Chapter 14

Olivia had not spoken to Dr. Sinclair after Miss Copley and Gerard had been taken into custody by Strotham and other members of the Bow Street Runners. He had wanted to talk to her, but she was still angry that he had underestimated her again. She had simply dropped Dr. Sinclair at his home before returning to Westbrook House.

She was rather proud of how she deduced what had occurred. All it took was simple observation of those involved. She also hadn’t thought it would be so easy, but with so few suspects—those who had been near the tea—it limited the number of people she needed to watch and the very reason she had wanted them all together.

However, she had to soon set her jubilation aside to concentrate on the children who were not improving. She also sent someone for Dr. Valentine, but he had not returned to Town, which meant that Olivia was on her own.

For a moment she considered consulting with Dr. Sinclair, but they had done so yesterday and found no answers so it was unlikely that he would have one today.

There were other doctors in London, but she had not wanted to call on them either. It was likely they would be as puzzled as she.

With so many children ill, the former governesses, turned teachers, had helped take on the role of caring for the children while the kitchen was busy preparing teas and soups. Temperatures remained low, there was some coughing and sniffles. Nobody was getting worse, but none of them were getting any better.

Olivia had never thought Westbrook House to be loud, and for the most part, days were quiet as the children were at their studies. Yet, she had often heard laughter, and voices talking over others because of excitement. The same occurred when they were allowed free time out in the square behind the house. Now, there was silence, or near silence. She heard nothing of the children while on the main floor of the house and had to climb at least one flight of stairs before she would hear anything.

They were listless, which was disturbing.

Olivia went from one chamber to the next, checking on each child, feeling their foreheads and cheeks for fever and listening to their breathing, none of it difficult.

This was maddening. What was wrong with them that was taking so long to recover? It had been seven or eight days since the first child started showing symptoms so some should be recovered.

Weary and frustrated, Olivia returned downstairs to consult her medical journals again when she discovered Corliss opening the front door to Dr. Sinclair.

Olivia truly had not thought to see him again. She had assumed that he’d soon grow tired of caring for children, or trying to be a surgeon who took care of patients and return to his study of the mind. He likely was only at Westbrook House these past few days because they were attempting to solve a mystery together. Now that she had solved it, there was no reason for him to be here.

“How can I help you, Dr. Sinclair?”

He took a step back at the formality of her tone, but Olivia would not apologize. She had learned yesterday that he still thought less of her because she was a woman. She had hoped he’d come to realize that she was just as valuable as a man, but when he had dismissed her, Olivia had little patience to be in the presence of arrogance and condescension.

“I came to apologize.”

Olivia certainly hadn’t expected him to utter those words to her. “For what?”

“I fear you misunderstood me yesterday.”

“I am quite certain that I did not.” She whirled away from him and stepped into her office, knowing that he would follow. Whatever conversation they were to have would not be taking place in the entry of Westbrook House. To go to the parlor would have been welcoming, and she wanted to remind Dr. Sinclair that she was more than a woman who simply took care of children as if it were her place.

“Though, to be honest, I am not certain what I said wrong.”

Olivia snorted and took a seat behind her desk. He may sit if he wished but she was not going to ask him to, nor truly welcome him into her domain.

“Please explain so that I understand.”

“You are perceptive so I assumed you would have realized yourself already.”

Dr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and dropped into a chair on the other side of the desk. “Obviously, I am not, which you were quite adept at showing me yesterday. And the fact that I do not know how I insulted you, is further proof of that fact.”

“You thought I should stay here and see to the children instead of investigating.”

He pulled back in surprise. “What is wrong with that? Except, I did not say you should stay home, I was surprised that you wished to leave the children since so many were ill and you were growing concerned.”

“You did not think my position, as a woman, was to remain here while men went about the business of solving crimes? Clearly those were Strotham’s thoughts since he never once asked for my opinion.”

“You believe Strotham insulted you and thus I did as well?” He appeared rather affronted by the prospect.

“You are the one who thought I should remain here yesterday.”

“I explained,” he argued.

“Because I am a woman.”

She waited for him to deny it, but she knew the truth. All men believed women beneath them and even though she and Dr. Sinclair had discussed the Clermont case in great detail, he truly had not valued her opinion.

“Not because you are a woman, but because you are the one who takes care of the sick at Westbrook House. I would have suggested the same to a man,” he practically yelled as he stood. “You are the most obstinate and infuriating woman I have ever met, Olivia.”

She pulled back in shock to be talked to in such a manner. However, she had a few things to say to Dr. Sinclair as well.

Olivia rose from her desk. “And you are dismissive and arrogant.”

“Yes. I have been told many times.” He took a step in her direction.

Olivia rounded the desk. “Well, now we have cleared matters between us, you are free to go.” She pointed to her office door.

He quirked a brow as the corner of his mouth tipped. “I am not finished.”

Olivia blew out a sigh and crossed her arms over her breasts and began tapping her toe to match her impatience. “Then please tell me what else is on your mind, Dr. Sinclair.”

“You are also intuitive, maddening, and quite beautiful.”

She blinked at him, not at all certain how to respond to his compliments, while ignoring that he had also called her maddening.

“I have come to admire your intelligence and your conviction and dedication to Westbrook House, as well as your powers of observation and understanding, and skill in the sick room.”

He took another step toward her. “The mystery would not have been solved without you. I am not so arrogant that I cannot admit that fact.”

