Chapter 6

“Is all well?” her sister, Victoria inquired as she stepped into Westbrook House.

“I am not certain,” Olivia answered honestly. She had penned a quick note last night to advise her sister that Eve had died in childbirth and that she needed to remain at Westbrook House but had not told her anything else.

“I will ring for tea and then you can tell me everything.”

Next to Olivia’s office was Victoria’s. While Olivia kept records on their residents, as well as her medical journals, it was Victoria who ran the home and dealt with the solicitor, their man of business, and those who did what a woman was not allowed to do, such as make a contract. They did not even own the mansion known as Westbrook House. Thankfully they had an older brother who gladly signed his name to all necessary documents and then let the sisters do as they wished. In fact, he owned their residence and carriage they used in addition to Westbrook House. English law made it nearly impossible for women to own any property, just as it made it impossible for a woman to become a physician.

As the two sipped their tea, Olivia told her sister everything that had transpired the evening before.

“Dr. Sinclair?” her sister questioned.

“He probably came with Dr. Valentine out of curiosity. We shan’t see him again, and he is still the pompous arse that he had been last autumn.”

Victoria snorted. “I did not find him disagreeable.”

“You played cards and conversed on various subjects. You did not try to point out his errors in treating Lady Elaina,” Olivia reminded her. “What do you know of Viscount Clermont?”

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Do you not trust him enough to give him his son?”

“I am not certain what to believe.” She hated handing over a child if he was going to be neglected and wanted only because the man needed an heir. Clermont had pounded his fist on her desk.

“I have only met his wife,” Victoria offered as she sipped tea. “She rarely seemed happy to me. Mostly a depressive state. Also restless at times, as if she couldn’t sit still long enough to take tea during charity events. A nervous sort.”

Olivia frowned. Lord Clermont had claimed that theirs had been an arranged marriage and those were rarely happy. “How often have you met with her during charity teas?”

“At least once a month if she is not in confinement. A constant irritation for her, and she often believed she was being judged, for not providing her husband with a son.”

Such was the lot for wives married to a titled gentleman. One knew what was expected of them as soon as they accepted the betrothal.

“He will return today,” Olivia said.

“We do have more than enough children,” Victoria reminded her. “And we are running out of room.”

The lack of space for everyone had always been a concern and why they hoped to purchase the large home next door so that they could expand. Olivia stood. “I will go check on the children, and hope that they have recovered from their minor illness and pray that it is not something that will spread through the entire house.”

Victoria laughed. “They are children. It has already spread. The symptoms have just not shown themselves yet.”

Olivia left the office and climbed the stairs, knowing that her sister was correct. She had said as much the night before, but she still prayed that it wasn’t the case.

The five were still in bed and attended to by one of the women. The children did not appear to have worsened, but neither were they better. “Let me know if anything changes,” she said before leaving the sick room and making her way to the schoolrooms.

Westbrook House was privileged enough to have five teachers. Each was a former governess and from a decent family, but had lost their positions because of rumors, whether they were truth or fabrication, that always involved a husband or older son bent on seduction. The former governesses had come to her when they could find no other position and discovered that they preferred being at Westbrook House as they enjoyed far more freedom, nor was there a lecherous lord or sons knocking on a bedchamber door at night.

But, as Olivia stopped in each room where children had gathered, she noted that more than a few had a slight cough and were using their handkerchief to wipe their nose. With a heavy sigh, she returned downstairs to advise Fern, who was preparing meals, that dietary changes may be taking place. The children would likely benefit from hearty soups and teas as opposed to a heavy meal, and she also warned the women to be prepared for sickness to overtake the child population within Westbrook House.

As Olivia was returning to the office she paused as one of the women opened the front door to allow Dr. Valentine to enter. What she had not expected was for Dr. Sinclair to follow.

“How are the children today?” Dr. Valentine asked.

Olivia explained what she had observed and what she feared, to which Dr. Valentine nodded.

“What would you suggest that we do?” she asked though it was likely the same as she would recommend.

“There is likely not much that can be done other than allow the illness to run its course and for each child to recover.”

It was no different than any other time. With so many children living under one roof, they came down with one illness or another at least a couple of times a year and often it was mild and inconvenient.

“Why are you here Dr. Sinclair?” Olivia asked.

“He is observing,” Dr. Valentine offered with a half-smile.

“Observing? Or is it judging?”

Dr. Sinclair placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Lady Olivia.”

“I thought you would have purged your curiosity last night.”

