Chapter 15

Six months ago, Olivia practically despised Dr. Sinclair. Today, she admired him, liked his company, and thoroughly enjoyed his kiss.

Goodness! Such a kiss.

There was still a hint of arrogance about him, but he was not shy about listing what needed improvement, which is what she admired most about him. A man who claims to have no weaknesses usually has far more than those who admit to mistakes.

“Do you truly no longer have an interest in studying the mind?” she asked.

“There is nothing to be gained.”

“I have read your papers, Dr. Sinclair. You have a deep understanding, and I found your observations quite astounding, and at one time thought you brilliant.”

He arched an eyebrow. “At one time. Does that mean you no longer think that I am.”

Olivia could feel her face heat. “Well, when I decided you weren’t I was quite put out with you. Nor will I admit to such now as I do not wish to feed your inflated arrogance.”

He chuckled. “I will leave the mind to others, Olivia.”

He was back to calling her by her first name, which she rather enjoyed, but Olivia did not feel comfortable addressing him as Xavier. That would speak of an intimacy that they did not share.

For a moment she pondered what it would be like to share intimacies with Sinclair. He was brilliant, and handsome, and far more kind than she had once realized and he cared. A gentleman such as he would make a fine partner.

Olivia shook the silly thoughts from her mind. She was a spinster and from what she understood, Dr. Sinclair was a confirmed bachelor. The most they could ever be were colleagues and possibly friends.

“Well, I guess we should get to the reading if we are going to determine how best to help the children,” she announced before their conversation became more personal than it had been and as Corliss brought in a cold lunch and placed it on the table beside the tea service.

While at Westbrook House, Olivia rarely did what was proper. When there were visitors, they did not come here to dine. In fact, Sinclair was the first guest to ever sit at the table when he joined her for soup.

As they never used the dining room, perhaps it could be converted for another purpose. Any spare space they could find in the house would be welcome.

For hours they read books and papers, and in detail, looking for the slightest reference to a long-term epidemic cold or any other diseases that mimicked the symptoms, but nothing could be found.

Corliss served them dinner, and the women entered to light the lamps as it grew dark. By the time that each set aside the final book or paper, they were exhausted and still had no answers.

“I thank you for your assistance, Dr. Sinclair, but this may be beyond both of us.”

“Confounding, is it not?”

She smiled at his appearance. His dark brown hair was mussed from him pushing his fingers through it so often. There was a slight beard along his jaw, which meant that when she had seen him in the evenings, he must have shaved before making an appearance. His suitcoat was hung on the back of a chair and his cravat had been loosened and the ends hung over his shoulders and down his chest much like a scarf. He most certainly was not put to rights, and she liked it oh so very much.

“Would you care for a brandy?” she asked.

“Only if you are going to enjoy one yourself.”

“I intend to do exactly that.” Though, as tired as she was, a brandy might put her to sleep.

Olivia entered her office and poured a glass of brandy for herself and Dr. Sinclair then returned.

“I do appreciate your assistance, Dr. Sinclair,” she said again.

“I am certain you could have not found the answers on your own,” he quipped.

“Yes, but it would have taken me twice as long to discover nothing.”

He took a sip of his brandy and sat back, studying her. They were across from each other with a table between them.

“You are a remarkable and admirable woman, Olivia.”

His words warmed her in a manner that she’d not expected.

“I fear my arrogance of the past would not allow me to consider that a woman could be involved in the matters of medicine and sciences. You have proven me wrong.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Dr. Sinclair.”

“Would you at least call me Xavier.”

“If you wish,” she answered. “Does this mean that when you return to Society you will not look down on the women there?” she asked out of curiosity.

“Society? Why would I return?”

“You have attended balls, the theatre and the like. I have seen you there.”

“Yes, well, despite these new revelations, I doubt I will find an appreciation for simpering females and their mothers.”

Olivia couldn’t help but laugh.

“Society, as a whole, worries too much of their image and grand marriages. Even though I only studied the mind, I was acutely aware of the disparities between the ton and those in Cheapside. Illnesses of the mind were not limited to rich or poor but can affect anyone, which I witnessed during my visits to Bedlam and the more exclusive hospitals for those who are titled and can afford the care. Many symptoms are the same. The only difference was where they lived.”

She was surprised to hear him speak with such passion, or to be so aware of those who were not as privileged as he was to be born of an earl.

“The funeral for Miss Eve was a reminder that we all begin the same and we all die. It is what happens from the first breath to the last that makes the difference. I need to make a difference and not simply enjoy a life of wealth in Society. It is why I studied the mind and why I now must be a surgeon. Who are we if we do not seek answers for the betterment of all?” The passion in his tone and in the depths of his light brown eyes had her pulse racing, heart pounding and blood warming. He spoke to her heart. His passion matched hers.

“I agree,” she managed to say.