Her hands fell to her sides. Goodness.

“Further, I very much enjoyed working beside you in trying to solve the matter.”

Olivia’s heart pounded as her pulse increased. Warmth spread through her body as he drew near, but she could not move.

“I am also quite certain that one day you will drive me to Bedlam.”

Her mouth popped open to deny that she would ever do such, but she never was given the chance because Sinclair drew her close and lowered his mouth to hers.

Heat swept through her body as he possessed her. This wasn’t a chaste kiss as she had received in the past, but full of passion and desire, which her body responded to rather quickly. In fear that her knees would give out, Olivia latched onto his shoulders for support. He devoured and she returned his kiss the best that she could, matching and mating as her breasts grew tight.

A moment later, Dr. Sinclair broke the kiss and stepped away.

“How are the children doing today?”

All Olivia could do was gape at him.

How could he ask after the children after kissing her so deeply and passionately, as if it hadn’t occurred at all.

“You are the one who is most maddening,” she retorted and returned to her seat behind the desk.

If he was going to pretend that nothing happened, then so would she.

Xavier knew that he had to break the kiss and step away before he seduced Olivia in her office.

He ached with a need that he’d not experienced in some time. And it was Olivia he wanted, not just anyone, but her. He wanted to strip that blue gown from her body so that he might feast on her breasts before he caressed and kissed every inch of her body before joining her in what he was certain would be a most blinding passionate coupling.

The two of them were combustible, but was it a fire that would burn quickly then be extinguished or one that could burn through the night?

He took a deep, steadying breath and turned his mind to a subject that would cool his ardor, even though he was in dire need of release.

“How are the children doing today?”

Olivia pulled back as if he had slapped her, which he supposed was not surprising after what they’d just shared.

She turned and stalked behind her desk and took her seat and glared at him, even though the color remained high in her cheeks and her lips were quite swollen from their kiss.

Olivia may pretend to be angry, but she had enjoyed their kiss as much as he had. Further, she participated in a manner that had him aching…He needed to put those thoughts from his mind or he would start kissing her again.

“None have improved, nor are they worse,” she answered.

“That is rather confounding.”

“I agree, which is why I am once again going to turn my attention to the medical journals.”

“May I be of assistance?” he asked.

This time it was Olivia’s turn to frown. “Why?”

“I have told you. I wish to pursue medicine that is helpful. To be able to cure someone or heal. Such is beyond my grasp in my former area of study.”

She blew out a sigh. “Very well. We shall take the journals and medical texts into the parlor where we will be more comfortable.”

“My comfort is not a concern. The children are.”

Olivia didn’t respond but pulled all the books and papers that she had on illnesses that matched the children’s symptoms and placed them on the center table in the parlor. There was quite a lot to read. “The answer must be in there somewhere,” she said.

“It likely is, but perhaps we read too quickly yesterday and missed the instructions. I will take my time today.”

“As we have no mystery to solve, we have the time.”

“Would you like tea, Lady Olivia?” Corliss asked.

“Yes, and something to eat if there is anything prepared. I’ve not broken my fast and it is past the time for the midday meal.”

“Of course, Lady Olivia. Will you be having it in here or the dining room or your desk?”

“In here, please.”

“Would you care for something, Dr. Sinclair.”

“No thank you,” he answered. “Tea is all I request.”

Corliss bobbed a curtsey and ducked out of the room.

“Where to begin?” Olivia blew out a sigh.

“Those on the top, I suppose.”

At least Olivia was allowing him to assist in this matter, though she was far from friendly, and it frustrated him.

“Are you angry with me, Lady Olivia?” he finally asked.

“No.” She glanced up. “Do I have cause to be?”

Did she wish for him to apologize for kissing her? If so, he would not because he was far from sorry.

“I can think of nothing for which I am sorry.” He grinned then retrieved a book from the top of the stack.

“Will you continue to apprentice under Dr. Valentine?” Lady Olivia asked after they had read for a short time.

“I believe I would like to, very much.”

“An earl’s son, sullying his hands.” She tisked. “Society will turn on its ear.”

“Yes well, they know little beyond their glittering ballrooms and their opinion matters not to me.”

“Would it your older brother?” she asked.

“Garretson would avoid London if it weren’t for Parliament, and he spends little time attending entertainments, even though he does have a duty to produce the next heir.”

“That did not answer the question of if he would mind you being a surgeon.”

“Lucian would not care if I decided that I wished to spend the rest of my life mucking out stalls,” Xavier answered, believing his words, though he’d never had a discussion on the matter with Lucian. “I have a brother who was in the footguards, and is not certain what he wishes to do with his life, another brother who runs the stables and hopes to make his fortune there.”

“What of your youngest brother.”

“He has recently begun attending the Veterinary College in London. At one time he had considered the church but realized he was not suited for that profession.” Xavier chuckled. “None of my brothers would do well as a clergyman. My brother Asher, who is in charge of the stables, suggested the profession to Silas so he would have someone to care for our horses.”

“Why apprentice under Dr. Valentine? You do have the same education and skills.”

Xavier set the book aside. “I am not confident in my skills,” he admitted honestly. “I have been too long from actual patients, and I would not have trusted myself to assist when Eve was in a crisis. I would rather help a life than hasten it toward death.”

Had it been left to Xavier to deliver that child, both mother and son would be dead right now.