“My interests have expanded beyond my previous studies,” he offered.

Previous? Did that mean that he no longer had an interest in understanding the mind? She could not imagine that Sinclair intended to become a surgeon. Someone of his rank did not lower themselves to such a position.

Besides, his intelligence was needed to find cures for a depressive state, or melancholy, or hysteria, and any manner of illnesses that could alter a person’s personality, mood, and behavior.

It was likely he was only interested in how Dr. Valentine practiced and would soon grow bored, or disgusted, and return to his much more comfortable medical practice.

At least she hoped that to be the case because his intellect should not be wasted by treating children who had a runny nose.

“Before my final assessment, I should examine the five that remain in bed and then check on the children in the classrooms.”

Olivia nodded. “I will be in my office when you have concluded your visit.”

Dr. Valentine had visited Westbrook House and treated the children often enough that she did not need to guide him through the house.

It was still odd that Sinclair was here, and she wondered what he was about.

Did he truly wish to expand his treatment beyond the mind?

Lady Olivia did not care for him, Xavier concluded as he followed Dr. Valentine up the stairs. He was not surprised as they had not gotten along when they had both been trying to decide what was best for Elaina. He also wondered if she liked any gentleman given how she had railed against the male population after Miss Eve had died.

Her dislike would certainly explain why she became a spinster. It really was quite a shame that she had not wed, for she was quite beautiful with golden hair and sharp blue eyes that missed little. Her keen intellect made her all the more attractive, not to mention she was formed quite pleasantly.

However, he should dismiss those thoughts from his mind because if Lady Olivia knew he viewed her thus, she would likely have him removed from Westbrook House. Though it was still a shame that she hated men.

Orlando first stopped in a room where five children lay in bed covers up to their chin. There was minor coughing and he watched as Orlando went from one to the other checking their cheeks and forehead with the back of his hand as if looking for a fever. He then placed his head on their small chests and listened for a moment.

Xavier then followed Orlando to the top level of the house and followed him from school room to school room, each filled with children and a single teacher giving instruction in each room. As Lady Olivia had claimed, there were coughs and sniffles here as well, and a few children looked as if they wished to fall asleep.

It was also quite impressive. Valentine had explained that each child was educated in reading, writing, mathematics, and sciences and as subjects were completed, they were advanced to the next level. The Westbrook sisters believed that the children could better their situation with an education and would not need to return to the rookeries where they’d been born once it came time to leave.

Westbrook House was also clean and tidy, with the rooms sleeping up to six students. In addition, they received three healthy meals a day, were assigned chores to be done, and allotted time to play outside in a courtyard behind the mansion. She and her sister had designed the school based on the boarding school they had attended with the belief that all children should be allotted the same opportunities despite their common birth.

Xavier and Valentine rejoined Lady Olivia and her sister, Lady Victoria, in the parlor just as tea was being delivered after the examinations and tour.

“It is good to see you again, Lady Victoria. I trust you are well,” Xavier asked. Lady Victoria had always been far more pleasant than Lady Olivia. However, she didn’t intrigue him nearly as much as her sister even though the two were twins.

“Well, thank you,” she answered as she poured tea. “I trust you are well, also, Dr. Sinclair.”

“Yes. Thank you for asking.”

“Is the family doing well?” Lady Victoria asked. “And Lady Elaina?”

“She is fully recovered, and her children are trying to make up for the three years that they had missed her.”

“That is good to know.”

“What is your assessment, Dr. Valentine?” Lady Olivia interrupted the pleasantries being shared between Xavier and Lady Victoria.

“There is little we can do,” Valentine offered. “As you concluded, they will all likely become ill, but I see no reason why they should not also recover quickly.”

Lady Olivia nodded though she looked grim.

Xavier could not imagine what it would be like to have so many ill children under one roof, but she had likely experienced illnesses before, and she would again.

Lady Olivia tilted her head to look at Xavier, a twinkle in her blue eyes and a near smirk upon her coral lips. “What would you recommend, Dr. Sinclair?”

It was a challenge that he would not back away from. No, he did not have any experience in treating illnesses in children. However, he had been a child. “It is likely as you say, the illness will run its course. However, I might suggest a suspension of their studies.”

Lady Olivia arched a brow. “Why would you suggest such?”

