Page 114 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“And sir,” Mister Frank said.

“What is it?” Dr Frederick asked, looking back at his dresser.

“The engagement between Lord Jeffrey and Miss Helena, it’s official now. I met Miss Justina in the market yesterday, she told me. I don’t want you to be surprised if you find out there.”

Dr Frederick’s eyes turned. He bent lower and held tight to the horse to prevent himself from falling. He wanted to speak, tried to speak, but his throat was blocked. He swallowed the mound that had risen in his throat. It didn’t leave. He knew this would happen, so why did it still hurt so much? Dr Frederick forced himself to sit up. He looked back at his dresser with as much self-control as he could muster.

“Thank you, Frank.”

He turned and rode the horse as hard as he could manage.

*******

“Dr Frederick, please come in, my husband has been asking of you,” Duchess Mona said when Dr Frederick got to the Duke’s bedroom door.

Dr Frederick forced a smile and followed the Duchess in. The Duke sat on the bed, with his back resting on the wooden rest of the bed. He smiled when he saw Dr Frederick, but Dr Frederick could see that the man still felt weak.

“Your Grace, I see you are up,” Dr Frederick said.

“Dr Frederick,” the Duke replied.

His voice was weak and shaky. He still had blankets wrapped around him.

He must be cold.

Dr Frederick walked to the edge of the bed, just beside the Duke. He placed his tool box on the table beside the bed and removed his tube listener.

“Please Your Grace, I need you to hold your breath,” Dr Frederick said.

He waited till he was sure the Duke was holding his breath then he placed his tube on the Duke’s chest. His heartbeat was certainly stronger. The scare had passed. Dr Frederick raised the Duke’s eyelids and looked at his pupils. They were fine.

“You can breathe easy now, Your Grace,” Dr Frederick said.

“Dr Frederick, thank you for saving my life. I was unconscious during most of your treatment, but my wife told me all you did. She said you had to go to London. How did that go?” the Duke asked.

“The King asks that you come to see him when you are healthy enough.”

“He did?”

“I would advise that you do not make such a tiring trip. Let His Majesty come to see you, instead, no matter how unlikely that is,” Dr Frederick replied.

The Duke laughed. And when he did, Dr Frederick saw the resemblance with Lord Jeffrey. The Duke was also a handsome man, but age and ailment had taken their toll.

“I know this is not enough, Dr Frederick, but I would like you to accept it. Nothing is worth a life, and you saved mine. Roman will give you a parcel with fifty thousand pounds in it. You will remain a family physician. You will work with our current family physician. Thank you very much,” the Duke said.

Fifty thousand pounds? Crikey, this is the best week of my life.

Then he remembered Miss Helena, and he wasn’t so sure.

“Thank you, Your Grace. I don’t know what to say. I don’t deserve this.”

“You deserve it, Dr Frederick. You deserve this and more,” Duchess Mona said.

“Roman, Roman,” she shouted.

The door opened and in came Roman, looking surprised to have been called.

“Do you have it ready for Dr Frederick?”