Page 31 of The Lady and the Duke

“I must get Doctor Cooke. He’ll be able to attend to yourinjury.”

Jenny looked around the room, as though she was trying to decide if she needed to take something with her. Then she rememberedsomething.

“I have a sauce simmering on the stove. Could you watch itforme?”

“Jenny…” Lydia reminded her, nodding towardherfoot.

Jenny laughed. “Oh, yes. Not exactly able to move, are you? Very well, then, let me take that off the stove so it doesn’t boil over and then I’ll get theDoctor.”

Jenny rushed to the kitchen andreturned.

“Hopefully, I shan’t be long. He is just around the corner and I will be right back unless he is with a patient or on ahousecall.”

Jenny stopped and looked at Lydia. “Do you need anything beforeIgo?”

Lydia was feeling faint. “I could use a glass of water if youdon’tmind.”

“Certainly.”

Jenny fetched the water for Lydiaandleft.

* * *

Lydia had nodded off,but she was awakened when the front door opened and Jenny returned with theDoctor.

“I am Doctor Reginald Cooke,” the man said as he came over and knelt down in front of Lydia. “May I examineyourfoot?”

“Of course,”Lydiasaid.

“Is it verypainful?”

“Quiteso.”

The Doctor removed her shoe and short stocking and began to palpate her ankle. Lydia winced and scrunched upherface.

“Well,” the Doctor started as he released her foot and sat back on his haunches. “The good news is your ankle is not broken. It is a bad sprain, but I can wrap it tightly and you will be able to get around until itmends.”

“Oh, thank you, Doctor,” Lydia said. She took her first real look at Doctor Cooke. He was smiling up at her. He had deep brown eyes, set into a full face framed by dark, neatly cut hair. His face was further complemented by a straight nose and full lips. He was opening his bag and taking out a roll of cloth to bind herankle.

“Miss Lovell tells me you are a newcomer to our community,” he said, as he began to bindherfoot.

“Indeed, thatisso.”

“And you are most welcome,” he said with an evenbiggergrin.

He completed his task and stood, closing his bag and handing her hiscallingcard.

“Stay off the foot as much as you can, and please stop by my office in a week or two so that I may examine your ankle again. If there are any complications do not hesitate to see me sooner.” He reached back into his bag and took out a small envelope. “Here, take a teaspoon of this with water for your pain, as you need it. It should last youaweek.”

“Oh, thank you, Doctor Cooke. I am most grateful.” Lydia was suddenly nervous. “Doctor, I don’t have any money with me foryourfee.”

Reginald shook his head. “No. My first visit is always gratis. It is one way I gain new patients.” He smiled and then added. “Would you like me to escortyouhome?”

Jenny looked at the clock. “We are about to have dinner. Would you care to join us?” sheasked.

“That indeed sounds delightful, but alas, I have patients waiting for me in my office and I must return. But… I will take you up on that offer another time… along with Miss Fernside as well, Itrust.”

“I will count on it,” Jenny said. “May I showyouout?”