“You would not have established Westbrook House if you saw matters differently,” he concluded as he settled back on the settee and sipped his brandy. “You know that I made a vow to understand the mind, to heal the ills so that others do not suffer as my mother. This is knowledge shared by few.”

Olivia nodded. “Nor will I ever share what I know.”

“I thank you for that. However, I wonder, why did you establish Westbrook House?”

It was a story that neither she nor Victoria shared with many because it involved the secrets of her family.

“I know what it is like to be turned out of a home. I had only been a girl, but to be told that we were bastards and unworthy, stayed with us. We did not suffer nearly as much as those in the rookeries, or Cheapside or Seven Dials, but we were reduced to a small home with only our one older brother to see to our care. We lost the security that we had come to count on and were stripped of all belongings except for the small valise of clothing that we were allowed to take with us.”

Olivia gulped. She had not intended to ever share this past with anyone, but Xavier had shared his and perhaps he would understand without judgment.

“Even though the truth came to light, and all matters righted themselves, that fear and uncertainty of when we had nowhere to go and few belongings stayed with Victoria and me,” she admitted. “When we came to London to enjoy our first Seasons, we became aware of the plight of some women, quite by accident, while we were leaving the theatre in Covent Garden. A woman was fleeing her husband, or maybe it was betrothed or lover…” she shook her head. “It does not really matter, but she was bruised and he hauled her back and away from everyone. She had no rights and no means to protect herself. Victoria and I were horrified, and it was a reminder that men had complete control over all matters and women had none. That is when we made it our mission to learn all we could of women in dire circumstances and what was available to them if assistance was needed. There was nothing.” Olivia gave a shiver at the reminder of the bleakness she had seen in some of the places she and Victoria had visited and the women they had spoken to. “We planned, saved, and searched for a property. When we found this mansion, we approached our brother and petitioned him to purchase it for us, out of our funds so that we could establish Westbrook House.”

“I am surprised that he would allow you to do so. One would think he would have liked to see you married off.”

“By that time, we’d already had three Seasons and found the gentlemen lacking. Gabriel also knows how headstrong Victoria and I could be. When we explained our reasons, he understood. Further, his wife fully supported our plans. She had fled France while still a girl, and also remembered what it was like to lose everything and face an uncertain future.”

“As I said earlier, you are an admirable woman, Olivia. You could have turned your back and married well, instead, you have given others hope.”

She nearly snorted. “Even if Victoria and I had not established Westbrook House, I doubt very much I would have married well, as you put it.”

This time he frowned at her. “Why not? I am certain you had several suitors.”

“I will not be a part of an institution where my husband has all say in every matter. Nor will I allow myself to enter into a relationship where I am dismissed and given little respect for my intelligence. I am not a woman to sit quietly and stitch, run a household, then appear at balls on my husband’s arm.”

Xavier snorted. “No. I can see where that life would have held little appeal, nor is there a gentleman in society who would have appreciated the woman I have come to know. Had they, they’d be more likely intimidated than anything else.”

“What of you, Xavier?” she asked. “Do I intimidate you?” Olivia could not help but to ask the question.

After his compliment, she had warmed even further on the inside as a deeper affection was developing for him.

“Oh, yes, you do,” he answered with a chuckle. “But not always. I think of us more as equals and partners who can better the other with our knowledge and thirst for answers. You are also a woman who will call me to task when I do become arrogant.”

“I will not hesitate to do so,” she assured him.

“That is the reason why the two of us are here and not enjoying a ball this evening. Neither of us has the patience for prattling and fawning. Especially not when there are several children who are ill and in need of the care we can provide.”

Olivia held his eyes for a brief moment. His were full of admiration and kindness, even caring. She tried to identify all the emotions he revealed but could not.

She also wondered what he saw in hers and hoped that he could tell that she was coming to like him very much. Far too much for a spinster when it involved a confirmed bachelor doctor.

Goodness! Was she becoming infatuated with Xavier?

If so, that would never do.

If he was sitting next to Olivia and not across from her, Xavier would have pulled her into his arms and kissed her again.

There was a reason he had never pursued women of the ton, especially the misses new to Society. They were all so young and sheltered, and guided by mothers who filled their heads with the best flirtations in order to land a titled or wealthy husband. He did not have the patience to marry a woman who would rely on his guidance in everything. If he were to wed, it would be to a woman who offered intelligent conversation, debates even, and was passionate with no fear of the bedchamber. Xavier was certain that such a woman could not be found in London because so many were taught to hide who they truly were, believing that men wanted gullible wives.

He now realized that he had been looking at the wrong misses, or he had given up on the idea of marriage too soon.

Not that he wished to marry Olivia. He hardly knew her and six months ago they couldn’t stand each other. But he was seriously considering entering into a courtship to see where it might lead. Could he have been shortsighted when he decided to remain a bachelor for life?

