy. “She missed her opportunity to enrol.” He pushed aside the covers, ignoring the room tilting.

“Wait. There’s something else we need to discuss.” Oliver closed the door.

He had a hunch. “It was no accident, wasn’t it?”

Oliver nodded. “Someone tampered with the wheels and the shaft.”

“I saw one of Sir James’s stable hands working on the carriage.” He rubbed his eyes. “Hell, I had the feeling something was wrong.”

“Someone tried to kill you.”

“There’s only one person who would benefit from my untimely death. But how did he know about our trip to Sir James’s? I didn’t tell anyone.”

“Yes, it’s a mystery,” Oliver said. “I took the liberty of mentioning your uncle to the police. They’re interrogating him as we speak, and an officer was sent to Sir James’s house as well after it was clear the axle had been tampered with.”

“I doubt the police will find that stable hand. He’ll be out of London by now. Surely, Uncle Neville must have given him a hefty sum to sabotage my carriage.”

“Hopefully, the police will catch him.”

“I don’t like the idea of hoping. We’ll hire a private detective. I want to get to the bottom of this story.”

“Fair enough.” He patted Perry’s shoulder. “I’ll help you get dressed. We need to go home.”

Perry slid on a fresh set of clothes with Oliver’s help. His body was a map of dark bruises and swells, but his concern for Edith overcame his physical pain.

Staggering on his feet, Perry walked to Edith’s room. She was sitting on her bed, pale and quiet in a dark gown. Dr. Winkworth, his wife, and Lady Lancaster were talking in hushed tones. They fell silent when Perry entered the room.

He nodded at everyone, his focus on Edith.

“Perry,” she said in a small voice.

“Ravenscroft, we’re happy to see you up and about,” Dr. Winkworth said, shaking his hand.

Mrs. Winkworth wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, and Lady Lancaster held Edith’s hand.

“At least no one got seriously hurt,” Lady Lancaster said.

“Edith.” He touched her head.

She didn’t look better than Perry did, although her face showed only a couple of bruises. The problem was the shadow darkening her gaze. Her dishevelled hair and paleness enhanced her lost expression. The long dark dress didn’t help.

She gave him a timid smile, standing up. “I’m glad you’re well. We were worried.”

He squeezed her hand.

“In a hospital again,” she said. “We should stop having these incidents.”

Perry kissed her hand, not caring about the fact her family was present. “I love you, Edith.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him without hurting him though. He hugged her back, so very happy he could do so.

Soft gasps came from Mrs. Winkworth and Lady Lancaster. Dr. Winkworth grumbled something Perry didn’t understand.

“You’ll try next year,” he said when she released him.

Her next smile brought some colour to her cheeks. “It’s a good thing that I can.”

Mrs. Winkworth, clearing her throat from behind Edith, broke the moment. “Apologies, my lord, but we’re taking Edith home.”

“We’ll take good care of her, Ravenscroft,” her father said. “Thank you for everything you did for her.”

He released her reluctantly and stepped back from her.

“I love you,” she whispered, giving him a new smile only for him.