Page 68 of Pursuing a Duke
Mrs. Hanson entered the room, wheeling a cart. “Here is the hot water, soap, and towels you requested, Doctor Higgins.”
The doctor washed his hands with soap and water and turned his attention back to Andrew. “You tore the stitches. I need to redo them.” He used two fingers and poked around the wound. Andrew sucked in his breath loudly but remained still. “It’s soft around the wound, which is good. We don’t want it to be hard. The tissue around the wound is red but not overly angry.” He prepared his needle and thread, using hot water, and then re-stitched his wound closed. Emmeline cringed every time Andrew inhaled deeply. When the doctor finished, he patted dry, smeared salve, and rebandaged his arm with clean linens.
“I’m going to look at your head now,” the doctor said as he moved his fingers over the back of Andrew’s head. “The swelling has gone down considerably. You should be headache-free in a few days. Meanwhile, please rest your arm. If you keep tearing the stitches, infection will likely set in, which we don’t want.” He packed up his belongings in his black medical bag. “If anything worsens, send for me immediately. If you see blood from your wound, send for me. Keep it dry. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll return in two days to re-bandage it.” He lowered his head. “Good day, Your Grace, Mrs. Fitzpatrick.”
After he left, Emmeline sank on the settee beside Andrew, her cheeks still warm. “No more sex until your arm is healed.”
Laughter was his reply.
He was still chuckling when Langford, Caldwell, and Lilly entered the room, along with her mother.
“Was Winters not at the door?” Andrew asked as his friends entered.
Caldwell and Langford laughed while Lilly looked apologetic. “He and the household appear to be celebrating some happyoccasion,” Langford said with a grin. “Does anyone have any news to share?”
Emmeline stood and blurted out, “We are betrothed!”
Lilly clapped her hands and practically jumped up and down in her excitement. “Emmeline, I am so happy for you,” she said as she rushed forward and hugged her. “Oh dear, I’m crying again. I’ve been so emotional lately.” Langford rushed forward and handed his wife his handkerchief.
Her mother and Emmeline exchanged knowing looks, but remained silent, each knowing what the other was suspicious of. Lilly would know soon enough if she was expecting, and Emmeline was so happy to think it might be so. This was what her cousin Henry had wanted for the young wife he left behind: a marriage and a family created from love. And now she and Andrew would have that as well.
Wishes, dreams, true love, and second chances really did exist!