With a woman like Olivia by his side, he could not only be a better man and physician, but he’d have someone that he would enjoy conversing with while at the dinner table, and bedding when they retired.

Yes, he wanted to seduce Olivia, but it was likely she’d not allow such. She may be a spinster of a certain age, but that did not mean that she was not innocent, no matter how wise she was to the world. A gentleman simply did not seduce someone of her stature without a marriage being attached.

Did he court Lady Olivia?

If he did, how would he go about doing so?

Flowers and sonnets, even if he could manage to write one of those, would never sway her.

Though, he could begin by asking her to dance at the next ball that they both attended.

“Is something on your mind, Xavier?”

He blinked and looked up into her eyes. “I apologize.”

“Is something on your mind?”

There was, but he didn’t dare tell her what it was because she was likely to ask him to leave. “I fear that I must be tired.”

“I am as well.” Olivia stood. “Perhaps after we sleep, clearer answers will come to us tomorrow.”

Xavier came to his feet. He was not ready to leave her yet. Though, it had grown late and there was no reason for him to remain.

Except, he truly wanted to kiss her. He wanted to pull her into his arms, body pressed against his as he delved and tasted.

“I will call on you tomorrow to discuss the matter further,” he said as she walked with him to the door.

“I look forward to your visit.”

Suddenly there was a polite stiffness between them that he did not like at all.

He was tired, she was tired, and his thoughts were improper. Therefore, it was best that he take his leave.

Except, he could not do so without kissing her one more time, no matter how ill-advised it may be.

“There is one topic that I would like to return to before I take my leave.”

She frowned and tilted her head. “What would that be?”

Instead of answering, Xavier’s arm encircled her waist, his hand resting at the small of her back as he pressed his lips to hers.

Olivia did not fight him, but relaxed and placed her hands on his shoulders again, kissing him back.

How could he not court her when they were so perfectly matched?

He deepened the kiss, pulling her close so that her body was pressed against his. Olivia’s fingers were feathered through his hair. When she moaned, his hand slipped down to caress her bum then pressed her so close that she could feel his desire pressed against her. It wasn’t wise to do with someone who was likely innocent, but Olivia was also mature and it was likely nothing shocked her. At least, he hoped that it didn’t.

It was she who broke the kiss and stepped back, her breaths coming short as her breasts rose and fell, her skin rosy from the heat of their passion.

“Why do you keep kissing me?”

“Because I find it quite enjoyable,” he answered. “Why do you kiss me back?”

“I should not,” she insisted and opened the door so that he could leave.

She had not objected to the way they had embraced for she did not push him away immediately but melted further into him. The likely reason Olivia stepped back was because she knew that if she didn’t, they may end up doing more than kiss. At least, he hoped that was the reason.

Xavier followed Olivia to the entry, looking forward to when he would call on her tomorrow, when Fern came running down the stairs.

“What is it?” Olivia asked with concern.

“A few have worsened.”

Olivia turned to rush up the stairs, as did Xavier. What kind of illness caused a person to become worse after only slightly being ill for little over a sennight?

However, if there was another symptom, then they may be able to determine exactly what was causing the children to be ill.

As they neared the room where the first children to become ill rested, they heard a very distinct cough. One that ended with a whoop. His blood chilled.

Olivia sucked in a breath and placed a hand against her heart.

His pulse quickened at the urgency to cure these children.

After taking a steadying breath, Olivia entered the sick room and went from one child to another, checking for fevers, listening to hearts and breathing then stepping back. “Rest as best you can,” she finally said to them. “I am afraid that it may take a little longer for this illness to run its course.”

She was so calm and reassuring when he knew that chincough was not an illness to be taken lightly. The last epidemic had left several children dead.

That cannot happen here. Xavier would not allow Westbrook House to lose even one child.

They stepped back out into the corridor and Olivia faced him, concern in her blue eyes. “I suppose we now have a correct diagnosis.”

“I have been too long away from medicine. I now recall learning that a child will be ill for seven to ten days with the symptoms each child has exhibited in this house before the whoop type of cough begins.” He shook his head. “When that is the diagnosis, the ones that are ill should be quarantined.”

“I fear it is too late for that,” Olivia offered. “We will likely hear the same cough from every child develop over the next few days.”

She was worried. Enough so that some of the color had left her cheeks.

“It is not without hope, Olivia. There are ways to treat this illness.”

“None that are proven.”

“Then we will find our own.”

“How?”

“By returning to the books we just abandoned. They hold the answers.”

“It is late, I should not keep you,” she insisted as they descended the stairs.

“I do not mind, and we cannot put off finding a way to help them.”

“I will brew more tea, Lady Olivia,” Fern said while wringing her hands.

An epidemic cold would eventually pass, and the children would be well again. The same could not be said for chincough, and now they were all worried of what the outcome would be.