Page 113 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“Yes sir, I do. This has been my research for the past four years now.”

“Can you explain everything to us again? We understand it, but I want to hear it from the horse’s mouth,” the Chairman said.

When Dr Frederick finished explaining all his work to them, they were already nodding excitedly.

“Dr Frederick, you might not know this, but this is a groundbreaking discovery.”

“I know sir, I know,” Dr Frederick said.

The three-man panel quickly led Dr Frederick to the Centre for Medical Research where his findings were immediately documented.

“Dr Frederick, go and have a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow we take this to the palace, the King will be interested in seeing this,” the Chairman told him at the end of the day.

Dr Frederick had never slept so fitfully in his life. He was too tired not to sleep and too excited to sleep for long. He slept in fits. When he woke up in the morning, he was still feeling tired and excited.

Dr Frederick went to the Centre for Medical Research where a carriage had been awaiting him. He was taken to the palace where news of his research had been provided for the King.

He kept his cool as they were led through the beautiful halls and passages in the palace. Guards were everywhere. Dr Frederick had never seen people so stoic, no flinch anywhere. When he got to the throne room, he sat and awaited the King. The King’s entrance was something Dr Frederick didn’t think he would forget. And when the King was settled, he asked one thing.

“What is the use of this research to us as human beings?”

Dr Frederick had been expecting this question. He had not expected it from the King, though.

This is a risk I have to take.

Dr Frederick removed the note and testimonial given to him by Duchess Mona, along with his own observations. He had not shown them to the Council before now but handed them over to the King. He explained how he had been treating the Duke of Beaufort for his heart problems and how he had saved his life a few days ago because of his research. Throughout his testimony, Dr Frederick made sure he didn’t look at the eyes of the doctors that brought him to the palace. He was sure they would be alarmed.

“Did you really do this, Dr Frederick?” the King asked.

“Yes, I did, Your Majesty,” Dr Frederick answered.

Dr Frederick wasn’t prepared for what ensued. The King made him realise that the Duke of Beaufort was a very close friend of his.

“Thank you for saving his life.”

Dr Frederick could not keep himself from blushing when he heard the King say that. The King then decided to reward him for his “excellence in scientific and medical pursuits” and for “doing your King a personal favour by saving his friend”. He was to be knighted as soon as possible and had been made a private physician of the royal family. He would be placed on an annual retainer and would be provided with thirty thousand pounds to aid further research. Dr Frederick was effusive with thanks, which was all he could do to stop from jumping up and screaming.

“Tell Edmund to come and see me, once he is fine to travel,” the King said, referring to the Duke of Beaufort.

Dr Frederick was also to receive an honorary award from the English Council of Physicians by the end of the year.

Everything has changed now, Sir Dr Frederick.

Dr Frederick sped up the carriage till he got home. Mister Frank was outside. He was gardening and raised his head when he saw the carriage.

“Welcome back sir, how was the trip?”

Dr Frederick dismounted and tapped Mister Frank on his naked shoulders.

“You cannot begin to imagine. It was a success.”

“That’s great, sir. I can’t wait for you to tell me, but I need to say this first; a messenger just left here. He was from the Duke of Beaufort. The Duke is fine now and is asking to see you,” Mister Frank said.

Dr Frederick smiled. He walked to the carriage and started unbridling one of the horses. He had better leave for the Duke’s house now. He wanted to be back before evening.

“Take all my documents in the carriage inside my room, Frank. Bring me the saddle.”

Mister Frank nodded and went around the back of the house. He came back with the saddle and went to attach it to the horse Dr Frederick had unshackled. Dr Frederick went into the carriage and picked his tool box then he mounted the horse.