Epilogue

epilogue

Five years later

“ S AND EVERYWHERE.” EDITH brushed grains of sand from her skirt before stepping into the entry hall of her house. “I’m sorry, Mason. I’m leaving pyramids of sand everywhere.”

The butler bowed, holding the door open. “Do not worry, my lady.”

But she did worry. Being a countess was nothing short of complicated, especially since she combined her social duties with helping her husband in his work and volunteering at the women’s hospital—she loved all that.

The years she’d spent reading and practising with her father bore fruit. She’d already known half of the things the teachers taught in class, speeding up the process of her becoming a doctor.

Perry handed his coat to the footman. “Nothing is more invigorating than a day at the beach.” He held her hand and went up the stairs. “Tea, please, Mason.”

“My lord.”

“I don’t understand the appeal of the sea,” Edith said, slouching against Perry on the sofa.

“Therapy.” He kissed the top of her head and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

They’d spent the day at the beach as part of the treatment Oliver had devised for her hydrophobia. She was a far cry from taking a swim across the Channel, but she didn’t have attacks of panic anymore.

“You must admit the beach was beautiful,” he said.

“Yes, but I wouldn’t spend the whole day swimming.” She snuggled closer to him. “But I agree with Dr. York. Besides, since I’m a doctor, I’m supposed to lead by example.” Especially since she volunteered not only in Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s women’s hospital, but also in one of the poorest hospitals in town, although with all the donations she and Perry were pouring into it, it’d soon become a more than decent place.

“Tired?” He unlaced her boots and put her feet on his lap.

More sand rained on the carpet.

“The train was great, but facing the blue expanse of water was unnerving.” She reclined her head as he massaged her feet.

“You’re doing great.”

“Marianne was quicker than me to overcome her fear.”

“Your sister is different. Your sister wouldn’t have posed for the Star Maiden.” He glanced in the direction of the covered painting.

“She’s wiser than I am.”

“Actually, I’m very happy you posed for the Star Maiden. So is Sir James.”

The physician-in-ordinary to the queen had kept his word and never mentioned the painting to anyone. The legend of the Star Maiden still lingered with rumours about its existence and the model who had posed for it. Valentine was enjoying a moment of unprecedented fame and money while Neville and Daphne had moved to France. Perry’s seizures hadn’t tormented him in three years, which was promising.

“Also, the sand nearly ruined the beautiful gown Mrs. Richards made for me.” She brushed more sand from the embroidered hem of her skirt.

“I’m happy Mrs. Richards made a full recovery,” Perry said.

“Between our help and my father, she’s one of the most requested seamstresses in London.”

Life couldn’t be better.

“Are you dressed?” Oliver asked from the other side of the door.

“Of course,” she and Perry said together.

“This is so difficult. So difficult.” Oliver sat on an armchair, a hand on his forehead. “Had I known that being the physician of an earl would require so much work, I would have refused and become a gardener.”

“No, you wouldn’t have,” Perry said, rubbing her toes. “What is it now?”

Oliver’s licence had successfully been reinstated, but it had taken over a year. Then he’d finished his studies in alienism. Since then, he’d found one drama after the other to keep him busy.

“You can’t find a leather bag that matches your Italian leather shoes?” she asked.

“Your stethoscope is out of fashion?” Perry asked.

Oliver lowered his hand. “Very funny. Shall I remind you that, if you’re conquering your personal fears, it’s thanks to me? Fears must be mastered , that’s my motto.” He fished out a few pieces of paper from his pocket. “Here’s the problem. How can I choose?” He put the cards on the low table.

Edith leant over. Each calling card had a different style and colour, and the writings ‘Dr. Oliver York Physician and Alienist’ shone with distinctive types of characters and colours. On the back, the motto ‘ fears must be mastered ’ was embossed.

“If I choose the wrong one,” Oliver said, “no one will take me seriously.”

“I don’t think the card is the problem,” Perry said.

Edith poked him with her elbow. “Be nice.” She picked up the blue card with the characters in gold. “I like this one.”

Oliver took it. “Yes, I—” As he turned it around, the sharp edge cut his fingertip, and a ruby drop of blood trickled down his finger. He paled. “Blood…”

“It’s just a paper cut—Oliver!” Edith wasn’t fast enough to catch him before he fainted and slumped out of the armchair.

“I can’t believe it.” Perry held him up and slapped his cheek. “Oliver.”

“He’s scared of blood. He’s a doctor.”

“So much for his motto.” Perry laid his friend on the sofa.

“But he’s right. He helped us.” She checked his pulse.

Perry kissed her lightly on the lips. “He did, but it was you who conquered all my fears.”