“I recall having to sit at my desk and attend to my studies while even only mildly ill, such as some now attending their classes. I learned nothing because I was miserable. Instead, I would suggest that the children who feel up to it be allowed to be outdoors and play. It is a fine day, and the sun is shining. The fresh air may be beneficial especially to those who have not shown signs or symptoms of illness as of yet.”

“And for the others?”

“I would suggest that you let each child decide for themselves. Those who are tired and not feeling well and wish to take to their bed should be allowed to do so and those who wish to be outside, even if they have mild symptoms, should also be allowed to do so.”

The corner of her mouth tipped. “While I loathe to agree with you Dr. Sinclair, your assessment is correct. I, too, recall being ill as a child and forced to study. The children will be released to play or rest and we will proceed in that manner each day until all have recovered.”

This was the first thing that they had ever agreed upon and Xavier had to fight to keep from grinning in triumph.

“I do not care if she is with visitors. I demand to see Lady Olivia this instant!”

Xavier and Valentine stood at the demanding roar coming from the entry. If it were a woman, he’d not be as concerned, but the newest arrival was an angry man.

“Excuse me,” Xavier said before marching from the room. No matter the circumstances, nobody should enter a home and make such loud demands.

“What is this abou…Lord Clermont?”

Had the gentleman learned where his son had been born?

“This is not your concern, Sinclair. I demand to see Lady Olivia Westbrook.”

“If you do not lower your tone and proceed with respect, I am afraid that I will have you removed from the premises.” He may be a gentleman doctor, but Xavier had spent too many years with those who suffered from illnesses of the mind. As they were unpredictable, as well as often possessing unnatural strength, he kept himself in excellent condition, visited Gentleman Jackson’s often, and did quite well for himself when it was necessary to fight and subdue.

“I will assist Dr. Sinclair,” Valentine said coming to stand beside Xavier.

“What I need to discuss with Lady Olivia is none of your concern and a matter of privacy.”

No doubt the private matter was his son and while Xavier admired the fact that the gentleman wanted to care for his bastard child, had he been responsible, there would not be a child.

Lady Olivia pushed through Xavier and Valentine. “This display of anger makes me question if I should make a decision in your favor, Lord Clermont.”

Clermont blinked and took a step back. “I would never harm…” he quickly glanced to Xavier and Valentine.

They were the ones who told him of the child, did he think to try and keep it a secret now?

“Your yelling in my entry and your fist slamming on my desk last evening says otherwise.”

Clermont’s shoulders dropped as he pushed his fingers through his hair. “I apologize. I was overset to learn Eve had died, and shocked to know that I finally had a son.”

“You may claim him, but he will not be able to inherit,” Xavier reminded him.

Clermont took a deep breath and grew serious as he looked from Xavier to Valentine and then back again. “That would depend on if I could count on the three of you for your discretion.”

Bloody hell! Did he intend to claim his wife had given birth to the son? Was he so desperate for an heir?

“It is none of my concern, nor would I speak out of turn as to the child’s parentage. I am also quite certain that yours is not the only family in London with secrets that could be harmful to your standing, bring scandal, or destroy a reputation and family,” Valentine offered. “Though I share Lady Olivia’s concern as to your violence.”

“I do not,” Xavier announced. “Clermont would not harm his child any more than he would harm Lady Olivia.”

She stared at him as her jaw dropped.

“A moment, Lady Olivia?”

She frowned but allowed Xavier to lead her away.

“He is a desperate man,” Xavier began. “Yes, he yelled, but I believe that stems from frustration, and perhaps mourning a loss. He did appear to have been shocked and upset when he learned of Miss Eve’s passing.”

“You should not have told him,” she hissed.

“Speak to Valentine on that matter. I simply clarified when he was unexpectedly confronted.”

“You do not believe he is prone to violence against others?” Lady Olivia asked in a calmer and more conversational tone.

“He likely grew angry last night, while still experiencing the loss, when you did not hand over the child immediately and the reason why he struck the desk.”

“Which is exactly my concern,” she said.

“He could have easily overpowered you and taken what he came for, yet he did not. Instead, he returned today. He would likely be much better after a round at Gentleman Jackson’s, but I do not believe he is a danger to anyone, especially his son.”

Lady Olivia studied Clermont for a moment and then nodded. “I do believe you are correct, Dr. Sinclair. Thank you for offering your perspective. You certainly have more experience in observations of overwrought individuals.”

Xavier wasn’t certain what to say next. Lady Olivia had respected his opinion, thanked him, and earlier agreed with him. If anyone would have suggested that one day she would do so, Xavier may have laughed at them.